Try to remember

September 26th is Johnny Appleseed Day, the comical Disney figure who traveled the wilds of America spreading apple seeds. He was in fact a serious missionary by the name of John Chapman, an original American St. Francis, with a love and respect for all living creatures.

Chapman was one of the first ethical vegetarians and went to great pains not to hurt animals, including insects. The apples he cultivated were an important crop and most went into the production of hard cider.  In the 1800's, the average Massachusetts settler consumed about 35 gallons of hard cider a year.  

The new Honey-crisp apples (my favorite) are in the stores, so today is a good day to remember to eat an apple and maybe take a day off eating meat in honor of Johnny Appleseed.  Have you tried following the "Meatless Monday" habit?  We did for a while, and I plan to get back in the habit of cooking vegetarian supper on Mondays. They say if everyone gave up meat just one day a week, it would have a tremendous impact on global health and saving precious resources.

The eastern part of the country is still getting drenched, but our September weather is at the peak of perfection.  But sunrise was at 7:01 this morning, sunset at 6:58.  We are tipping over into the dark time.  No wonder so many lovely and poignant songs have been written about the bittersweet month of September.