25 degrees, as it was this morning, is certainly deserving of a nice, warm fire - one that is still going, I might add. Morning coffee & toast in front of the fire may extend to afternoon tea if it doesnt get warmer. Dogs were quite comfy in their heated conservatory and have returned to it regularly this morning. Blossom has claimed a dog bed close to the heater and isnt moving until it really warms up outside. The cold temperatures have given me an excellent excuse to remain snugly indoors (not that I especially need one) and to go through the lists of fruit trees available for 2014 spring planting. I recently learned that Louisville has been upgraded to Zone 7 - something I find highly optimistic - & that this area is now considered Zone 6. They lie. I ascribe to a more cautious choice of Zone 5 hardiness that unfortunately restricts some of my choices from meltingly succulent to winter hardy. However, Im leaning towards the addition of several more all-purpose apples & another couple of cider apples: Calville Blanc (considered a very high quality French heirloom dessert apple), Foxwhelp (cider apple), Victoria Limbertwig (all purpose), Pumpkin Russet (all-purpose;), Grimes Golden (dessert; baking), Muscat de Bernay (French cider apple), & Im still torn on a choice of several other all-purpose, sweet apples (Hunt Russet, Mother, Snow, & Summer Rambo). Would that I could afford them all! Several, by the way, are Appalachian heirlooms that have been grown in the area since it was first settled. Im so in hopes that our apples will begin to bear well next year - theyre still young, but are beginning to flower abundantly & have small fruits. Catherines home-made apple butter was a delicious incentive. If anyone has personal experience with any of these cultivars, let me know your opinions. Other suggestions are always more than welcome as apple growing is somewhat new to me since I originally come from citrus country. On a very different note: if anyone out there enjoys sewing & has the time, please contact me if youre interested in making some simple curtains. Ive given up on finding ready-made ones that hit all the right notes, and dont have the time to make them myself. I also am looking for anyone experienced in doing upholstery. I have several pieces incl. a couple of antique pieces, that I want to have reupholstered. This is one skill I cannot count among my talents and Im so in awe of those who know how!
Posted on: Fri, 25 Oct 2013 15:01:17 +0000
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