Monday, September 10, 2007

Fall Fun

Ok, I have to admit it. Summer is over. Kids are back in school. Leaves are turning color. The weather is finally out of the 90's and getting cooler (though, it's not a guarantee that we won't have more really hot days -- just that it's not a guarantee they WILL be hot). I still say I want more summer -- but, I do eventually bow to the inevitable (not always graciously, and sometimes kicking and screaming in a tempter tantrum, but I do it EVENTUALLY). It's fall. And for some reason, fall is inspiring me to clean up my house and get organized for winter in a way spring just didn't. So, no new quilty goodness to report here -- I've been too busy playing with the dust bunnies and trying to figure out what stuff I REALLY need versus the stuff that is just hanging out in my house. *sigh* Anyone know where I can rent a backhoe? (for the stuff that's just hanging out that is)

I'm hoping to get to some sewing today -- I'm getting itchy and I have a few things I NEED to get done, but I did take some time off this weekend. Bowing to the inevitable change of seasons doesn't seem so bad when it involves a perfect fall day -- with a hint of summer still in the air.




And since it's time for harvest -- why not go out to a local orchard where you can pick your own apples? Sounds like a great way to spend a morning to me.






We have several local orchards in the area, though my favorite has really been expanding with all sorts of things to do for the kids besides just walking through the trees. (no, we didn't do it -- but, I just loved the sign!)





Frankly with all of these beauties around, it was hard to think of anything but all of the pies, snacks, and some sauce in the making.








And, of course, where would I be without my best little helper? Though, she did need some help from "Papa" to reach the best of the apples on this tree.




She, of course, being the independent little thing she is ("NO Mamma, I do dat!") -- she found some that she could reach on her own! (after repeated explanations about not picking the ones that are already on the ground, ickies!)




And then, after all the hard work (and I have to admit, before we were carried away by all the darned mosquitoes -- all that rain we had means the apples are NOT the only bumper crop -- the darned things are getting to be the size of small birds and they are VICIOUS), a snack to refuel. Apple donuts and cider slushies -- yummy!


A wonderful day in the sun (even with all of the blood donated to the local insect population) and a reminder that, indeed, as much as I love summer, I love fall too. I may be going kicking and screaming this year -- but, the crisp air at night, the bright skies during the day (MOST days -- today, not so much), and the bounty of the harvest -- what's not to love? Mmnnn...I guess I can stop my fit about summer ending and embrace the season that's here -- and maybe in all of my cleaning, I can dig out my Halloween decorations!!!!

22 comments:

Cheryl Arkison said...

Cider slushies? Ooh, that sounds too good. If only we lived in apple growing country...

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a beautiful day!! And all those yummy looking apples... mmmmmm pie...mmmmm cider....yummo!

Holly said...

Lovely pictures. Summer and fall are my two favorite seasons as well. Sounds like a perfect day.

Karyn said...

It's been incredibly hot and humid here (Niagara) and it's hard to think about fall, but now I want to go apple picking, take a drive to look at the turning leaves and wear comfy cozy sweaters. :)

The Calico Cat said...

Hubby & I went apple picking too.

Tracey @ozcountryquiltingmum said...

Yum, all those apples! Great fun Tracey

~Bren~ said...

A good fall cleaning is as important as a spring cleaning!
We are heading to Edwards in the next couple of weeks when it is Honey Crisp time! I love the apple orchard and in Oct we will head down the road to the pumpkin patch.

Anonymous said...

Yum! I want to see some pie making with those beauties.

Libby said...

Oh my - apple picking sounds like a day full of fun. Wish it close by.

Laurie Ann said...

Yes, I do "fall cleaning" too. After all, we might as well have a clean and organized since we'll be spending more time indoors over the winter. I don't really spring clean. We have a lot of orchards as well.

Unknown said...

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, doesn´t it. It seems you have enough for the whole winter now, lucky you. I love apples too and cider and apple juice and apfelstrudel and apple pie and apple jam and ... OK and fall too! Take care.

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

Awww... precious pics of a great day. I'm kicking and screaming already (and it's still in the 90's here). I don't do socks! Apple donuts? Yum.

Greenmare said...

Oh what a wonderful day! And lovely pictures to bring the memories back again and again!
Autumn is the BEST time of year for me, I just wish it lasted longer!

Marla said...

I'm SOOOO jealous! There is nothing like fall and harvest! We have summer, kinda summer and really hot summer followed by the fourth season, lead up to summer! I miss all the fall things, pick it farms and crunchy Ohio apples......sigh, sigh...sigh....I do however have my doors and windows open when those of you in the north have snow on the ground so I guess I get compensation.....

YankeeQuilter said...

Those apples look wonderful! Apple pie, apple cake, apple dumplings...I could go on and on. Growing up in New England I lived on apples through the fall!

corry said...

Lovely pictures of what sounds like a wonderful day!

Simply Stork said...

Is it time for Halloween decorations already...oh how time flies!
~simply stork~

Laura said...

I wish I could get inspired to do some cleaning up and organinzing. The pictures you shared were great!

Greenie Gardens said...

Beautiful photos- and what an adorable little one. I, too, amd sad to see summer go. Here in Michigan winter is hard to ignore! But with bad weather comes quilting so I guess I'll take it. Stephanie

Paula, the quilter said...

I do my "spring" cleaning in the fall too. I don't want to shut in the dust bunnies so I get rid of them before closing the doors and windows for the winter.

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh what a lot of fun! I messed going this year. It stayed just too hot for me to do it. And the trees in our yard didn't get good fruit this year. But I"m still hoping to go to the corn maze yet!

Anonymous said...

thanks for sharing ! I'd have loved to be there too !!! great pictures !
how sweet this litte girl is !!!