Going to the "eastside" is one of our favorite things to do. They have a wonderful climate for growing peaches, apples, apricots, tomatoes and on and on. Its very hot and dry there, and lots of open space, amber waves of grain (wheat) grows abundantly. We were in an area closer to the cascade mountains, where they grow mainly fruit.
We explored the side roads and small towns enjoying the people. We stopped in a little town called "Plain", and plain it is. If I remember correctly, it has a grocery store/gas station, hardware store, school, and church. I always tell Paul I would love to live there. We checked out the hardware store, talked to some folks, gassed up and went on to look for fruit.
When we arrived in Wenatchee, we saw a sign for peaches in a small orchard. We like to support small business, so stopped there. We enjoyed a short visit with "Grampa" before buying several boxes of beautiful freestone peaches.
After that we went to Leavenworth, a small Bavarian town in the mountains. We had a lovely dinner and then off to the farmers market in the park. We got carried away with an amazing display of organic hot and sweet peppers. I bought bags full of beautiful colored hot peppers to make jelly and salsa with later.
On our way home, we stopped high in the mountains for a short hike. We found a stunning view of the peaks and valleys there. I meditated on what I was seeing for awhile, making sure to imprint the image so I could recall it later.
Now my husband and I are well into our sixth decade, when we were young and the children were at home having time and solitude for romance was always an issue. While at home there are always so many things to do, and that is always first and foremost on our minds. Even when the children are gone and you age, romance is still important. I would encourage you to get away, as far as it takes to separate yourself mentally from your responsibilities, whether it be in the mountains, a hotel or the hayloft and "become one". We were designed to be intimate, to heal, refresh and develop a bond much deeper than a friendship.
It was starting to get dark when we left the mountain and had a long drive. Still vivid, with the smells and colors still fresh in my mind. I was thankful for the day and the lingering memories, as we drove home, crowding out the encroaching darkness outside.
A week later my peaches were ripe and it was time to can them. I love the golden jars. Of course you cant can peaches without baking a pie.
Now this winter when I open a jar of those peaches I'm going to remember that warm day, I will bring to my mind the pictures and emotions that I stored away for a cold winter day.
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