Taking Time to Pick the Plumerias

On this recent island visit, my sister the florist tasked me to pick some plumeria blossoms from the tree in dad’s garden. The blossoms were to be used in leis and tropical floral arrangements.

Sis recalls planting the tree about 35 years ago and that the type of plumeria tree we have is more fragrant than most. Also the action of picking from our tree feels meditative to her and she thought that I would find that to be the case for me as well!

I caught sis in action this morning and texted her the photos below, joking “someone was stealing from our yard”.

My parents would tend to the garden daily, whether at our house or their rental property. Our yards aren’t set up with an automatic sprinkler system, so that meant every other day hand-watering.

Mom was a little over 91 when she passed and dad will turn 92 next month. I truly believe their daily habits such as getting fresh air and sunshine while tending to garden chores together, cooking at home and keeping each other company contributed to their longevity.

Below, the blossoms of my labor.