The Joy of Apples

When I think of apple orchards, I always think of the orchards in southwest Wisconsin where I grew up. You see, I grew up in the land of ridges and valleys, where apple growing is perfect and the countryside is beautiful. So today while visiting my folks, Bike man, the Son and I headed over to a local family-run apple orchard. The old wooden building is now gone, but replaced with a brand new larger building and warehouse.

Ten months ago this historic apple orchard suffered a terrible fire that destroyed the main apple building/store and apple warehouse. Coming back this weekend to visit the new apple facilitate was amazing. You have to have total faith and love into the apple growing business to work so hard putting together a whole new apple store in less than a year. I was impressed. Apples, apple cider donuts, apple butter, apple cider, caramel apples, apple pies, apple cookies....you name it, they had it all!

So what did I buy? Honey Crisp apples of course! The Son bought the apple cider donuts.....oh so sinful!

Coming To An End

Those beautiful fall colors have come to an end, just like the last chapter in a book......it's over, but greatly appreciated.

His Name is Andy

This is Andy

Public speaking is not easy for some of us, but imagine being special needs! Last night Bike man participated as a contest judge for the annual Conservation & Environmental Awareness Speaking Contest in Menomonie, WI. Quite an honor for Bike man! So I decided to come along to listen to the student speeches that dealt with all kinds of environmental issues. There just happen to be about seven or eight students from our school district that were competing in this event. It was fun to sit and listen to their individual speeches about the concerns of sand mining, water quality, endangered species, wetlands and the troubles with the Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoe Area and the recent wildfires.

One particular student, Andy, did an awesome job talking about Wisconsin wetlands, why wetlands are so important ecological speaking and why we need to regulate the problem of over development in wetland areas in Wisconsin. Good stuff.....lots of passion.....and guess what? Andy is autistic! Over the years I've watched Andy grow and mature. Standing in front of an audience and speaking for 8 minutes is not easy, but Andy gave his all last night. His biggest thrill was earning his first ever trophy last night for first place in the contest. The smile said it all.....so happy for him.

Lots of Pine Cones

Over the weekend, I picked up lots of pine cones in our yard....Bike man helped too! We filled two large garbage bags with big pine cones and will use them this winter for fires down on the lake ice. I made a nice fire Saturday night with the pine cones and they ignited immediately. Fresh pine cones covered in pine sap make the best fire starters! Can't believe all the pine cones and pine needles that fell from the pine trees this fall. Want pine cones? Come to our house....pick all you want for free!!!

Numerous Backroads

After spending all day yesterday doing yard work and other chores, Bike man and I could finally get out today for a rode ride. We didn't have a plan or route, we just rode north. Spent most of our time riding Otter Creek and the town of Hay River country roads. The sun was hot today, but the shade felt refreshing.

Bike man decided we needed one quick stop to check out these beautiful red berries.

Not sure what this bush is with the red berries, but it stood out among the muted fall colors. All of our fall colors have faded now....it happened very quickly due to the lack of rain. We haven't had rain for weeks now so our conditions are crispy dry. Even my skin feels dry! We reached another 80 degrees today, which is not typical for October in Wisconsin. Sleeping with the doors and windows open is unreal for this time of year.....kinda feels like camping! (29 miles)