We have a really big front yard, and an even bigger back yard. It would not be exaggerating to say that our front yard was at least three times the size of our neighbors' front yards. We have two big trees in our yard, one of which is a very beautiful tree, a very rare tree, called a Ginkgo Tree.
For anyone who doesn't know what this fabulous tree is, I have heard that there are only twelve in Canada, and only two female trees, one of which happens to be in our front yard. So..... how did it get there? Let me tell you. Once upon a time there was an old man in Japan, who--
Just kidding. ;) I have no idea how it got there, and I don't personally really care, I just wish it never had gotten there.
Well, that is not entirely true, in the spring and summer I love it, it is a huge, gorgeous tree with bright green Chinese fan shaped leaves, and the leaves are actually quite interesting to chew on.
(Don't ask me how I know that :P)
This is what it looks like at its finest,
These are its leaves on a less overcast day,
But what I failed to mention was why I mentioned this tree in the first place.
Anyone who has ever raked a yard decorated by a female Ginkgo Tree must have been laughing at my explanation of the tree, note: I said I love it in the spring and summer.
It not only has gorgeous leaves, but, I lament, it also has fruit. I have also heard that they are a delicacy in Japan, (the fruit) so if any Japanese people want to come buy them off of us, please do, we would love to be shed of them.
They are the only fruit I know of which reek so horridly in the harvest time that if you accidentally step on one, your shoes are forbidden to enter the house until they have been thoroughly washed. Did I mention that their nickname around here is Stink Bomb?
So, in leaf raking season, not only do we have 20+ leaf bags in front of our house, about a third of them have been attained at the expense of many a person's poor nose.
But, the way I look at it, it's good for us. It builds character, as Calvin's father would say. (From the comic, Calvin and Hobbes) Yes sir, we will all grow up to be good strong leaf rakers/baggers, and will be able to stand any kind of horrible smell. :)
And now it is all done. (Mostly) We just finished bagging 99% of the leaves in our yards, and have come back in to a nice warm house with rosy cheeks and cold hands, with the promise of hot chocolate coming to us.
Yes, every season does have a charm of its own, and this one has marshmallows. :)
I hope you enjoyed this post, and come back to read more about me and my adventures some more. ;)
