Harvest the American Spirit!

It has been harvest time and maybe time to harvest the American Spirit...we can do this!

Get outside and take a look around...........from the hills, fields, valleys, edges of the little and big streams, just look, it is an amazing view in NWPA and NWNY.  A simple ride to town or over the hill just keeps getting better.  It won't last long so now is the time to take a look.  Much too soon the beautiful fall colors will be on the ground, the trees will be bare allowing to see farther across the valleys and hills.  The animals will be more cautious in their travels.  Hunting season will be upon us.  Mother nature knows what she is doing when it comes to protection for the "wild things".  All summer the deer and fawns have been beautiful red and gold colors.  Now they will be turning a muted gray and brown to blend in with the gray and brown landscape for the next 6 months. 

Behind the garage our little cabin, soon we will be able to see it from the house, all of the leaves will be gone.

Now is the time to take a day trip to Wine Country around the Finger Lakes.  Roll the windows down and smell the aroma of grapes.  It is amazing as to how the grapes send off their beautiful goodness through the air.  The first time I smelled it was quite a shock, it just fills the air.  Along with the grapes on the vine are also the locals that set up little fruit and bakery stands.  There are plenty of them and they all sell the famous Concord Grape Pie.  Yum!  It is delicious, we always buy the little individual ones.  Why not a big pie?  We can eat the individual without a fork!   I'm good for two and a couple to bring home.  Hey, it's only a once a year thing so why not?  We never leave the area without a few bottles of our favorite wine from Lakewood Vineyards, just north of Watkins Glenn on Seneca Lake.  What a view of the lake. The wine is good but there is a guy that gives the tastings and he is awesome with conversation, knowledge and a few jokes.

Apple cider pressing has finally arrived.  Dick and I have been busy picking up apples.  Our friends, Dave and Kathy Ebeling were kind enough to stop by last week and ask if we would like apples from a couple of their trees.  Oh yeah!  They are Golden Delicious and Cortlands, perfect for pressing and a mix of flavor.  We will also get some wild ones.  Variety makes the tastiest cider.  Of course Dick will make a couple gallons of Apple Jack.

Work should get in full swing on the cabin next week.  The electric company got us all hooked up and turned on which means the saws will be moved over and ready to go.  Still waiting for Joe Mullet and his boys (Amish fellas) to get back and box in the eaves.  That will allow us to start the insulation to have a little heat when the days turn cold. 

I have been busy doing the final touches on a cookbook I am writing.  Dick is enjoying it because with just about every recipe I am making the food and taking pictures for the book.  This will be my favorite recipes and also a few tips and certain brands I like and why.  It started out for my kids and grandkids.  When I mentioned (a year ago) to some friends what I was doing they wanted one.  If interested just give me a call, message or email and I will write your name down.  Right now it looks like it is going to cost me $9.95 plus shipping per book.  As it gets closer I will know exactly how much the final cost is.  I will not make a penny on the cookbooks as I do not on my blog.  I only do what I do for my own enjoyment and entertainment.  Busy mind, busy hands keeps Cheryl just a "little crazy".

Last night was chicken and dumplings...........I needed a picture and that is about how our meals and treats have been decided lately.........I need a picture.

Light and fluffy dumplings, easy to make.  A side of cranberry sauce and that is supper!