Monday, October 26, 2009

Fall Pickings

Hi Knitters,
Two weekends ago we gathered up the kids and went pumpkin and apple picking at a nearby farm. I treasure these traditions with my kids especially as they are getting older. It was the kind of gorgeous fall day which have been few and far between this year. We took full advantage.
The farm we always visit has some enormous carts filled with pumpkins toward the entrance to the farm. This year they were packed with the most beautiful variety of pumpkins.
First we headed out to the pumpkin fields because the kids really enjoy picking their pumpkins right off the lot. Unfortunately, we only found a couple of good pumpkins in the fields this year so we came back to the carts and finished out our selection. That's my nephew in the orange jacket.
Now that the kids are older they do all of the work so that's kind of nice.
My sister met us over at the farm. She is wearing a hat she knitted a couple of years ago. She bought the yarn in NYC at the yarn shop where she sat and knitted with Bette Midler and Cecily Tyson. Remember that? Those were some good times from my last book tour. Anyway, it's a super cute hat and I love the mega-tassel she made. Fun memories.
Siblings marching up the path to the apple orchard and carrying the apple picking bag. New rules at the farm make you pre-purchase the bag and listen to a brief lecture before you can go picking. There must have been some apple thievery and mischief taking place.
The trees were absolutely packed with apples, more than ever.
The Collector is in her glory.
I love the little things at the farm like the old and worn signs along the edge of the path telling you what kind of apples are found in that certain row of trees. I had never heard of Northern Spy apples, have you?
The kids are getting so tall. They can reach way higher than I can.
The Collector and I stay closer to the ground. I love the dirty hands. There was a lot of sampling going on which I am sure breaks a rule or two.
The trees provided a wonderful view.
Brothers always amaze me in any family by how similar and different they are at the same time.
A bite or two never hurt anybody, right?
The Collector ran back to grab a couple extra apples to feed to the horses on the way out.
Our work was done. We had five enormous pumpkins and a large bag of apples in our possession. Needless to say, I've been making apple crisp and applesauce ever since. Our house has been smelling of cinnamon and apples for days.

It's Monday already and I can't believe it. Have a good week, Knitters.
best, susie

10 comments:

Renee said...

What a wonderful day! Thanks for sharing. :)

knittingknirvana said...

What a great family day. Thanks for sharing! Love the pics!! :)

I made applesauce and apple crisp yesterday, too! :)

Rachel said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE apple farms! Purrty pictures. Such wonderful kids.

Wishin' for some applesauce--our apples are now gone. Many pies and crisps later tho'...

Jodi said...

Oh, I love the Eplegaarden! Reading your blog always makes me miss Madison.

P.S. Northern Spy apples are good, but Haralsons are the best!

Anonymous said...

What a great bunch of photos! I am familiar with Northern Spys- I grew up in the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia, Canada, where the local farm market there still sells dozens of heirloom apple varieties. Our family always did the apple-picking outing every October too. Rosy cheeks and sticky fingers. {Sigh}My babies are at university now. Hold these times close to your heart:)

Gramma Phyllis said...

Love Northern Spy and a good keeping apple that makes great pies and crisps. One problem for the grower is that they bear heavily in alternate years. There is a newish cross between the Spy and the Jonathan called Jonaspy. It is a good all around apple that bears every year. You have now been educated by a NY/Minnesota apple lover whose granddad grew apples in MN and Washington. I'm spoiled when it comes to apples.

You had a much better day for pumpkins and apples than we had. Our day was raw, gray and rainy. Of course the 5 grands could not have cared less about the weather.

janelle said...

What a fun post! I love the fall, especially the fall in colder climates, it's not the same in the south.

Apple mischeif, lol!!

Tania said...

See, I just got my head around Spring in this neck of the woods. Now you have me coming over all nostalgic for the Autumn/Fall thing! The smell of cinnamon and apple sealed the deal.

Judi A. said...

Most of my childhood was spent in Michigan and Northern Spy apples were always a staple in our home for pies, applesauce, etc. Nothing like picking your own apples right off the tree!! :-)

Diane H K in Greenfield, MA said...

The Northern Spy is very well known here in the northeast. A much-beloved heirloom apple variety, my mom has named the most popular suite of rooms at her New England bed and breakfast "The Northern Spy".