The Pits

For the last couple of weeks while I've been out changing sprinklers, I've been stopping by our Lappin cherry tree. I've been testing them to see how ripe they are. During the last few days they have gotten so sweet. I like to pick a handful to eat while I continue with my sprinkler changing duties. Our pie cherries are now ripe, and waiting for me to pick, pit and freeze.

I love cherries. So does Abby, Michelle and Cristine. Cristine likes to drool the dark pink juice onto her shirts to show everyone her love of cherries. Peter likes to help pick them, but won't even attempt a bite. Abby, Michelle and I have been having pit spitting contests. Growing up, we'd stand outside and see who could spit their pit across the deck into a whole that was cut out for the water valve. I think it was pretty even as to who won those contests, we all seemed to have enough spitting force (hot air?) to shoot them to the opposite side.

As I walk through the orchard eating cherries and spitting pits, I think about my sisters. When I get to the last cherry, instead of spitting the pit, I keep it in my mouth. We also have contests to see who could keep the cherry pit in their mouth the longest. It seemed that Wendy could hold her pit for hours. I think she always won. So today, with a cherry pit tucked in my cheek, I want to wish my little sister Wendy the Happiest of Birthdays. Here's to you, may you continue to hold cherry pits in your mouth for hours and then spit them clear across your Lanai (did I spell that right?). Love your guts and pits!

Since I couldn't find a picture of a cherry pit, or one of us spitting cherries I thought I'd give you Ten-time Cherry Pit Spit Champ "Pellet Gun" Krause, July 1997. Wonder whatever happened to ol' P. Gunny Krause. Wendy, I think he's blowing you a birthday pit kiss.
Heather