Since moving to California I had dreamed of having my very own orange tree. I imagined the joy of stepping outside, plucking an orange off the tree for fresh orange juice in the morning or for an afternoon snack. When we moved into our house a little over three years ago I hemmed and hawed about where we could put one, knowing very well the best place was where a decent sized guava tree was situated, however the cost of removing it, as well as the cost of an orange tree was a little out of reach for the most part. Well a couple months ago the guava tree decided it was done with us. We awoke one morning to see that the tree split roughly in half over the night. I guess it’s true what they say, plants do listen! I guess I got it so depressed by my jokes of wishing it wasn’t there!

In the meantime Patrick had been working quite a lot, and we had some money saved for a future house project, so we were able to remove the guava as well as purchase a small, but fruit bearing, orange tree. We selected a Washington Navel, a tree that has an incredible past here in California, which I learned about at the California Citrus State Historic Park (you can check out our visit here) and in the book, The Orange and the Dream of California.

Over the last few months we’ve tended to it, propping it up to grow up and out, and recently my four precious oranges appeared ripe for the picking!

I can honestly say these oranges are some best I’ve ever had. They were shockingly sweet, sweeter than normal, and I know I am going to look forward to orange season each and every year.

I’ll also say that The Orange and the Dream of California is an absolute must read if you’re interested in California history. It is a well designed book, with many gorgeous photos as well as being an easy, yet informative read. You can purchase it on Amazon, and used on Ebay.

UPDATE: I was recently contacted by an Instagram follower and want to touch on something in this photo unrelated to oranges or Colonel Whiskers; the blanket. This is a knock off of the iconic Hudson’s Bay point blanket, this version was by Golden Dawn Penco, a find at a local antique mall a few years ago. However they are vertically identical. The Hudson’s Bay blankets are questionably linked to the spread of small pox among the First Nations in Canada, and debate for that being intentional or not still rages. However, the blanket can cause pain for some. While aware of the blanket-small pox history, I was not aware of the direct link to Hudson’s Bay. I want to apologize to anyone who may have been hurt, and I plan to refrain from using Hudson’s Bay blankets in future content.

Outfit 
Sweater: I honestly don’t remember.
Large Orange Brooch & Earring Set: Monticello Antique Marketplace, Portland, Oregon
California Themed Charm Bracelet: Constructed by me using vintage charms found here and there.
California Border Print Skirt: Gift from Frances of Polka Polish
Shoes: Re-Mix

Disclaimer: This post contains an Amazon affiliate link.