It is that time of year again. Fall. Leaves turning colors, cool temperatures and picking apples. Mom and Dad wanted to take the girls to Wiard’s Apple Orchard…just like they remembered taking Laura, Michele and I. Great idea! Before we leave I ask, “Dad, do you remember how to get there?” and without uncertainty he said “Yes.” Of course, I trust my father. He has always proved infalliable before. He remembered…how to get to the Orchard from Westland. So we drove to Westland, then to Ypsilanti, maybe to Sturgis, through miles and miles of construction while the girls played the alphabet game 18 times, and finally we got to Wiard’s. All told it is probably only 10 minutes from Mom and Dad’s house. But you can’t pick apples!!!!! The cider press wasn’t running because their was no electricity. It is now a country fair that cost 10 dollars per person. So we drank some cider, had a couple carmel apples, got back in the van and headed towards an Orchard where we could pick apples. After the third time asking for directions we ended up at “Apple Charles.” Apple Charles is walking distance from Mom and Dad’s house. We did have a great time picking apples, petting the animals and watching the cider press. Of course, the only pictures we have are from Michele’s camera because Dad forgot his. Fall.
But the real question is … did they make fresh donuts? And did mom make apple dumplings afterwards? Go Michele… yeah for the camera phone!
Yes, Laura, they had fresh donuts and we could go to store, bakery, etc without paying $10 so we had some. You would not recognize the place. It was basicly a vinegar farm when we went there with you. Michele read all about it in the store. But times change and vinegar wasn’t making money so they went to what was. It is a tourist place now that costs lots. You can pick apples, Tues-Thurs when everyone is in school or working without paying $10. At least we got good apples at Apple Charlie’s this year and that was not true last year or we would have gone there in first place. No apple dumplings yet – I didn’t get any apples. It was fun family event though and I loved it. Wish you all were along! Trees are getting pretty although not at peak yet, so come on down! Love you all
Mom I think it would be “come on up” for Laura and Steve or “come on over”. No matter which, Laura, Steve, Westi, Michael, and everyone else, come on, we will wait!!!!!
Mom, Of that whole bag of apples, Steve didn’t leave you any? Poor dad!!!! No apple dumpling!
I have to say even though the apple press is a small one with a small tube (unlike my memories at Wiards, and yes Dad, it WAS big and not just b/c I was small), my favorite thing is watching them make apple cider. Well, maybe my second favorite – eating the donuts is my true favorite!
Your poor dad can have apple dumplings. I just didn’t keep any we picked because I had just bought him some at farmers market. I haven’t done very well with making anything lately so I better get busy. I guess your sister likes the doughnuts too, Michele, because that is what she asked about also. Dad said your day was made because you got to see them press cider. It was a great day even though we had more time in car than necessary. Thanks, Michele and Shaun for coming down! love
I wanna go! It sounds like so much fun, and beautiful, too. If only Mike wasn’t in Academy we could sneak out there but, alas, there’s no time off for new recruits. At least we can look forward to Thanksgiving in Taos, NM. Maybe we can get some tasty donuts & apple cider there. Enjoy the splendor of Michigan in autumn!
I wish you could come too Westi! Then we could make cards together for Christmas and you could show me this watercolor technique you do!!