The Berry Barn in Scholls, Oregon

(Or: How I hate blogger for refusing-9 times- to post the prettiest picture ever of this farm)

Just another picture of the hooligans on stacks of hay. What I wanted you to be looking at instead is a picture I took of the apple and pear orchard we took a ride through on their tractor. It was overcast and the trees had that gorgeous grey soft look, the look they get when the weather turns, with the last few pieces of fruit hanging on the branches like singular jewels. But, whatever. Apparently blogger has it's own twisted code of censorship where all pretty pictures of orchards are refused.

Tractor rides are not for people looking for a fast thrill or wild entertainment. They are pastoral, bumpy, humble, and take you through the prettiest sights: farm-land. Though these kids regularly expect super-hero level excitement, they seemed to enjoy this ride almost as much as us adults did.

This was an apple festival week-end and so they had some special things going on like face painting for kids...for free. Tip jar only. She had a book from which the kids could choose designs. I was genuinely surprised that Max opted for a full face of paint. Normally he would not subject himself to the type of poking, touching, and clausterphobic feel of face-paint that is involved here. And then I half expected him to uneasily request that I take it off two minutes later. He kept his Spiderman face on for the rest of the day.

Elena chose to be a "Magic Cat". I was amazed at how still she sat for the face paint artist. For a three year old she shows great potential for growing into a zen master with a Doctorate in martial arts (that's right, she looks gentle and sweet, and can be, but don't you dare underestimate her tough side. She is no meek banana!)

Look at the magic cat! Careful, she looks like she sees a mouse. Better not be you.

The requisite pig shot. I don't know this guy's name, but he's only twice as big as the rooster you see here strutting his stuff. Philip, who went to the Berry Barn the next day, thought this guy looked like a piglet...I don't know, he kind of had a mature energy to him. He wags his tail when you talk to him though. Like a dog. Myrtle could chew this guy up in one delicious bacon bite.


More highlights from the Berry Barn:

• They have a store that is incredible. They sell some Wendy Addison (reproduction) Halloween decorations, lots of super cool flour-sack kitchen towels, gourmet foods, french soaps, and great books on cooking and gardening. I spent a lot of time in the store and bought one of the Wendy Addison decorations for this year's Halloween addition (I buy one special Halloween, and one special Christmas decoration a year) I was introduced to Wendy Addison (and similar work) by my good friend Lucille. So every time I see them I think of her. (Also, Lucille, there were some super cool acorn dishes there!) This store is like a chic country store, but without all the cute Grandma references and sweet-sick country-life references. Country with class. I want my store to have the same feeling, like you walk in and know you have to explore to find all the goodies that are merchandised so well I've practically bought everything before I've been in there for five minutes.

• They sell quite a lot of apple varieties: Spitzenburg (more on that later, and another thing that reminds me of Lucille), Rome Beauty, Liberty, Cox's Orange Pippen, Newton Pippen, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Roxbury Russet, Elstar, Critereon (sorry, this is the only apple I've ever hated), and a few more I can't remember right now. The boys tried lots of different kinds and in the end their favorite, every time, was the Spitzenburg. This is the only time I've been able to get Max to take part in an actual taste test. It's pretty cute the way he says "Spitzenburg" frequently now, as though it's been his favorite since he was born.

• They also sell some trees. Because they have a nursery. So we fell under the tree charm and we each bought a Spitzenburg. Plus I bought a Red Bartlett. The guy who takes care of the orchard (one of the family that owns the farm) is super patient and nice, so if you buy a tree from them you can ask as many questions as you want and he'll do his best to answer it. I mean, unless you're asking him why "Pi" isn't being taught to Kindergarteners. I'm not really sure what his feelings on that are, but tree questions...

• I have to tell you about the pie. Real pie, as in apple pie. Another family member is responsible for making the pies and if they ever have any while you're there, I highly suggest you try a piece. I don't like a lot of people's apple pie, especially the crust. I'm picky about crust. Her crust is fantastic, the apples are cooked just enough without being mushy, there's just enough of the sticky saucy stuff to make it pleasing without it being mostly congealed sugar. The taste is phenomenal. Their carmel apples are good too, but forget that, eat some pie. I don't even know the name of the lady who makes them (I should have asked) but if I had a pie medal, I'd give her one.

• Now, for a quick note about Spitzenburgs: I first heard of them from my friend Lucille and my other neighbor Sandra. I'm pretty sure they both have Spitzenburgs in their yards. It doesn't seem like any commercial orchards in Sonoma county are selling them which is too bad. Lucille said it was one of her favorite apples and now that I've tasted them, I totally see why. They are firm, tart, sweet, sprightly, and juicy. Very apple-y flavor. So I'm really excited to have one in my yard.

Well, I'm off to work on some other things now. Like finishing those aprons. (I lied about staying til they were done the other night.) You all have a great Tuesday!