autumn bliss

When we moved to this ridge meadow property there was just one fruit tree, a mature Cortland.

Our first spring we planned and planted a small orchard.

Many of these tiny beginnings came to early ends. But not all. You can see the survivors in the photo below. Our version of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

This season our mini orchard has gifted us with a generous harvest of Fuji, Idared, Northern Spy and Liberty apples.
We've lost track of just how many bushels of apples we've given to friends and family since August. We've frozen them and made apple sauce, eaten them out of hand and on Friday we joined with our neighbors to make some cider.

Improvising, we used an old corn grinder from Richard's barn, and a grape press that we borrowed from the county extension office. At the end of the morning we had collected 4 gallons of juice. The prettiest, loveliest tasting nectar you can imagine. Combining all the varieties created an exquisite flavor.

Next year we've promised ourselves to invest in a real apple press and make lots more cider together, though we'll all fondly recall our primitive but successful beginnings.

the first day of the rest of my life

69 years ago today, Lolita and John welcomed a baby girl into their growing family. I like to say I was a Christmas joy baby, being born 9 months after the holiday. I only say this to tease my sisters, who were born on Sept. 22 and 24. And with brothers born on Sept. 4 and Oct. 4 I have to admit our parents enjoyed the winter holidays...
Seriously, though, this being my last year in my 60s I'm giving myself a promise: to prepare myself for the best possible physical and mental health for my 70s and beyond.
I have many bad habits that need adjustments. And my ADHD needs to be addressed to keep from losing focus. Insomnia tends to give opportunity for panic... I'll never live long enough to do all that I hope to. The light of day brings a better clarity. Choose and do.
Choose and do. My mantra for the year ahead.
Thank you all for your love and support, good wishes and kind words. For allowing me to know you when I've never met you. For keeping me company on the road to self. God bless.