As you may know, its lemon month for Seasonal Potluck. Since Kelley lives in Chicago, and I live in San Diego, often our “seasons” are slightly off in terms of what’s available (aka. on sale) when and where. I’m not sure about her, but lemons here are still 59 cents each at Sprouts. HOWEVER, since we grow citrus in California, I see lemon trees bursting with fruit everywhere. In particular, in the people whose backyard backs up to ours
I’ve been living in this house for nearly three years and I have never once seen a person in that yard (unless it’s the gardeners doing their twice yearly mow) let alone pick a lemon from the tree. From the looks of it, and based on current pricing, they have hundreds of dollars worth of lemons growing there. I’m wondering if I should jump the fence, and steal a bagful for myself. I’m sure they wouldn’t know. It’s so tempting!!! It’s calling me, “Betsy, pick me! Make something delicious out of me!”
My Mom is coming to town tomorrow, and she’s the one who taught me to think mischievously like this, so maybe I’ll boost her over the fence to do my dirty work. I’m sure she wouldn’t have a problem with it. You hear that Mom? We have a mission!
Is it wrong to steal something like this? Is it even stealing? I mean, lemons were meant to be consumed, and these are just going to go to waste. Its not like I’m taking something that these people paid for. Thoughts on this? Anyone?
Letting food waste is worse than taking a few meager lemons to make something delicious. If they catch you, offer up some of the goodies you will make with their wasted lemons.
DO IT!
x2 what alisa said!
Why dont you just knock on their door..say hi..take lemons and then offer the final product..this way you would secure lemon supply forever and would never have the ‘ to steal or not’ dilemma ever again..
Throw your mom over the fence and get those lemons!
Hey, Jen! I’m supposed to get a “boost” not a “throw!” Personally, I think a request for “a few lemons” is the best way to begin.
I’m with Mom – just go ask! I doubt they’d say no. That tree is overflowing!
Oh, I don’t know how you’ve resisted for so long! I love lemons.
You’ve got to knock on the door and ask . . . can you imagine if they caught you smeaking into their yard and helping yourself?! AWKWARD!
Stopping by from SITS.
Its been tough! Think I’ll have to go knock on the door this weekend. Thanks for stopping by Jen!
You better knock and ask….you wouldn’t want a dog to go all Sandlot on your mama.
Even though I just read this today and the dilemma is likely long solved…what ever happened!?!?
I am dreaming of life with a lemon tree in my yard! I love those things, but, yeah…expensive!!
I don’t know about CA, but I live in Texas and it’s an “air space” state, so if any of those lemons hang over their property line into someone else’s air, that someone else is free to pick them. Another angle: the tree will grow better and produce more if the LEMONS ARE PICKED! So you might offer to do them the “favor” of picking some of their wasted fruit.
ha! I love that! “I was just trying to help” Thanks for stopping by!
I would be knocking and asking for lemons. Hey! You might make a friend! Happy SITS day!!
I wouldn’t, I’m all about karma and doing the right thing. What if you took them and they had a camera on their property? I agree with the post above me. I would knock on their door and ask. You could gain a friend or know that your neighbors are crazy selfish people and to avoid them at all costs.
Hoping you gain a friend and lots of lemons.
I would totally be going there to ask for some lemons. Spoiled lemons are just a waste. Maybe offer to make them homemade lemonade with fruit from their tree!
I’m with Krisit. I would knock on the door and ask. What did happen? What will you do with the lemons?
Visiting from SITS. I like your website. I’ve checked out all your pages and read more than the three blogs listed on SITS. I will be back to scan your recipe pics and then look for something new to make. Enjoy your day. About the lemons, do what feels right.
Sure hate to see perfectly good food wasted. But I’d feel more comfortable asking – and if they say yes, make something to say thank you with them! Happy SITS day!
IF the branch was hanging over the fence….but otherwise I would go knock on the door. Bonus, you might meet some nice neighbors!
I would totally sneak over at night! I am curious, what did you do?
As a fellow lover of lemons, I am curious to how this turned out…did you get “your” lemons? Happy SITS day!
I found you on SITS, Since they’re never there you could make friends with the neighbors on the other side of them and grab lemons that go over onto their property. It is a shame, but couldn’t you plant a lemon tree yourself?
We need to hear the end of this story!
Ask and completely divulge your love of lemons! Stopping by from SITS.
Sorry I am late for your SITS day – ok, about the lemons. I LOVE lemons. I use several per day in my water, to make fresh lemonade for the kids, etc. My lemon consumption could drive me broke! I would not take them – but I would SO WANT TO!