It’s fall and we are heading to the orchard to get some apples. Apple butter time is here and this year more fun was had by all because the weather was so very accommodating and it seems, more kids are accumulating. This was the year for kid fun.
Young and older lined up to get in on the action.
No small fire emergencies with this hand crafted board.
The “redneck hover board” was noisy, but it worked and everyone got in on the fun.
Meanwhile back at the apple butter kettle, the stirring goes on and on, from 6am to 3pm to be close to exact.
So the kids head to hills for a little sling shot fun with water balloons.
Once you are up there, how you gonna get down? Jump in the barrel and roll down, of course.
How about sharing a swing big fella?
Meanwhile back at the kettle, it’s noon, all 12 bushel of apples are added and it’s time to gather round to give thanks for the mounds of comfort food that has been stacking up in the kitchen,
This year sister Brenda accepts the “copper kettle” award on behalf of the entire kitchen crew who fixes buckwheat cakes and sausage for breakfast, takes care of the many lunch offerings and bakes bread for when the apple butter is ready.
Tractor rides are free and so are the balloon rides. That is if you can pull that rope hard enough.
Oh my, what to do between lunch and the finished product??
As the kettle is emptied the copper pennies are counted and
The fresh baked bread arrives
All hands on deck to get the first taste.
Meanwhile things have been happening in the kitchen. The stirring is done, the kettle is empty and 174 pint jars are full.
And this is what we’ve been waiting for!
Fall is here,
with more beautiful days to come.