The Neighbors
The neighbors are great mentors to the friends. They are real animals with fur and scales.
Robin the Robin - a teacher and a great creative writer who runs a mail delivery service for the neighborhood and those that may not live in it anymore. She always says, “never underestimate the value of a good napkin drawing!” to encourage friends and neighbors to share their unfinished thoughts and works-in-progress. She likes to remind them that the rough drafts you share with others for feedback are a great way to get your ideas from your mind into the real world. Good friends won’t judge unfinished state of your big ideas.
Joy the Hummingbird - she loves lemonade most of all, but won’t turn down a cup of tea. She’s the encouraging neighbor. When someone feels sad or has heavy feelings deep inside them, they always feel better after talking to this sweet bird.
Lenny the Rooster - “He’s a tough old bird!” the friends always say of Lenny. He’s the hardest-working of them all. If anyone asks him why he’s working late or very early, he always replies that he doesn’t stop when he’s tired, he stops when the job is done.
Tucker Pup - an older dog who doesn’t see all that well anymore, but he guards the orchard very well. His nose can sniff the smallest smells, his ears can hear the slightest sounds. He keeps the friends and neighbors safe from anyone who shouldn’t be in the neighborhood.
The Fruit Stand
At the entrance of The Orchard, you’ll find Malum’s Fruit Stand.
They always have jugs of ice-cold fresh apple cider, warm apple fritters and turn-overs, fruit slushies and so many other delicious treats they give to anyone that stops in.
People help them harvest the fruit in the orchard and get baskets of extra fruit in return for their time and help. You don’t have to pay for the sweet treats though, there’s plenty to go around and the friends that keep the fruit stand going are generous with what grows there because they know the fruit came from a source they didn’t make themselves.
Orchard Landmarks
The Waymaker Lighthouse - a tall, strong tower with a light that shines through the morning mountain mist and cuts through the darkness at night.
Dealer’s Choice Neighborhood Restaurant - no menus, no “usual orders,” just neighbors taking turns cooking their favorite cuisine. (But everyone gets taco salad on their birthday, of course!)