Honey Pot Hill Orchards

What is Fall without a scenic drive through the windy roads of Stowe, MA to go apple picking with my better half? 

Orchard of choice ... Honey Pot Hill a 200-acre family owned and operated farm since 1923 in Stowe, MA.

Being that it was not only a beautiful Fall Saturday afternoon, but also a three-day weekend because of Collumbus Day, we were not the only ones who decided it would be a good day for apple picking. Although parking took some time, once we purchased our bag {before you enter the orchard you wait in line at the stand to purchase a bag depending on the size of your group. For us that meant the $16 10 lb. bag} and headed into the actual orchard there were more than enough apples to go around. 

They even had nifty ladders {some medal, others wooden} leaning against some of the trees for reaching the higher treasures. 

Also felt it was an excellent opportunity to show off my manicure.  

The best apple picking partner a girl could ask for.

Isn't he just the cutest?!

The 200-acre farm grows 25 varieties of apples, however, not all 25 are available during all parts of the season. We tried to pick some of every kind available - MacIntosh, Cortland, Red Delicious, Empire, Spencer and Macoum. 

 The delicious, crisp Empire. 

What kind of apple pickers would we be if we didn't follow up our outting with some baking! Check our our homemade {from scratch} apple crisp. 

Add some Breyers vanilla ice cream. BAM. delicious. savory. sweet goodness.

 

Betty Crocker's Apple Crisp Recipe 

via

 

4 medium tart cooking apples sliced (4 cups)

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup old-fashioned oats

1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened

3/4 tsp. group cinnamon

3/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

 

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 375* F. Grease bottom and sides of 8-inch square pan with shortening.

 

2. Spread apples in pan. In medium bowl, stir remaining ingredients except cream until well missed; sprinkle over apples.

 

3. Bake about 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Serve warm with ice cream.

AND Monday, in honor of our day off we decided to continue the Fall festivities with some warm apple, cinnamon pancakes and pumpkin spice coffee.

Air Force Ball

This year the United States Air Force celebrated its 66th birthday! To commemorate this milestone, Hanscom Air Fore Base {where we currently call home} decided to throw a formal Anniversary Ball in the base's Aero Club Hanger.

 

Fancy dresses.

Spiffy uniforms.

Special presentations.

Catered dinner.

Cheesecake.

Dancing.

Sore feet.

good night.

 

 

 

My handsome date, Lt. Daniel Langston 

 

My beautiful neighbors!

 

During the night's presentations, as is tradition at Air Force functions, all those in attendance were asked to recite the Airman's Creed:

 

I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN.
I AM A WARRIOR.
I HAVE ANSWERED MY NATION'S CALL.

I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN.
MY MISSION IS TO FLY, FIGHT, AND WIN.
I AM FAITHFUL TO A PROUD HERITAGE,
A TRADITION OF HONOR,
AND A LEGACY OF VALOR.
I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN,
GUARDIAN OF FREEDOM AND JUSTICE,
MY NATION'S SWORD AND SHIELD,
ITS SENTRY AND AVENGER.
I DEFEND MY COUNTRY WITH MY LIFE.
I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN:
WINGMAN, LEADER, WARRIOR.
I WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AIRMAN BEHIND,
I WILL NEVER FALTER,
AND I WILL NOT FAIL

This creed serves as a powerful reminder of all the Air Force stands for and the commitment of the men and women who proudly wear its uniform. In moments such as these I could not be more proud to support my airman and all that he has committed to.



 

The Fenway ladies! 





 

HAPPY BITHRDAY to the world's greatest Air Force. AND thank you to all those past and present who have served and protected this great Nation. For the sacrifices of the service members and their loved ones. For the heritage left behind, and for the freedoms I enjoy every day as a result of the sacrifices you have made I thank you.