Happy Apples

I've been in an autumn mood lately, thanks to freakish spells of refreshing coolness, something which is not a staple of late summer in Missouri. July and August both entered the rolls this year as some of the coolest on record. The AC has been off for over a week now! My thoughts have been turning to crisp mornings, fresh apple cider, church picnics and quilt auctions, pumpkin pie, red maple leaves, dark ale and Oktoberfest. Man. Autumn in Missouri can be wonderful.

Speaking of apple products, you know September is here, or near, when Happy Apples begin appearing in local grocery stores. I'm not sure what the exact origin of the bag is, but it's clearly marked "Missouri Apples" and makes its appearance at about the right time, so I assume it's the real deal. Plus, they are fresh and crisp, and look an awful lot like the snappy little Galas you can get direct from the source around here at such area fixtures as Huffstutter Orchards. And I've got my eye on an orchard in Centertown, only fifteen minutes from my location, called Millard's Apple Farm. Wherever we go, I'll be sure to post some pics.