Brett feeding the baby goats!

 

I thought I'd share my most recent adventure. My husband planned a trip for us to spend the weekend in north Georgia doing what we love; relaxing, riding though the mountainous areas, and enjoy the local agri-tourism. We have felt really rushed lately and needed a little together time, out of town. We drove up on Friday evening, spent the night, and visited a local apple orchard. I don't normally eat apples, because of the high sugar content, and my doctor told me that they're not the best fruit option. However, I love apples so much - I mean I really love them. To me, apples just seem like the American fruit. Maybe it's apple pie that gives me the notion that apples are somehow patriotic. Anyway, we thought it'd be a nice time to go, seeing as how the leaves are changing colors. Although the temperature highs were in the mid- to upper eighties, with such picturesque views, it was hard not to feel that giddy feeling one gets as the temperature cools and that fresh fall air hits the lungs. 

 

Holding baby chicks! Be still my heart!

The apple orchard was small, and honestly, we were a little disappointed, but we were together, so it was definitely a great time to be had.  The most fun part was probably the baby goats and sheep. They were loose in a pin and you could walk right in and feed them! They were adorable.

I am sure most people would be a little shocked, but owning a cow is on my life's to-do list. I got to milk a cow. I was nervous, honestly. I kind of felt bad that the cow was pinned up and people were just walking by taking turns milking her. Poor thing, but she got breaks and was munching on some goodies.

 

 

 

We left with a small bag of apples, which I used to make apple cobbler. I used the same recipe I used for my plum cobbler (see link below), except I sprinkled lemon juice and cinnamon on the apples when I added the sugar to the them. It was our treat for Halloween after all the kiddos left with our candy.  I have never, in my life, dressed up for
Halloween, but since my neighbor dressed up and we all sat outside and gave candy to passersby, I joined the fun and dressed as Rosie the Riveter.  Ironically, however, I also was baking an apple cobbler, and drinking the American classic Coca-Cola. My husband and I sat outside, enjoyed the fresh air and gave candy to at least 75 people. We had 50 individual bags with candy and gospel tracts, but ran out. We felt privileged to at least have enough for 50 people! We were not expecting nearly as many as we had, and I was hoping we'd get to dig into the extra candy I set aside. Oh well! It's not like I needed to eat any more candy anyway.

As the holiday season is now upon us, it is super easy to get caught up in the busyness that seems to accompany this time of year. This is supposed to be a time to fill our hearts with warmth as we spend time with those we love. My Grandmother went to be with the ones she loves in Heaven, and although she's not going to be with us this holiday season, she's in a much better place. She trusted Christ as her Savior and now she's living it up in heaven. She taught me a lot of things, and I'll be sharing some recipes later, that, as a little girl, were me and Mawmaw's recipe - at least in my mind. Anyway, as the holidays grow near, don't forget the ones you love in all the preparation. This year, I am going to forget about having the “perfect” Christmas and focus on hugs, smiles, and irreplaceable time to spend with those who matter most.

So, sit down and have a meal, at a table if you don't already, and look into the eyes of those around you whether you have kids, it's just you and your spouse, or invite over a friend. Be thankful, put down the phones and devises. I think one reason I am passionate about food is because it's a great, and easy way to connect with people and to share experiences and create memories. In a year, or two, getting that “perfect” gift is not going to be as cherished as a warm memory. So sit down and create memories. Smile. Laugh. Love. Create moments to cherish.

Happy Eating,
Lauren



Plum Cobbler http://sweetnsouthern24.blogspot.com/2016/11/plum-cobbler.html