Speaking of Apples

I captured these beautiful photographs from our daughter in law's facebook album ;o) and just had to share them. Although we all live so close together, it is not always easy to spend time with those we love the most because of the demands on our lives and busy schedules. Our relationship with our children and grandchildren is no exception so I truly value and treasure seeing these pictures. So many wonderful memories of doing the very same things through the years with all our family, and of making apple pies with my mother in law. Teri also had a mouth watering photo of a prize winning apple pie she made. That reminded me of the year Nana (Johns mom) and our daughter Maryann won first prize at the apple pie baking contest in Eliot, Maine. Nana had a stroke and could only use one arm. Maryann and her teamed up together to create the winning pie! Teri, Maryann, and I all enjoy baking pies. I made one last week for John which didn't last very long. Anyway - wanted to take a break and share these. Tis the season for apple picking here in Maine! Where John and I live there are dozens of orchards nearby and over the years we have often enjoyed family outings where everyone gets together for an afternoon of apple picking. Apple picking is something that we alway senjoyed together when both of our children were very small and we're very happy to see the tradition continued. The other day our neighbor called John over to the fence which divides our property and he gave us a gift of a half gallon of apple cider - made right here in Acton! No preservatives, no nothing - pure home made apple cider. The stuff in the grocery stores does not compare. Here's a link to some of the Maine apple orchards: MAINE APPLE ORCHARDS
By the way, the 22nd Annual Acton Apple Festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, rain or shine. Festivities will begin at 8 a.m. at the Acton Congregational Church with an apple pancake breakfast with real maple syrup and sausage. Also available will be homemade apple pie, whole or by-the-piece and with or without genuine Cabot Cheese, which will also be on sale.Other activities follow at the church, the town hall and its parking lot, the Mary Grant Preserve and the orchards in the area. There will be arts and crafts, flea markets, and games for children. There will be a cider-making demonstration and free blood pressure test by the Acton Ambulance Association. Entertainment will include clowns, Johnny Appleseed, the Pepper Steppers and more.Come and bring your family and enjoy food, fun and fresh air at the Acton Apple Festival.