Apple Farm

We decided to do something a little different today. We had seen signs pointing down Dingleberry Lane for Wilson's Orchard. People had also told us it was a lot of fun, so we decided to head there this morning. Wally was super excited to go to an apple farm. When we got there, there was a tractor pulling a wagon ready to head out into the orchard. Once Wally saw the tractor, apples didn't seem so exciting. But,we got a couple baskets and headed down the hill with a promise of a wagon ride after apple picking.

We were kinda late for getting some of the apples, so we had to look really hard to find them, and use some creative apple picking techniques...Especially so that Wally could pick them.But Wally managed to pick a bucket full. We got some that are good for eating, and some that are good for cooking. Guess I better get busy in the kitchen again!We all got carmel apples as a "special treat." As predicted, Wally ate most of the carmel off of his apple, and left the apple untouched. It was a beautiful day for roaming the hills of an orchard. We did get a tractor ride back to the barn after picking our apples. Pretty sure Wally thought that was the best part. He is such a boy when it comes to loud things that move. We will definitely head to the orchard next year for more fun and apples. I learned yesterday that next year we likely won't get many pears on our tree, so I'll need something to keep me busy!

Harvest Time (aka: Why I haven't blogged)

I never realized how busy harvest time can be. I have been picking tomatoes, green beans, broccoli and more like crazy. I just can't seem to keep up. I was disappointed in my pumpkin plant. It has taken over the garden and I couldn't find any pumpkins, just a lot of flowers.

Finally, I found a pumpkin:

It was suspended in air on a vine that had climbed over our fence and into our neighbors yard. I cut off excess vines and flowers, and hauled it back over the fence onto the ground. It is now the size of a beach ball. I did find another smaller pumpkin that is about the size of a football now. Wally and I like to check them out everyday.

Believe it or not, but I already picked a bunch of tomatoes from this plant (and took them to Montana). We've been buying friends with tomatoes this season.I've been able to freeze a lot of green beans, carrots, and some broccoli. I'm excited to be able to eat "fresh" produce year round.My biggest endevour lately has been pears. Our pear tree is huge, and was completely covered with pears this year. I've picked so many pears and given a lot away. I've made pear crisp, pear cobbler, pear fruit salad, and my biggest adventure... canned pears and pear butter. My pear peelling and cutting skills are quite fine-tuned now. I filled that black bucket more than full with pears.Wally was so excited to eat the pears I canned, until they were on his plate. Then he decided he doesn't like them. Hopefully he will change his mind, because I only have a mere 24 quarts! I also have 26 jars of pear butter. It is quite yummy!

Now that I no longer have pears in pear form, I hope I will have more time for blogging. Just so I don't get in too much trouble for not blogging in a long time, and then not including any pictures of Wally, here are some pictures of Wally getting himself dressed : "I did it, all by mine self!"