Monday, August 22, 2005

One Perfect Day (part two)

Reed Valley Orchard

Mentally I made a list of all the things I wanted to cram into this beautiful Saturday. First on the list, was a trip to Reed Valley Orchard because it is north of Lexington and easily navigated from the highway.

I decided to take a detour of sorts and exited onto Pike 36 and made the 25 mile trek through the hills and fields of central bluegrass. This is what my heart misses. The twisty roads that take you up to a crest where a breathtaking panoramic view of foothills, forests, fenced in fields, and the ripened golden yellow tobacco bases are laid out below you.

Where every field is fenced and the trees grace the side of the road, their heavy heads leaning towards each other crating a canopy of soft green dancing light as you travel under. The wildflowers are in full bloom despite the extremely dry and hot summer.  I see the purple iron weed, the white Queen Anne lace, and my favorite, the blue chicory, which is everywhere. I am home.

Reeds Orchard was packed on a late Saturday morning. I went around the store in search of the absolute best Hot Red pepper jelly in the world! And suddenly, there it was, hidden on a shelf, pushed to the back. (I realize it does not sound appetizing, but on a cracker with cream cheese.....heaven.)  When I finally made it to the counter I asked the clerk if she had anymore than the two jars on the shelf. I bought every jar she had in the back. And two pecks of peaches, please.

They only had the half-pecks out. So she asked me to be patient, she would get my peaches from the back.

Then a huge crowd hit! I wandered outside and enjoyed the sultry 96 degree temperature and the expansive apple tree orchard.  People kept coming and coming. Buying ice cream, picking their own peaches, buying half-pecks.

I stand to the back and wait....and wait...and wait...and wait. She is very apologetic and finally gets the owner to bring out the full pecks for me.  Everyone tells me how sorry they are.

Big Deal. I have my peaches.  I have my Hot Red Pepper Jelly.

"I gave you a discount", she whispered to me.  A pretty hefty discount! She knocked off ten bucks!!!

Patience is a virtue......and will get you a discount!

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

red pepper jelly? on crackers with cream cheese? Never had that one but I bet it's great with a couple cold beers!
Maryanne

Anonymous said...

Your patience paid off didn't it. Love your picture. Have a nice day. Helen

Anonymous said...

Harry and David makes a hot and sweet pepper and onion relish that is awesome with cream cheese...so I know what you mean. Woo hoo discount peaches!

Anonymous said...

Oh Mary, Thanks for take ME home again. I always went to Garret's Orchard. How I miss those twisted wonderful scenic roads. My heart aches to go back there.  Anne

Anonymous said...

I am a hot pepper jelly addict.  The hotter the better.  If it ain't hot, it's just jelly.  We have a local bunch around here in Portland that makes like eight or ten different varieties.  Last night, I snacked on the margarita flavor.  MMMmmmm...  Lisa  :-]  

Anonymous said...

Is the pepper jelly anything like jalapeno jelly?  (Love jalapeno jelly!)  And...what will you do with two pecks of peaches?  Pie?  Preserves?  Company?

;o)

~~ jennifer

Anonymous said...

Really love your peaches, wanna shake your tree. Hay! It's done.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful day ou had!  Sounds like 'ag season' here in the valley.  Being the granddaughter of famers, I always liked to watch the 'city folk' come out and try to pick their own fruit.  It was easy to see that they needed to keep their day jobs!

Anonymous said...

MY GOODNESS,,, I CAN TASTE THE SUGAR IN THOSE PEACHES,,,HOW WONDERFUL,,, LOVE YOUR JOURNAL,,, Marie,

please check,   TO THOSE WHO LISTEN       THANKS

Anonymous said...

Good things (and hefty discounts) come to those who wait!

Fresh peach pecks, twisty roads and soft green lights dancing... *sigh*  That sounds really nice.  :)

Anonymous said...

Been to the South many times since my Dad was born in Alabama and my grandparents lived in Loooosiana most of their lives. I don't think I ever saw blue chickory but is that what they use as coffee? Sounds like a heavenly day. Happy you had it. :) See you CAN come home again.

Anonymous said...

     I love Kentucky. And I love discounts. That truly was a good day.
Jude
http://journals.aol.com/JmoranCoyle/MyWay

Anonymous said...

Your story is beautifully written and gives the sense of living life to its fullest.  The photos captures so much.     mark

Anonymous said...

Hmmm...I wonder if we have something like that around here. I'd even drive for it. It sounds like fun and a nice reprieve from city dwelling. :-) ---Robbie