Bittersweet Apples

I didn't mean to take a whole week off.  My computer and I had to have a little sit down talk.  It refused to upload or store any more pictures/files on the hard drive.  Maximum memory capacity.  I just hate dealing with stuff like that.  Who wants to sit down and file manage?  Blech..

So, I am back and have lots to catch up on. 

Two weeks ago we went for a visit to my Uncle's farm.  I cannot say how much this piece of ground means to me. 

 

It is just one of those places that no matter how much time changes it, you can't erase it from your heart.  I spent many a summer visiting here.  I lived with my Aunt and Uncle while meeting lots of local boys (and going to college on the side).  In fact, it was at this place that I first kissed my husband.  But don't tell my Aunt...she didn't allow that kind of thing. 

I've swam with polliwogs here, rode snowmobiles here, been thrown off of horses here, snuck out late at night here, snuck in early in the morning here, picked flowers/cherries/peaches/apples here, been snowed in here, spent Christmas and Thanksgiving here, buried my Mother here.

It had been a while since the last visit, and my girls really hadn't ever been to the farm.  I was anxious for them to discover the magic that it holds. 

 

Upon arrival to the farm you are always greeted by this white haired guy- my Uncle (and a dog or 10). 

 

Having grown up in the country, I sometimes forget how much I miss it.  We're not exactly "city folk" now but it sure was good to get some bugs in my eyes and dirt in my teeth when we rode 4 wheelers out to see the horse- Patches. (see you did make the blog Jen- or at least your hand did)

 

The tree house was pretty amazing.

The purpose of our visit was to get a little lesson in apple growing and picking.

 

My Uncle taught the girls how to "lift and twist" the apples of the trees.

 

Watch out girls, if you stick around too long you'll be pruning, spraying, and mowing too!  I have been on the receiving end of many early morning wake ups courtesy of my dear Uncle.  However, he did send us home with over 50lbs of apples.  Labor free-- this time!

 

Of course we couldn't leave without climbing on the hay,

 

or taking the tractor for a spin.

Sometimes it is bittersweet to travel back and see the legendary places of your youth.  The realizations that come with seeing stretches of land that have become vulnerable to time and seasons are sometimes hard to swallow.

It isn't any different with people.

 

Age allows us to see our childhood heroes for who they really are.  Just people.  People who make mistakes, people who get gray hair...people who love us- deeply.  Maybe that is the sweet part.

Thanks Uncle, I love you.