HARVEST TIME! APPLE A DAY....

APPLES AND MUMS AT THE PEAK OF PERFECTIONAlthough it might still feel like Summer in much of the country,  Fall harvest time is here!   Orchards all over the country are picking fresh fruit by the bushel to send to market daily.   There is nothing more refreshing or rewarding than buying half a peck of apples from your local orchard.   If you don't live near an orchard, then visit the website LOCAL HARVEST that can connect you to a Farmer's market in your area.  Of course there are endless recipes to utilize this golden fruit, from pies, to cakes, to sauces.   Visit APPLE COUNTRY for inspiration.  

Many orchards are open to the public and have "pick your own"  days of the week.   You might even score a fresh cup of apple cider.   Brings back memories of my childhood.   My parents would take us to two local orchards in New Jersey.   Tices & Van Ripers Farm were rivals in leafy Woodcliff Lake.  The farms were across the street from each other and were creating weekend traffic jams on fall weekends back in the 70's when I first went.   The farms had been around since the early 1800's.  Sadly, neither are still in business.   Highlights were seasonal fruit, cider pressing, apples, a petting zoo, and of course PUMPKINS!   Don't forget - Halloween is just around the corner.BURNING BUSH STARTING TO "BURN" IN CONNECTICUT

You are also bound to see fields of colorful Chrysanthemums, as they are in prime bloom.   Remember they are perennials, so you can buy them now to enjoy the flowers and plant them to come back again next year.   The fall foliage is just starting to turn as well, so a drive to any orchard in the country is such a great way to spend a weekend with friends.   

Happy Picking!