CRISP

 

CRISP

Wood smoke a wisp

on a day crisp.

Off to the orchard to pick

apples night-visiting deer missed.

Walk by the pond where fish

are deep in the mud in bliss.

Leaves underfoot crisp.

Black walnut kicked.

High in the trees apples list.

An apple picker picks.

Into a bucket when picked.

Apples bitten juicy crisp.

Here's one on the ground missed.

Too many for my fist.

Bucket soon full with apples picked.

Some nipped by birds but still crisp.

What will taste delish?

Applesauce, apple butter, yes?

Apple pie or apple crisp?

All good to the last lick.

Light a candlewick.

For a midnight snack, fill a dish.

Don't make yourself sick.

Blow out the candle, as you make a wish.

* * * * *

If every man, woman, child

could pick apples on a day mild

enjoying the wonderful outdoors

given to us by God the Creator

their stress levels would then be lessened;

if everyone could learn that lesson.

When you look into someone's face

you'll see worry that can't be erased.

It's etched into their brow,

brought on by stress – and how!

Worry causes stress, you'll find

and prohibits peace of mind.

If there are more worry lines than laugh lines

brought on over the years through one's lifetime,

then you need to be reminded

what God the Father says, so kind.

It's: “Do not worry about tomorrow,”

for you'll find worry leads to sorrow.

When you worry, joy is unattainable,

for worry renders you quite unable

to see the good things that abound

where you wear a great big frown.

So forget about your worries and put on a smile.

Your smile will become a habit after awhile.

I will forget my complaint;

I will change my expression and smile.

Job 9:27

Godliness with contentment is great gain.

I Timothy 6:6

The story was inspired by the last week of my grandmother's life when

I walked past the pond and the black walnut tree, to their orchard beside

the barn to pick apples to take in to show her. She did hold one and smell it.

Gram was known for making the best apple pies. I don’t know which apples she preferred to use to make pies, but I do know my grandparents had a Northern Spy tree. They produce large apples. Those apples were my dad’s favorite.

P.S. I’ve learned to use two brands of apples for the best tasting apple pies. Here’s my recipe for pie crust:

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon baking powder

2/3 cup shortening

1 tablespoon oil

enough milk to form dough.

Blend ingredients using bread dough attachment until dough forms ball.

Roll out on lightly floured surface.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Making applesauce:

Cook with just a little water until softened.

Purchased this food mill years ago to make currant jelly.

A friend borrowed it to make grape jelly.

If you leave the skins on, you'll make pink applesauce.