There is something in the autumn that is native to my blood —
Touch of manner, hint of mood;
And my heart is like a rhyme,
With the yellow and the purple and the crimson keeping time.
~ Bliss Carman
(A Vagabond Song)
Not only is this our first autumn in self-quarantine, it is my first one without apples since my radiation proctocolitis diagnosis. If you’ve been reading this blog for a few years you know how much I LOVE apples. But they make me ill now. 🙁 In spite of this I wanted to go to Holmberg Orchards to celebrate the equinox anyway. We didn’t pick any apples because Tim doesn’t want to eat stuff I can’t have in front of me, even though I keep telling him he doesn’t have to give things up just because I have to.
Today was a perfect autumn day…. And there I go, slipping out of fall into autumn…. All right, a perfect fall day, too.
~ Hal Borland
(Hal Borland’s Book of Days)
But it was fun to pick out a pumpkin and some gourds for our garden and the corn maze was open! We felt it was safe enough as everything was outside and everyone was required to wear masks and keep 6′ away from each other. When we got to the corn maze we were happy to see a sign that said there were no dead ends this year, because of the pandemic. You were to just follow the winding path and keep six feet apart. No getting hopelessly lost. Being there early on a Tuesday morning we were the only ones in the maze. Yay! It took us half an hour to walk through it.
I am inclined to think of late that as much depends on the state of the bowels as of the stars.
~ Henry David Thoreau
(Journal, December 12, 1859)
We had grilled marinated swordfish and green beans for dinner out on the balcony. Simple but delicious and that’s how life has got to be these days. 🙂 Keeping my gut soothed is of utmost importance! I’ve had a few setbacks since the midsummer alcohol fiasco but feel that on the whole, things are better. As far as autumn goes, I’m going to try to focus on the leaves changing colors and long walks in the fresh air and not think so much about apples!
It’s such a shame you can’t eat apples any more, Barbara, but what a gorgeous place to visit. I haven’t ever seen such a huge variety of pumpkins and gourds – they’re incredible – and so many different shapes and sizes! It sounds as though you had a great day out. <3
It was so good to get outside and watch people picking apples with their masks on and enjoying the new season. It helps to see and greet other humans, even if from a distance! Because of the severe drought the corn maze was pretty dry and ugly but it was still fun to walk through. ♡
What a tough year it has been, and to have to give up apples on top of it! I’m so glad you were able to get out and enjoy the orchard with its maze and wonderful pumpkins and gourds. I hope you continue in good health.
Thank you, Melissa! It has been a year of many adjustments for sure and it feels like a whole different life with a whole new mindset. But fresh air and sunshine and gratitude are still there for healing. ♡
What a neat place and I love the pics of the vegetables especially. Glad you could find this safe place. You are much better at regulating your issues than I am—maybe because your reactions are more predictable? Like you know apples cause issues. I never really know what sets me off. It seems to be general trends rather than specific items. It’s been a 2.5 year guessing game.
Do you keep a food diary, Kathy? My sister gave me one in November and ordered me to use it and to write everything down. (What goes in and what come out, ewwwww!) It’s so easy to forget what you’ve eaten so it can be very revealing. I thought I had no problem with peas but after a flare-up I reviewed things and identified the pea connection. I keep an evolving list of foods allowed and problem foods on my refrigerator. Otherwise my memory will play tricks on me!
I have tried food diaries many times and really haven’t been able to identify absolute triggers. For example: sometimes my healthy cookies can create havoc. Then I eat them for 18 days and nothing. It’s confounding. Glad it works for you…
That must be frustrating for you, Kathy, not being able to pin anything down with certainty. Makes me wonder if it’s something other than food that triggers your symptoms. I’m also learning that the quantity of food consumed at one time makes a difference.
Very frustrating… 😟
Very frustrating indeed…🙁
*hugs* ❤️
Beautiful images of a beautiful outing. I’m sorry you are unable to eat apples. I have my own food issues/sensitivities so I know how it is to give up something you love.
Thank you, Robin! Now I’m trying to figure out a gut-friendly menu for Thanksgiving for just the two of us. Maybe I’ll just get take-out for Tim and some gluten-free turkey slices from the deli for me. We have a good local home-style restaurant that offers a full feast in individual take-out portions. Sorry you’ve had to give up eating things you love, too. 🙁