Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Ode to Fall
I love fall. It's definitely my favorite season--cool crisp air, no sweating, blue skies, beautiful colors--what's not to love? Unfortunately, Fall is fast coming to an end here in Michigan. I meant to get out and get some good Michigan fall color pictures. But I haven't done it yet and am doubtful that I will get to it before they all turn brown. So in lieu, I am cheating and posting some pictures of fall colors that I took a long time ago...in Utah. Sigh. I wish it could last forever.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Thank you to grandma and grandpa
I just have to say, that without grandma and grandpa my life would be full of bland and un-perfected food. I recently made applesauce, apple butter, and apple pie, all using recipes and/or instructions provided by my grandparents. I have been complimented on all three foods, and, if I may be so bold, I must say the compliments are warranted. So thank you grandma and grandpa!
Now I just need to learn how to make that bread...
Now I just need to learn how to make that bread...
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Applesauce
Last Sunday I went apple picking with some friends. What fun! And what a good deal too. It cost $40.00 / HALF bushel for pre-picked apples and only $22.00 / FULL bushel of you-pick apples. I picked two bushels--half Romes and half Ida Reds. I originally wanted Jonathans and Golden Delicious as per grandma and grandpas suggestion, but those weren't available (already picked out or not yet on). It was a gorgeous day, probably 80 degrees and full on sunny blue skies--something I will miss here in Michigan as winter closes in. As we left the orchard people were staring at us and kept asking what on earth we were going to make. I guess applesauce making isn't that popular here.
We got back from apple picking around 5 and Rachel and I went to work.
Tory and Ruby cheered us on as we worked and Alex made salad and ordered gourmet pizza to feed our hungry mouths.
Several phone calls to grandma later, we managed to crank out 17.5 quarts of applesauce in just a few hours.
Canning them took a bit longer since we had to come up with some way to keep the jars from touching while they boiled. Several coat hangers and cuss words later, we had it figured out though.
Then last night I made up 4 more quarts of applesauce and about 8 quarts of apple butter (half of it is still cooking). Yummmmmmmmmy. I love apples. Be warned that some of you may be getting apple based Christmas presents this year!
We got back from apple picking around 5 and Rachel and I went to work.
Tory and Ruby cheered us on as we worked and Alex made salad and ordered gourmet pizza to feed our hungry mouths.
Several phone calls to grandma later, we managed to crank out 17.5 quarts of applesauce in just a few hours.
Canning them took a bit longer since we had to come up with some way to keep the jars from touching while they boiled. Several coat hangers and cuss words later, we had it figured out though.
Then last night I made up 4 more quarts of applesauce and about 8 quarts of apple butter (half of it is still cooking). Yummmmmmmmmy. I love apples. Be warned that some of you may be getting apple based Christmas presents this year!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Trip to Utah
Last week Alex and I headed off to Utah for a too brief reprieve from the flatlands. Besides the mountains, we were also happy to see our friends and family : ).
The main goal of our trip was to accompany my mom to the top of Lone Peak on the fifth anniversary of my dad's death. Let me just say, I was not so sure I would be able to make it to the top. I was hiking with the likes of: Alex, who bikes 20 miles a day during the week and up to 50 on the weekends, Olivia, who hikes 15 miles regularly (albeit in the flatlands of Illinois), my mom, who had been training for 5 months by hiking 1200 feet of elevation almost every night, and Lindsey, who is just plain athletic. In comparison, I have gained 20 pounds, lost my ability to breath well and hold my pee, and have been running (in a good week) about 6 miles total. Thankfully, by ruthlessly taking advantage of the kindness of others, I managed to get out of carrying any kind of backpack. Poor Alex had about 6 liters of water in addition to my extra clothes, camera gear, and various other knickknacks on his back. And, well, you know the Messinger women. They didn't have to be carrying anyone else's crap to make their backpacks weigh well over the acceptable limit. As a result, I was in fact able to reach the top with everyone else. And boy oh boy, was it ever worth it.
At the top (11,253 feet)!
For more pictures and accounts see Liv's and Lindsey's blogs.
The main goal of our trip was to accompany my mom to the top of Lone Peak on the fifth anniversary of my dad's death. Let me just say, I was not so sure I would be able to make it to the top. I was hiking with the likes of: Alex, who bikes 20 miles a day during the week and up to 50 on the weekends, Olivia, who hikes 15 miles regularly (albeit in the flatlands of Illinois), my mom, who had been training for 5 months by hiking 1200 feet of elevation almost every night, and Lindsey, who is just plain athletic. In comparison, I have gained 20 pounds, lost my ability to breath well and hold my pee, and have been running (in a good week) about 6 miles total. Thankfully, by ruthlessly taking advantage of the kindness of others, I managed to get out of carrying any kind of backpack. Poor Alex had about 6 liters of water in addition to my extra clothes, camera gear, and various other knickknacks on his back. And, well, you know the Messinger women. They didn't have to be carrying anyone else's crap to make their backpacks weigh well over the acceptable limit. As a result, I was in fact able to reach the top with everyone else. And boy oh boy, was it ever worth it.
At the top (11,253 feet)!
For more pictures and accounts see Liv's and Lindsey's blogs.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)