In 1971, when I was 5 years old, our family moved into San Diego, California. At first we stayed in a Hotel near Balboa Park, Park Blvd. Later, we moved to an apartment complex. Finally we moved into our permanent home, on Iowa Street, near the corner of Orange Avenue.

In the backyard was a very large apricot tree. Judging by the size of it, it could have been 50 years old, maybe more. The house we moved into was reminiscent of the 1920's style craftsman, so the tree could have been planted back then.

Anyways, that tree was one of my favorite places to hangout.

It provided a large canopy of leaves, and was plenty strong enough to climb up into. My best friend Mark lived on the opposite side of the block, and he and I would many times sit under the tree and eat candies. We'd climb up the tree and pretend we were pirates hanging onto a mast looking out across the world.

When it put out fruit, birds would attack it and peck them off. The lawn underneath the tree had apricots scattered all around.

We only stayed in that house for four years. Last summer I was back in that area, and found a small apartment building had replaced the old house. The tree was gone too. My parents never took photos of the house or the tree, all I have is what's in my memory.

The places where we played when we were children are fond memories to each of us. Take plenty of photos, and cherish them!