Lemons

We've all heard it for years. "When life gives you lemons..."

Point taken. Don't let "sour" circumstances dictate a sour life. Respond to the situation in a positive and creative way.

But I like lemons. Not only is fresh lemonade a great treat, but there is lemon pie (I like the two-crust pie made with slices of fresh lemon as opposed to the standard meringue-topped varitey), lemon bars (my mom makes the best ones) and slices of lemon stuffed into the clean belly of a trout or salmon. The citrus bite of the lemon adds freshness to all manor of dishes from appetizers to desserts, sweets to savory dishes. Such a versatile fruit. It is a shame it has been forced to bear the stigma of all that is negative in life.

When I think of lemons, I immediately think of my mom. She lives in a neighborhood that was a lemon grove in a previous lifetime. Thankfully, some of the trees were preserved and they bear bright yellow fruit throughout the year. We take daily walks and I love that I can "shop" for part of our menu without ever going to the store.

The photo above shows the most recent member of my garden: a Meyer lemon. I didn't know until recently that lemons could be grown here in Oregon, but once I learned that great news I immediately found a nearby nursery that stocked them. I will have to protect it when temps drop to 30 degrees or below, but I don't mind putting in that effort to be rewarded with stunning yellow fruits in their season.

So, life didn't give me lemons today. I actually sought them out and paid handsomely for them! With all the yumminess inherent in lemons, maybe we should work to change that old saying. How about, "When life gives you Brussels sprouts...?"