Friday, July 25, 2014

         It was kind of a rough day, but survival always wins when one takes time to count the blessings bestowed by a loving Heavenly Father.  Life is good.

         Today is my dad’s birthday and it was great to think of him today and remember so many things about him that I love. 

At this time of the year, I can see him—overall-clad—bustling in the yards as he serviced the combine in anticipation of the grain harvest and making sure the truck was painted; it was red.  He was always so good at taking care of everything. 

I can see him getting the second crop of hay cut, bailed, hauled and stacked on bright sunny days.  When I was little, he managed a crew of several young men (and one little girl derrick-horse tractor driver J) who brought the crop in.  About the time I left home, those jobs were all replaced by a one-man machine that did it all.

I can see him grabbing an early Red Astrachan apple from the tree as he walked through the garden checking out everything and pulling errant weeds on his way.

I can feel his energy as he kept everyone “hopping” and working up to speed.  There was always a storm to beat, dew on the alfalfa to assess, and thirsty crops to irrigate, and the race to beat the setting sun.

Even though unspoken, I always felt loved and secure.  Love you, Dad!

Good Night, Everyone.  God Bless and Keep You!

P. S.  Just a note below about our favorite Red Astrachan apples that I grew up on and that made our favorite applesauce!!

RED ASTRACHAN Russian, from England in 1816

The Red Astrachan is an old Russian apple imported into England from Sweden in 1816, and was brought to America in 1835.  Commonly grown by gardeners and backyard orchardists in the north, Red Astrachan is flavorful with strong acidity.  Fruit is medium size, skin yellow, flushed crimson.  Flesh firm, coarse, greenish-white, and quite tart.  Make flavorful dried apples; some old-timers rate this the best for pie.  One important note of interest; they are know for bursting their skin when they are over-ripe, so pick when ripe.  They are great for desserts and sauce.  It is an early apple and storage time is short.