Gratitude Practice 2020 Day 173: Peaches

I've known for quite some time now that peaches are evidence that the good Lord knows and loves us.

It's the shape. It's the size. It's the subtle but compelling color variation of warm comforting.. color. It's the protective fuzz that both delights and irritates.....and all of that is before you even cut it open. The enchanting smell of a freshly picked peach...and for us city dwellers…. the exciting day when the juicy tower of peaches arrives at your local Costco...this annual

occurrence indicates every year that summer is...peaking...and somehow both time and space can now be accurately measured and defined.

Then...it's the first few bold beads of peach juice that quickly escape like an angsty teen fleeing church once the sharp knife pierces the delicate protective skin. It's the meaty wedge of sweet fruity goodness that does not just come easy...no, you've got to work a bit and risk a little before it rewards you. You can simply bite and taste...of course you can...there are no rules. Or you can carefully slice, or can or bottle. Delicious when dried, fried, grilled, roasted, baked or even pureed. And peaches, when perfectly spiced either savory or sweet...there is no greater culinary performance.

And then the...pit. Oh, that blessed powerful little life giving stone carefully resting at the center of it all. Oh, how grateful I am for that gnarly little seed which ensures pleasure and happiness summer after summer after tasty summer. Today and every day, I am grateful for the delicious life sustaining power of a juicy ripe peach. Georgia or otherwise I'm always a big big fan.