Stories From California

Orange Tree, Backyard - del Rey, CA

"One mustn't ask apple trees for oranges, France for sun, women for love, life for happiness."
Gustave Flaubert

I am not entirely sure what Gustave Flaubert wanted to say here. I would never ask an orange tree for apples, but have seen plenty of sun in France, know many loving women and have a happy life. Maybe the point is, not to ask for any of this? 

My Dad planted an apple tree in our front yard. My sister later put an apple tree for him in her family's garden. Apples for me are part of life in Germany. I like them crunchy and a bit sour.

The orange tree in our back yard stands for my life in California. Sweet and juicy! Never ever did I imagine ...

... to live in a place where oranges, lemons and avocados grow in back yards. Even less to be able to pick them from trees in my own back yard! And how about watching hummingbirds dashing between those trees while I enjoy a lazy barefoot breakfast? In January!

Looking at the tree today, I felt a lot of gratitude. All the fruit will be ready to pick in just a few weeks!

Time for oranges, sun, love and happiness!

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