Mellow fruitfulness

For it is that season.

I have had a few apples from my trees, but as usual S&N's trees are dripping with fruit. Happily I have an open invitation each year to collect as many bucket-loads as I like. 

The deal is that I fill an enormous glass jar with dried apple slices for them in exchange. I will dehydrate a lot for myself too. And I will stew some for the freezer and bottle a few (to go with my winter porridge). Of course plenty will be eaten just as they are. Shared with Bean, who loves an apple.

This morning was chilly: just 3C. So I kept busy in the kitchen until the world warmed up a bit. Sourdough loaves were mixed and proved, bannocks were cooked, a butternut squash and ricotta pie was baked, and finally squash and tomato soup was created. What a lovely way to spend a cold morning.

We walked at lunchtime and munched on an apple or two, and maybe a pear as well. We were out for hours thanks to bumping into three locals, all of whom had plenty to chat about and entertain me with. News was exchanged, a few plans were made, and community was strengthened. It was the best kind of village walk.