This year, we were very blessed. We were able to pick apples in on a 100 year old homestead. The property was beautiful and no one lived there any longer. The daughter, who kept the property in order was thrilled to have someone pick the apples.
Together we picked 100's of apples. There was a bear in the bushes near by, but we were loud and he ignored us and made himself scarce. We had a lot of fun choosing the tree (there were a hundred to choose from), taste-testing the apples and then filling the wheelbarrow.
When we got home the serious work began. We made apple sauce, apple cider vinegar, dried apples, apple cider and apple pies. It was a full day, but a great day working together!
We had so much fun (and enjoy the products of our labour so much) that next year we'll go bigger and add apple butter, hard cider and apple syrup to the menu.
And the key to all of this, is that we did it as a family. It really felt like the good ol' days!
Semper Fidelis,
Kenton