Because the apples are falling
and the light is fading
under its own golden weight.
Because a road trip scrubs the rough edges from a tired mind.
I threw a bag into the backseat and headed north.
Ukiah, Booneville, Philo
Elk, Jenner, Freestone
I found fruit.
I drove.
I talked to myself.
I drove.
I watched the days deepen into autumn.
I drove.
An old copper jam pot bigger than your kitchen sink? Yours for $700.
Bottles and jars. Blue and white.
Cookbooks for the intrepid housewife.
Recipe for a Fall Road Trip
1 blue Subaru
1 pair cowboy boots
1 favorite pillow
2 cameras
Bluebird Cafe (Hopland)
Pumpkinfest (Ukiah)
Coffee Critic (Ukiah)
Redwood Valley Farmers Market
Boonville General Store (Duh)
Farmhouse Mercantile (Boonville)
The Apple Farm (Philo . . . get your quince here!)
Antique Society (Sebastopol)
Goodwill Industries (Everywhere)
Northern California Highways 101, 253, 128, 1, and 116.
Gently fold all ingredients together in a large addled brain. Let sit quietly for two days. Stir. Makes 1 life-affirming serving.
