Sunday, October 12, 2008

blueberry 'tree'


This 'tree' or bush suddenly sprung up the spring before last in our backyard where a blueberry bush was once planted for Jeff's birthday (his favourite berry and pie). When it sprouted, Jeff wondered what it was. I proclaimed in all my 'infinite wisdom' that it was the blueberry we had planted a few years previous. Jeff had his doubts. We made a small wager. I was smug thinking that I was right. Early this past Spring, Jeff again doubted its' lineage. Less certain, I still maintained that it was a blueberry bush; although it had grown four or five times larger than the surrounding blueberry bushes. Now, at the end of this growing season, I am ready to say, "That is NOT a blueberry bush. It's some sort of swamp loving willow. I was wrong." But he's not here to hear me. And it makes me giggle to remember how he once told me that he wouldn't admit it often, but that I was almost always 'right'. Well, I wasn't. So I am going to remove the 'swamp willow'. It saddens me because I won't have the reminder of our 'bet' in the backyard...and because I hate to kill plants. But Liv and I have decided to plant an apple tree where this things grows. Right beside all the blueberry bushes that we planted each birthday(except for his last birthday - we planted one after he died) for Jeff. And I'll say he won. And when we get apples from the tree, I'll make him a blueberry apple pie to make good on our bet

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Those bets are always fun. 'I'll bet you a million pounds ...'

Blueberry and apple pie sounds like a winner to me.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jackie,
What a wonderful idea to plant an apple tree in that spot and to do it with your daughter. Regardless of what grows there, this place will always remind you of Jeff.

All the best,
Nancy

TheSingingBird said...

That's a beautiful tribute to your love, and maybe the kids could make pinecone/peanut butter feeders for the birds to bring life to their Dad's tree in the winters to come.

Anonymous said...

i love that y'all were so playful. that is the best way to be... your children will appreciate the thought given to planting an apple tree there and as nancy above said - the spot will always hold memories. no matter what grows there.

much love to you and the kiddos.

indybarb said...

So awesome, Jackie, that you guys planted blueberry bushes for Jeff for his birthday every year, and such a nice idea to plant an apple tree to replace the swamp willow. Hand picked berries are the best....as are home made pies. It will be fun for you to make those pies with the kiddos in the years to come as a reminder of their Daddy. I love the story about your wager with Jeff over what the plant was. Too funny!

I hope you are having an awesome day snuggled up with the little ones.

Big hugs,

Barb

Teal Marie Chimblo Fyrberg said...

What a beautiful way to honor your husband. I am so sorry for your loss.