"Yes, she can, Charming Billy"

Rich red orbs dangle loose on the stem, ready for harvest. Touch and feel their release, falling into the basket as fingers grasp the cluster. Cherry-picking, it's called. Choice berries selected at first pass leave promise of reward for tomorrow lingering on the bough.  Careful watch, though, as competition with the birds comes soon enough.

Late by several weeks, the cherry tree production is more prolific than last year; pounds of fruit bathe in cool water. The need to pit slows the pie making process, but the wait is worth the chore.