Do you have a tradition that revolves around a particular season? Has it followed you from childhood into adulthood?

One of my own began at The Big Apple orchard. Each autumn, my family and I would pile into our car for a short ride, a bounce as T calls it, to the orchard. My brother, sister and I would tuck ourselves all snug in the backseat. Puffed in thick jackets. I'd sit between them to keep their nudging, poking, teasing and whining at bay. Upon arrival, we'd tumble out onto the dusty, sandy parking lot in front of the barn that served as a storefront, bakery and apple processing arena.

We'd spend time sipping cider from tinsy waxed cups. Marvel at the rapid apple sorting. Relish a candied or caramel apple still warm from the recent coating of delicious sugary substances. Sticky red lips and hands would follow. Divine remnants lodged between teeth. Sometimes, we picked cold apples from gnarly branches, warming our hands with sweetened breath against the brisk air. Once, we bumped along on a hayride. Each car ride home brimmed with giddy sugar highs and sated sweet teeth.

I haven't reflected upon these days in many years. Last weekend, they snuck to mind. For the last few years, Nils and I have been visiting neighboring orchards settled near Mattapoisett. The visits are always spontaneous. His idea. Hints begin weeks before the weather cools.

Last Sunday, I was coaxing rest while also keeping an eye on a delightfully bad horror flick when Nils slid open the door, plopped on the bed and uttered the magical question that I can never resist, Want to take a ride to the apple orchard? I grumbled a faint, Yes. Wiped the catnap from my eyes. Stretched energy back into my limbs. Ugh, the sacrifices I make...

Our friends, Kelly and Mike joined us on the trek (they're dang adorable in this photo, no?). And, what a view the ride showcased. I held my face up to the warm air breezing through the window. Took notice of the vibrant leaves. Some strumming a scattered song along the roadside. Others dangling a final hold on sprawling branches reaching toward us around every bend. Bright sunshine lit them up even more. Once again, I was in the backseat on my way to the orchard.

And that's when realization woke. Here we were, without really knowing it, maintaining a tradition. Together. Without getting all lovey dovey, I will simply say, the moment caught me by surprise and cozied my heart.

I'm hard pressed to find a man more eager than Nils is to get his teeth around an apple freshly plucked from a sunny basket. I replenish my honey stash with a jar or bear and flavored honey sticks. They serve sweet reminders in my daily cup of tea. We lug a jug of cider home. For a couple weeks it elbows most of our fridge inhabitants out of place.

This time round, Nils also surprised me with a token of what's ahead for us, someday. A simple tree ornament decorated with a Santa and a wish for a Cape Cod Christmas. We also sniffed out the spicy candle that made the orchard's stand smell like it was inside an apple pie.

I hope that you too enjoy the essence of fall in your area. If you may, get your hands on some apple cider, set aside some time with those you adore, and follow this recipe for a sweet and spirited sipper to share.

Cheers.

Sweet & Spicy Apple Cider
serves one thirsty wanderer

1 mug of sweet apple cider
1 shot Wild Turkey American Honey liqueur
1 tablespoon Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce syrup
1 cinnamon stick

Warm the mug of apple cider in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Remove from the microwave. Stir in the liqueur and syrup with the cinnamon stick. Sip and enjoy the sweetly spiced warmth.

Also, notice the snazzy Foodbuzz badge on the left?
If you'd like to vote for me, I've been nominated in the Best Writing Voice category for the 2009 Foodbuzz Blog Awards.
To vote, simply click on the badge and follow the instructions on the linked page.
Voting is through Thursday. Thanks!!