The kids are back to school, the summer visits are done and autumn has arrived. There are more than a few obvious signs that summer has ended.
I miss the kids from the street playing during the day. Our trees have decided that fall is moving in quickly and it’s time to rest up.
However, what I like most about this time of year are the wonderful crops that continue to appear at our local fruit markets. Since early spring when the first asparagus appeared followed by raspberries, cherries and strawberries, I can’t wait for the next onslaught of fresh local harvests.
Arriving back from our vacation, the first thing I noticed was the availability of local corn. I have not been disappointed. The corn has been top-notch and my appetite remains unappeased.
The fruit harvest has begun. Our road trips to Glen Huron or into Grey County will simply become part of our family routine. Apple picking with the grandkids is a constant for us. Even though they are getting too old to be hanging out with their grandparents, the children still appear to love picking apples each year.
Our university-bound grandkids can’t come anymore but the others still seem to have a great time.
Whether they do it out of duty or not, I love it as we are reaping the bounty of the land.
Meanwhile back at the orchard headquarters, baskets of pears, plums and umpteen varieties of apples are stacked about the doorways. It’s heaven! Did I mention the freshly baked apple products that are also found sitting around the cash register?
On the way home from the apple picking we still stop to pick up a basket of local tomatoes and some corn for the evening meal. I know, more corn.
We are so fortunate to live in the Georgian Triangle with all its natural blessings. For six months of the year, we are inundated with this wealth of healthy homegrown foods. For the next six months, we rely on our freezer to provide us with what we have stored from the summer and autumn harvests.
No matter, I am currently in ecstasy here in Georgian Bay country as I continue to enjoy the bounty of the area without a twinge of guilt as I reach for another cob of corn or slice a fresh tomato onto homemade bread or scoop some local ice cream onto a fresh piece of apple pie.
As of this week, it’s time for the squash family to appear in the local markets. Butternut squash soup, pumpkin pie and apple stuffed pepper squash are yet to come. I’m in heaven!
When winter comes I’ll be more careful about my diet! Anyway, fruit and vegetables are considered healthy, right?
Tracking down the last of the summer corn, Kent Walton can be reached at [email protected].
