Lesson From a Pear Tree

A cautionary tale from my backyard

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I walked out my door a moment ago and stepped into a snowstorm. No — not an actual snowstorm, but the white petals did fill the air. Wind and rain are hurrying the demise of the spectacular festival of pear blossoms.

I strolled over to the ancient pear tree, towering more than 40 feet above me. It is still rife with ivory blossoms, but…