That’s right – local lemons. In Maryland in December. You see, my thoughtful husband gave me a wonderful Mother’s Day gift way back in May that has been quietly growing and producing lovely dainty fruits for months. We kept an eye on it, watered it, and left it to breathe in fresh air in the bright sunshine. Then we started to count the fruits as they peeked through the shiny leaves – one, two, three, four, five! – and continued on with our daily lives. But those little green globes kept rounding out and filling up while we were busy with friends and babies, work and play.
They began as little bubbles hidden in the branches and then matured into firm dark green ovals that we weren’t convinced would ever change color. Each was so perfectly green that at one point my husband suggested we cut one open to make sure we didn’t get an accidental lime tree from the nursery. But there was a tinge of yellow on one or two so we held off – reassuring ourselves that it was still within a reasonable range for ripening after some online research.
And then it happened – one, two, three, four, five! – golden orbs appeared as if by magic. It seemed that they all turned brilliant yellow overnight in celebration of intangible holiday cheer.
So while not exactly a Christmas miracle, this little tree’s gorgeous gems did brighten our December and we rejoiced in its fruits. My husband knew that the key ingredient in one of my favorite recipes is citrus, which is not Maryland-grown (for sale at least). This meant that by definition the recipe was less-than-local-friendly. But that has been remedied thanks to his considerate present many months ago.
May you also find ways to celebrate local in your everyday in 2012 – cheers to a brand new year!
