You can tell it’s fall
when apples and pumpkins take over the produce section at grocery stores. Or, your cravings switch from dark chocolate to pies and other tempting sweets. For
me, it’s homemade hot apple pie topped with a huge helping of vanilla ice cream. A close second is pumpkin
butter which takes toast to a new level.
Thinking about these scrumptious foods
makes me recall two memorable times with friends.
My first memory took
place in apple country: Julian, CA. This small mountain town lies about 60
miles outside of San Diego and is known for its orchards and homemade apple
pies! Yum. Yum. These days Julian is a tourist destination for city dwellers
who long for those wide open spaces and a slice of pie. That includes me
and two good friends, Debby and Linda.
Our trek there last fall was a belated birthday outing for Debby. As a way to make her day unforgettable we gave her
a large gift bag full of wrapped items with this one directive: “You are to open two presents every half hour!”
Giddy, Debby took the bag and to her delight pulled out two
packages which when unwrapped brought on a smile and a "Whoo hoo!" The gifts? Bag of black licorice (her favorite candy) and a scented
candle.
While we made our way along the curvy back roads laughter
filled the car from the telling of stories from our childhoods. But every 30
minutes the talking stopped, Debby opened two more presents, and then the chatting resumed.
Her gifts were a
menagerie of items we knew Debby either liked or could use: a red-gel pen
(She’s an editor and this is a must have.), notepad, hair clip, book, chap stick, green tea, business card holder, bookmark, DVD, incense,
peanut clusters, coin purse, gift card and more!
Once we arrived in Julian we walked main street where we
perused a bookstore, looked in a few specialty shops, lunched at what once was the vintage
corner drugstore, and went on a search to find the local jail (no longer in use). Last stop was The Julian Pie Company to buy two whole pies to share and devour with others back home.
 |
| I wonder who got the final piece of the apple/rhubard pie at Debby's house |
Curious to know how Debby viewed last year's birthday adventure I asked her "What was your favorite part about the
Julian outing?" She was quick with her answer: “It was the drive up there with
the fun presents and conversation. But I also loved our lunch time—the food and
the company. I love simple, day outings.”
Simple. Day. Outings.
Did you notice she did not mention "pie"? No, what she cherished was being with friends, and laughter, and a few hours on the road viewing God's creation.
I'm convicted by her words, as I too often let tasks take precedence over being with others. It's time I plan another relaxing getaway. Perhaps to nearby Oak Glen, well known for its apple dumplings and scenic drive. I'm pretty sure Debby will want to go.
My second memory took place at a big, red barn in New Hampshire a few years ago. It too involves apples. I'll tell you all about this special event in my next blog which I promise will be soon.
Hope you'll come back!
Julie
I so enjoyed your Julian story, Julie. Brought to my mind two trips I made to Julian, one with my Dad and his dear wife, Uschi, while she was still well and cancer hadn't made its return trip to her. We walked the street, had pie, laughed, visited a winery somewhere around there and just had a marvelous day. Another trip was after the horrible fire down there that devastated that area. Again, we drove, looked, but were very subdued. There was another trip that I didn't make, when my half-sister, Heidi, went with our Dad to scatter her mom's ashes there in the woods outside Julian. Thanks for sharing this lovely memory. I'd love to be one of your favorite websites. :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed learning about your Julian trips. Hope your next journey there will be a happy one like you had with your Dad. -- Will be glad to add your website to my favorites!
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