Apple Picking

REALLY now, this WAS the last day of summer. A splendid time was had as Richard, Tom and I packed Mum and Dad into Harvey the RV and set off for Carlson Orchards near the village of Harvard, Massachusetts.

The trip had been organised by former Nieman fellow Charles Sennott and his wife Julie. We all stuffed ourselves with apples as we wandered round the orchard, marvelling at how different a Ginger Gold could taste from an Empire or a McIntosh or a Courtland. Quite an education.http://www.carlsonorchards.com/about.html

The orchard owner Frank Carlson told us all about the rival American and Chinese apple markets, and showed off his new solar power array, while Tom hung happily out of the tree branches above us.

Then it was back to Charles and Julies' home for apple crisp, cream, and much lounging in the garden (adults) and bouncing on the trampoline (kids. and some adults). It was sunny and warm and convivial and unbelievably relaxed. I'm so glad Mum and Dad got to experience the best of our new student lives. 

Plus Charles and Julie seemed very taken by the GMC. Perhaps this could be its new home? Looks good parked up in their garden!