Two things stood out to us when we first looked at this property in the fall of 2013, when we had no intention of moving back to the area any time soon. Coming out for a viewing was almost a joke, a way of getting the nagging feeling that we might move to the country sooner than planned 'out of our system'. One of the surprises that caused us to throw away our carefully laid plans was the massive pear tree growing on the south side of the house, loaded with teeny tiny pears. The other was the Nodhead apple tree near the road, which at the time was also laden with fruit that the listing realtor let us pick. As Mike tells it, once he bit into a Nodhead he knew we had to buy this place.
The pear tree before its haircut aka pruning..
I don't recall having seen a pear tree quite this large before.
Looks like it's dancing.
Post-haircut
Our friend Matt did us an incredible favor and spent some time helping us renovate the Nodhead. Mike learned a ton from him. We're lucky to live in this community with kind, generous friends.
Mike took this shot of Matt in the tree.
Nodhead at dusk, after renovation phase one.
The Nodhead appears to have gone unpruned for many years. It will take a couple more years of work to ensure it's as healthy as it can be. The tree is likely very old but with good care it should bear fruit for many more years to come.
Lots of applewood for burning and smoking meat.
- Cari