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​Tip Store: Groceries: Gleaning

​Free Apples and a Wonderful Story

On a recent trip to Tassie on our way to our camping spot I spied the largest apple tree on the side of the road just laden with fruit. I told hubby on our way home we could gather boxes of apples to cook and freeze. So as we were leaving armed with several boxes we stopped at the old tree. When we arrived there was an elderly couple also picking the fruit we got to talking as we all picked the lady told us that the tree was called Nellie after her best friend that died 25 years ago every year her and her friend would pick the apples for both their families. She now comes with her husband to pick the apples for the year ahead. We shared a cuppa and cake with this wonderful couple as they told us all the history of the Fingal Valley and as children how they had all climbed Nellie the apple tree. By stopping to pick the free apples we will save approximately $200 this year by freezing for crumble and pies and making fruit chutney. The lady said we all should keep our eyes open as there are always fruit trees growing wild with fruit to be had for free. But most of all I feel richer than the $200 we have saved for having met such a wonderful couple that shared our day and told us their stories. We have arranged to keep in touch and meet at Nellie next year when we go back to Tassie.
​ Contributed by Carol Goodey, 21st April 2013