Peridots, Emeralds, Citrines, and Rubies

That's what the water drops on these cherries and leaves look like to me. I took these back on July 9th, after we had a teeny-tiny rain shower. I think it only lasted about 40 seconds! The cherry trees are all volunteers from the original tree that was planted by my dear neighbors, Beulah and Fred, many years ago. Now cherry trees are springing up all over because the birds, the forest's inadvertent gardeners, are spreading them far and wide.

Even though most of the trees were covered thickly with cherries, it only took the birds (robins, Bullock's Orioles, Spotted Towhees, chickadees, and Steller's Jays) about three days to completely strip the trees. The butterflies enjoyed the fruit, too; they would land on cherries that were only partially consumed by the birds and drink the juice. But, I didn't get ONE picture of the birds or butterflies because every time I got near enough with my camera they all took off. It was quite a sight though, one I don't think I'll ever forget.

Fred and Beulah, who are in Heaven now, would have been so pleased.