As I was raking our new yard this fall, the tree in our front yard was taunting me. It still had its leaves, and as I raked up my 9 bags for the season, it seemed to be mocking me.

“Go ahead and put away the rake,” it teased. “I’ll drop my leaves when I’m good and ready.”

Then the first snow came — which was when the tree at my childhood home would lose its leaves — but they held on and on and on…

This photo was taken on Christmas Day.

Those leaves just don’t want to let go. And I’m sure not raking now, so they can stay on until May for all I care.