Traditions

Traditions plays an important role that keeps us grounded and connected. Traditions are comforting and predictable. Traditions change within the context of staying the same. Each time we practice a tradition it is not exactly the same as the last time but the practice of the tradition remains the same. 

Carol and I have developed a few traditions of our own over the years. Today we celebrated and practiced the tradition of APPLES.  We head up to Farmington which is about 2 hours north of us. Along the Animas and San Juan rivers there are families who have made a business of growing orchard fruits. 

Today was beautiful. It was warmish but in a fallish sort of way. The cottonwood trees wore their yellowing leaves with a graceful and stately poise. We passed a field of pumpkins, and smelled roasting chilis at the farmer's market. It was the perfect day for getting apples. 

We got to the Kerby orchard during the late morning. Carol and I went into the apple barn and there they were - gold delicious, red delicious, cameo, honey crisp, gala, and rome. The older Mormon lady who helped us was interested in the fact that we were from Gallup and were getting apples for friends as well as ourselves. We chatted and talked apples, weather, houses and other topics of life. The interlude was delightful and felt like a real piece of Americana.  

Now I can see the future -  one that is full of apple pie, apple crisp and most of all wonderful, delicious applesauce.  Apples - can't get much more American or real than that.