An Autumn Account

The other day, as I was returning from a lovely recital at the performing arts center, I decided to drive into my apartment complex from the other entrance. Now, reader, you must understand that I rarely drive over there unless I want to get to a very particular street for a very particular reason. This was not at all the case, yet on a whim, I turned right instead of left, adding a couple hundred feet to our return trip and thus approaching my apartment from the opposite direction from usual.

"Are those peaches?!" exclaimed my companion quite suddenly. Confused, I glanced out her side of the vehicle. "Maybe? I can't tell. I'll pull in."

We parked by the dumpster in the front corner of the complex and hopped out, discovering a rather large tree, loaded with--not peaches--but small apples. After reaching for a few and finding them to be tasty, a short conversation ensued.


"We wanted to do something outside--how about this?"
"Yes! I'm in!"
"But how are we going to get them all?"
"I have a step-stool, and maybe we could grab some sort of tongs?"
"We really need one of those things they have in stores that help you reach things on the top shelves..."
"Yeah. Hmm. How about an umbrella? Or a long stick? Or maybe ---- can help?"
We quickly acquired some empty bags, a step-stool, an umbrella, a pair of heels (every inch counts!), and kitchen tongs. An hour later, and after the brief assistance of a 6' tall friend, we were left with two dish pans full of apples with various levels of bug-infestation.

What does one do with apples too small to merit  peeling and coring? After sorting out the better apples for eating, we chopped up the rest and cooked them down on the stove with a little water. A gracious friend lent me a mixer and attachment that we could use to strain the cooked apples of their peel and seeds.




If you ever stop by, ask to try the über-local, all natural, pesticide-free, nothing-added-except-cinnamon applesauce residing in a few jars in the pantry!