Oct. 10, 2009 - Anniversaries and Applesauce
Who says a woman can't have it all?
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My husband and I just celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary!
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He took off the day from work, and we went on an adventure that I will remember always and forever. You must be thinking that he whisked me off to a secluded island, or to the amish country to stay in one of those little inns.
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Nope!
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He took me apple picking. ~smile~ Something that I have been asking him to do with me for years. 
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The drive took about an hour & a half. The weather was beautiful, the air was perfect. We drove on winding roads, seeing green rolling hills, and sweet little farmhouses along the way.
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When we arrived, we packed a picnic lunch and ate it under the apple trees. Later, after picking lots of ripe, firm red Rome apples, we slipped down to the tiny pumpkin patch on the hill to grab a few pumpkins-an all around wonderful day together.
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My heart feels so full and content that my husband would do something with me that he really does not find appealing at all!
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Now..... what to do with all of these apples? Apple pancakes, apple pie, apple chutney?
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Finally friday I got started early in my kitchen and set off to create applesauce, yum. My son's gal Annie, (he is courting her:) came over at 6:45 a.m. to give me a hand. She had never made applesauce, just apple butter.
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We had such a special day. She is so dear. She peeled and peeled, I cut and cut, and thensome. All together we ended up with 8 quart size jars of delicious homemade chunky applesauce. (hubby's fave) I still have literally bushels of apples left and will be working on more sauce and goodies this week. I also made 5 loaves of apple bread that same day.
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In regard to the recipe and process, we did have to tweek it a little one time due to my chopping the harder Rome apples into too large of pieces, making it a little longer for them to soften under the heat. But, the Golden Delicious apples were simply perfect, they softened up quickly and easily-so naturally sweet and good~ an ideal apple for sauce.
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additionally, I did add some fresh zesty lemon juice, making the flavor of the sauce stronger, and then I added some dark brown sugar, a tiny tid-bit of salt, some cinnamon, then finally a heaping dose of southern warmth from my heart.
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I feel so blessed. I thank God for my husband, the great memories that we made, and the freedom to pick, eat, and enjoy the fruit of my labor.
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Another JOYFUL day, creating & celebrating the good things in my life.
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Shannon
Below is a recent photo of us at my husband's mother's home at the bay~
Comments
Oct. 11, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by AnnieKate
Each time you eat that applesauce, you'll have such happy memories! What a wonderful anniversary.
Annie Kate
Oct. 12, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by AnnieKate
Yes, Shannon, our apple day was quite something. It's only due to the kids that we got so much done, though!
I enjoy reviewing for the TOS Homeschool Crew. I don't make any money at it, but do get to sample a lot of neat curriculum, learn about reviewing, meet a lot of great people, and learn more about blogging. Hopefully I also can make a difference in the lives and learning of other homeschooling families.
And who knows where this may lead?
Annie Kate
Oct. 26, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by heavenshandmaid
OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH......is all I have to say......
love,
Amy
