This old apple tree has made an appearance on this blog numerous times. To the average passerby, it’s just a gnarly and gangly eyesore, its better days far behind. It’s been dismembered for overhanging the property line and for taking up space needed for housing growth. It has given shade and fruit for much longer than the 38 years Macys have inhabited “514.”

To Pete and John Macy it’s also a playhouse. Well, a former playhouse also shared with their sister, Rachel. But its time has come and we’re very close to saying goodbye to it (in its current standing form).

So the local kids and grandkids showed up to pay tribute to this old climbing friend. Here’s a side view of the photoshoot.

And here is the front view. At first it was a little too high for Lincoln.

All is well.

Happier on his own.

Lovely Sage. Pete upper right.

Around all the hubbub of climbers and observers, Mauri and I each caught these two in a candid pose — in which, if I had looked at the Macy album photos in advance, I might have requested they switch spots.

Still, I’m completely enamored with this matchup. But wait! There’s more . . .

A friend asked me on Sunday what I love. My first answer was words, which brought a quizzical response. My second answer was photo match-ups.

I’d give anything to have a match-up of this but will settle for the smile that comes to my face as I think of the joy Rachel would take in seeing this post.