We have this wonderful cherry tree in our backyard. Early June the cherries are ready to pick. We usually fight the birds for the cherries, some years when the birds were particularly busy we hung a rubber snake in the tree to deter them - it didn't work. A couple of years ago we went to bed with lots of cherries and in the morning the tree was empty, not one cherry left. We think that perhaps a band of very hungry and satisfied racoons got into it.
This year we got to them before any little varmints did - except our two legged variety. Our neighbor has picked cherries, our kid's friends have picked cherries, we have picked cherries. We have delivered bowls of cherries to other neighbors. (It's almost like growing zucchini.) Some of the kids did a great job of picking cherries along with eating many.
Daniel eating and picking.
Nathan helping Daddy (Ken is right behind him)
Molly and Brandon busy at work.
When they were done the not so fun part was pitting them so they could be frozen. We will be enjoying them for quite a while. While it takes some work our cherry tree is a blessing.