EACH TREE

"I think that one thing that has made my orchard a success

is that I took individual care of each tree.  What that

particular tree needed it got.  Wife and I were so well

acquainted with the trees that if I wished to mention one

to her, I would say "that tree with the large branch to the

south," or "the tree that leans to the north," etc.


The tree that leaned was gently taught to stand straight
so that the sun would not burn the bark.
This was done by tying it to a stake firmly driven
into the ground on the south side of the tree and from
time to time shortening the string which held it..."

-A.J. Wilder, husband of Laura Ingalls Wilder
My Apple Orchard
June 1912

Michaela, age 12, learning to drive the tractor.

Hailey, age 3, working to bring sticks to Pa's burn pile.

Lydia, age 7, doing her part as well.

Burn pile.

Free time.  Lydia loves the new skill of riding on two wheels!

C'mon in!

Sarah, age 10, chopping carrots for our Homemade Chicken Soup.

Hailey, volunteering to clean the brownie beaters.

Michaela, making stiff peaks for waffles.

I think I want this job...

Reading to the littles.

Maybe this is the better job.  :)

My shopping buddy, Faith.  She's almost 15 and one of my best friends.

How often do simple examples from creation speak to us about our walk?  I realize that my quiet weeks are spent as Almonzo's.  Enjoying the hard work of learning and caring for each individual tree. 


May your orchards be blessed.