Apple Pie and a Jack-O-Lantern to Go

You know up on the farm we worked hard and I wasn't every very good at farm work. But to my shame, I thought city folk were much smarter than we were. I was wrong. City people will go to the country and pay for the chance to undertake agricultural labor. They call this visiting a "pick your own" orchard. Today, I visited one with the kids and grand kids. We paid to pick apples today----and it was worth it.

Seriously, it was great to be with all five grand kids, Anne, Chris and Leah and other family and friends today. We enjoyed a beautiful fall morning under clear skies, and came away with apples to eat and a pumpkin to carve. This weekend we are gathering to celebrate my 55th birthday. I can't tell you how much it means to mark this bittersweet time with folks I love. Leah is every bit as much a verbal processor as I am and it is good to be able to grieve aloud with her even as we make new memories.

This weekend reminds me that we journey on as a family. My trip to the orchard suggested He has more fruit for me to pick along the way Home.