One side almost dry and the backside to do. I apply with my fingers, liking the feeling. In my head a plan is forming of how I'm going to use these. It's probably a good thing that I don't have a "workroom" because there would be dozens more on the counter. No crafting tomorrow. It's laundry day and that trip and operation wears me out. After that I might be ready to play with leaves again. Bear with me. (Nope! I don't want yellow ones - only red will do.)
My ride today was a short one and I brought home some of the red maple leaves for a craft project. They are drying now after being washed from road muck. There were millions of them down already so I had a choice of the ones that pleased my eye. The hard part was to keep them from blowing out of the cubby as I didn't bring a container. Here are a few of the shots I took on this ride.
Every year our grandson grows large pumpkins. Every year they are larger than the year before. This one will be weighed October 3 and he thinks it might go to 800 lbs. His partner is the yard art decorator and she really has a good eye for autumn beautification at their home. She is also the photographer for his sister's family this time. The twin boys posed last year as well.
When we go to the orchard we travel this road. "Somebody" has lots of $ for tires! Today I took these as we were on our way. Surprised that my pictures show it so well as I was taking them as we moved right along! We brought home a couple of lumpy pumpkins, lumpy gourds, cider and a peck of Cortland apples. Next trip out I might show you what it looks like on the way home.
This popular singing group sits in my kitchen awaiting applause. Please give them a hand. They are not a side dish but the main course - so rich, so sweet, so unaware.
...and eleven Honey Crisps to go .....
I processed four Galas a day for three days. Remember I'm not young and agile now! These old hands still work but slowly. I pare by hand. Those automatic peelers take way too much meat from the skins and insides to suit me and I much prefer my method. I can sit and actually enjoy the work. It doesn't get overwhelming if I just do a few every day rather than dedicate the entire day to apples!
So here are the results. One pouch of dehydrated slices will be the correct amount for one large pie! Great pie, too!
Golly, it sure smells good in here! I think perhaps a pie will soon be on the menu - and also an apple crisp. That oughta use up the Honey Crisps and then another trip to the orchard will be necessary! There will later be apple bread, apple muffins, apple dumplings and more. We'll end the season with applesauce, naturally. Lots of applesauce.
Alex has outdone himself this year. He thinks this pumpkin might reach the 800 lb. level. It will be weighed October 3. In the meantime it is on display in the lawn as an autumn decoration. He's been growing pumpkins since he was very young. It's a beauty, isn't it! Photos were taken by his partner, Denise. Posted with permission.
Close to frost last evening. I'll cut some Seedum to have them dry out in an old fruit basket and then start emptying the flower pots and beds. One more look at this year's colorful porch surrounds. After doing this, I'll start dehydrating some of the apples we brought home from the orchard. Maybe - maybe I'll bake an apple "something" as well. Sun is out but it is deceiving - not warm. 42° in the shade on the thermometer.
