We have lived in Florida for the past seven autumns. But this time of the year, my mind always takes me home to Virginia. For five years, we gathered with dear friends in Little Washington as the leaves where changing to make apple cider. Midge and Joe would gather a variety of apple bushels to produce the finest tasting cider. My fondest memory of this period was our first union. The weather was perfect…hat and glove chilly but with a beautiful Hudson School painted sky. For hours we happily chatted and cranked out jugs of apple cider. Each one carefully filtered and sealed. As we tossed the apples into the press, we all took turns cranking. But nothing was sweeter than watching our two daughters, who were three at the time, turn that handle with all their might. It makes you wonder if that’s why the cider was especially good that year.
Each year produced many fond memories with that beautiful handmade wood apple press that Joe built. So thank you Midge and Joe for giving us those cherished moments.
Do you have any distinct memories tied to the season?