Dried Apples

This year we finally have apples! Spring came and blossoms came and bees came. We didn't spray because we don't do that, so we have surface spots on some- but we don't care- they eat the same. Two little trees on a city lot, purchased at the little local grocery down the hill, five years ago. They were supposed to be two kinds, Macintosh and Jonathan- but they are both Jonathan. Someone must have switched the tags- don't care, we are thrilled.

Dried Apples 2

"Mom, you've got weeds, and more ripe tomatoes and...what is that?

"OK we'll get the low ones first and then set the ladder... climb? Maybe"

Daughter and Grandson figuring it out

Dried Apples 3

You know when family turns out to help, it is a good feeling. In our family, tasting is as important as picking. Sweat is a part of a job well done. Amazement that those little trees did so well, encourages the planning of apple sauce, apple butter, apple pies, dried apples, and the experiment for this fall...(you've got to experiment!) apple preserves. It should work right?

Dried Apples 4

So far this has been the easiest part of drying apples. Once they are peeled and sliced and on the trays of the dehydrator, you just turn that puppy on and relax. Soon the slight aroma of apples fills the kitchen, and Maynard and Andy come sniffing around to see if I have baked a pie. Maybe tomorrow....

Crabtree Falls NC

Summertime in NC

What a surprise- the beauty, majesty and sound of Crab Tree Falls! A long (for me) and hot hike rewarded us with scenes of liquid bliss. May you be refreshed!

Apple Blossoms! It's Spring!

We might have apples this year, if we don't get a freeze. That's good because if we have apples I will make sauce and pies and dried and try and stretch the food budget a little farther. In some ways I think the high gas prices will be good for us. I'll stay home more, I'll walk more, slow down, create more. I'd still like to nominate the oil barons for an extreme makeover, I think I would start with their household budget...But oh how thankful I am for spring!

Cold Fuels Creativity

From out of frosted windows, I gaze on a world where lately hunkering down brings joys of it's own. Crisp clear nights, streets devoid of traffic, finding people at home, animal tracks leading no where- such times are made for creativity. It is the wonderful void of quiet and curiosity. The moon looks different, the stars stare back unaffected, the snow squeaks your passage- but oh the mind spins in possibilities of whispered ideas untried. Which medium? Which Project?
I have about 2 months to get my stock built up for a space in the gift barn at Carolee's Herb Farm in Hartford City, IN. Its motivational to think of garden related art, and have a place to take it. It will add more stock to my web site as well. Perhaps the most important element when you are home schooling a high schooler is the lesson of both witnessing and participating in the creative process. He is older than the last time I did a marathon session. I wonder this time what he will learn and what will he create himself? I know he will help with cooking some meals, making observations and questioning about how do you do this or that. Yesterday a trip to the Indianapolis Art Museum with friends inspired both of us. My patient husband always understands and encourages. I am so blessed and so thankful. This time I will have Andy take some photos of the processes to share with you all so you may be inspired as well.