"Youth is a circumstance you can't do anything about. The trick is to grow up without getting old." --Frank Lloyd Wright

Every morning I'm greeted by angels. They perch quietly atop my armoire. One for each woman in my immediate family. March and December for my amazing grandmothers. January for a sister who left us six months before I was born. And, October, times two, for my mother and me.

The knowledge, the love, and the wisdom of my female relatives is such a rich heritage. A gift I continue to open and explore. The gentle humor, homespun wisdom, and unmatched energy of my maternal grandma. The grace, talent, and deep intelligence of my paternal grandmother. And the unconditional love and tireless one-woman cheering squad also known as Mom.

I am humbled to be a part of this group. I hope that, like them, I can truly make a difference to those who surround me. Yes. It's my birthday.

"How many apples fell on Newton's head before he took the hint?" --Robert Frost

I've always turned my nose up at fancy apple peelers. They waste too much of the apple. I prefer the "zen" of paring and coring by hand. They cost too much....

A few pies and a batch of applesauce later, I've changed my mind.

I planted a pair of Granny Smith trees in my backyard this summer. With any luck, someone will present me with one of these before the trees begin producing. (hint, hint) This one is pretty too but a little pricey.

The tiny apples are crabs but they are sweet! We got them from Charles and Susan of Prairie Song Apiary.

Going to let my hands rest now. ;)