Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Cool crisp mornings remind me of my love for words. I love to cuddle up
with crossword puzzle,kvell at Words with Friends or lose myself in the
Song of Solomon.
My love of words came in high school from my English teachers that showed me how to escape my dreary moods through books. My History teachers that guided me to understand that words have power. And most importantly my Speech coaches who prepared me to use that power.
As much as I love words, I often struggle to pick just the right words.
It makes me question who I am and how others see me.
I am the person who jokes at a funeral,forgets her lines on the stage, or just blurts out
the truth.
As September fills my senses I reflect on words that edify me.
A floating amber maple leaf dances in my memory with O'Henry. The Last
Leaf taught me that kindness is never a waste of time and our faith
determines our fate.
The crow caws and it reminds me of Maya Angelo and I should sing not
because I have the answer but because I have a song. I am not alone
in my struggles, others have gone before me and "I Know Why the Caged
Bird Sings".
The cool rain on my face brings a tear to my eye as the words of Emily
Dickinson flood my mind as a "Drop on the Apple Tree"
Her gentle words taught me that my time on earth is fleeting and I still
have much work to do. My relationships with others can only be
strengthened with love and time.
The smell of the wood burning stove helps me recall the words of
Dickens' "Oliver Twist" that I am well blessed and have no time for a
bitter word.
But the taste of apple butter reminds me "A word fitly spoken is like
the apples of gold in pictures of silver" (Proverbs 25:12)
I hope my ramblings inspire you to find the words that comforts someone
in your life today and if you can't find the words just bring a gift of Apple Butter and a hug
9 lbs to 10lbs (1 peck apples) - peeled and sliced I like Granny Smith but any cooking apple will work
1-3/4 cups brown sugar
1-3/4 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1-1/2 teaspoons all spice
1-1/2 teaspoons nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
3 tbs of apple cider vinegar
Core and slice apples, place all ingredients in crock pot (5-6qt) and let cook for 24 hours on low setting.Vent lid slightly to let out extra steam.
After 24 hours blend with immersion hand blender.Test by scooping up a heaping spoonful. The mixture should keep its rounded shape and not flatten out
Load into your prepared jars (I use half pints or pints), leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Process for 10 minutes in water bath
