Fall Fun at the Farm

Fall is here and so is the opportunity to get outside and play! Yesterday, my husband and I took our two youngest grandchildren (ages 5 and 3) to Flax Pond Farm in Carver (MA). We all love cranberries and this is the main product this farm produces. It was the first day of harvesting and we were treated to a tour of the bogs and a demonstration of processing cranberries for sale.

Then we went to their shop to have some fresh cranberry juice and look at all the products they sell that use these delightful berries. The kids loved the dried cranberries and we bought some of these and some of the locally-produced cranberry honey.

Why am I writing about this fall adventure on a joy and prosperity blog? Several reasons. First, it was a truly joyful day for all of us and reminded me how many fall activities offer similar pleasures. Second, it didn't cost us a thing - except for what we bought. Third, I really enjoyed spending time with the woman owner who has lived all her life within a mile of this bog - and has been cranberry farming for 33 years. We are big fans of buying local and this was a good opportunity to do so.

Finally, I wanted to share a picture and two facts with you. I always thought the farmers loaded the berries onto trucks to bring them to the processing areas. Imagine my surprise when I learned that this farm uses helicopters to pick up the cranberries and deliver them to Ocean Spray. I was even more surprised that Ocean Spray gets its cranberries from a cooperative of many, small farms like Flax Pond. As a supporter of local produce, this helps assuage my conscience when I do resort to buying cranberries at the supermarket.

My challenge for you this week is to go online, seek out some fall activity in your area, and go out and play!

Almost in my Own Backyard

I've been following my own advice and found great ways to celebrate the final weeks of summer. One warm day, my husband and I drove 10 minutes to a park in a neighboring town. My nephew had been a lifeguard at the beach there for years and told us what a great place it was. Somehow we were still surprised to find a beautiful, clean pond with a sandy beach. And, lots of trees and grass - important for me since I don't like spending too much time in the sun. The water was warm and the swimming great fun. I just can't believe this is the first time we've been there. It certainly won't be the last.

Yesterday we went back to the same town for its annual Waterfront Festival which we had attended in other years. But this year, we were with the grandkids and got to watch the Duck races and see them delight riding the race cars and the horses on the carousel. We perused the numerous booths, but I had more fun watching the boats in the harbor. Each year this festival provides us with different things to do.

We ended the day by going to an intriguing, new ice cream shop. It was in another nearby town and had just opened this summer. The people who own it have created a fascinating place to sit and eat their yummy ice cream. On the deck are an abundance of flowers, plants, and lime green tables and chairs. More seating places in the yard, ranging from colorful Adirondack chairs, to old-fashioned stools, white cast iron tables and chairs, to a life sized cow you can sit on. The shop is called "The Whole Scoop" but I call it "The Perfect Ice Cream Experience".

There is still one week left of summer and we plan to find new places to enjoy. Join us and get every moment of enjoyment this week and let me know what surprises you find in or near your own backyard.

The Joys of Friendship - Part Two

An old saying tells us that "New friends are silver but old friends are gold." If you read yesterday's post, you know how much I value old friends. New friends to me are equally valuable. In fact, I'd put any and all good friends in the platinum category.

Last week my husband and I stayed in this lovely lake front home in Maine - a generous gift from Elaine, a new friend. She called it "house sitting" but I know she only said that so we would be comfortable taking her up on such a generous offer.

I met Elaine through my brother a couple of years ago. They were in the area and stopped by my home for lunch. Soon, the guys were forgotten as we began to talk...and talk... and talk. We are about the same age and share many common interests. We started an email friendship. I love getting her emails. She has a real gift for narrative and a great sense of humor. Our friendship expanded this winter when she was dealing with a serious medical challenge with her young granddaughter who had been attacked by a poisonous jelly fish and I was facing life changes due to my husband's illness.

We don't see each other often, but I know that she will be there if I need her...and I will be there for her, too. Isn't that what friendship's all about?

So, no matter your age or the busyness of your life, be on the look out for a new friend. Like love and joy, one can never have too many good friends.

The joy of friendships - Part One

When I look at this picture and see my friend Kathy reading to my youngest grandchild, memory brings me back more than 50 years. I was entering the 4th grade in a new school and so was she. Kathy had just moved into my neighborhood and soon we became friends, riding bikes, swimming, complaining about school, and starting our own "Polly Pigtails Club".

Who would have believed that more than five decades later, my old playmate would be reading to my grandson? Over the years, we went our separate ways, got married, had families, jobs, and lots of responsibilities. Every few years, we would reconnect and get together for lunch with some other childhood friends. We had such fun remembering old times and bringing each other up to date on our present lives.

This year Kathy was diagnosed with breast cancer. After years of participating in "Relay for Life" to support other cancer survivors and remember those who had passed on, Kathy was determined to participate again. And she did, with her husband, her adult children and grandchild and her sisters by her side. She has now had her last round of chemo and is doing surprisingly well.

I shouldn't say "surprisingly". Given the spirituality and joy with which she leads her life, I am not surprised at all. I am simply grateful...for her healing and for the times we have had together these past two months. It's too bad that it took a health challenge to remind me of the importance of spending time with friends. Now, the hour drive to her home seems so short and the time together so precious that I am committed to continue our adventures in friendship for many decades to come.

Is there an old friend in your life that you could like to connect with? Don't waste another minute. Pick up the phone now. If you don't have the phone number, go online and locate him or her today. No matter your age or stage in life, the value of old friends can never be underestimated.