Lemons

One of the most fascinating things to this former Washingtonian upon arrival to my new homeland was citrus trees. Fruit trees were very common where I grew up - pear, apple, cherry, plum - but citrus...not by a long shot. I still remember the first time I picked oranges. They practically fell off the tree into my hands. The glossy leaves, colorful fruit, sweet springtime scent - I swore then and there that when I grew up and had a home of my own, I'd have an orange and lemon tree.

Then I grew up, got married and moved to Paso - one of the few areas in this part of the state that is not conducive to citrus. I resigned myself to mooching lemons and oranges off friendly strangers and understanding friends.

Until I found this.

I'm on the hunt now. By this weekend I hope to be the proud owner of a dwarf Meyer lemon tree. It will replace the money tree in a sunny corner of the house. I don't feel too bad about replacing the tree. After all...we've had it for almost six years now and it has never produced money, whereas apparently the lemon tree will produce enough lemons for our family with some to spare.

I would have liked to add an orange tree to my budding corner conservatory, but Chad said he had to draw the line somewhere.