The Fruit Cupboard

Here summer lies, imprisoned in a jar,

And autumn stands beside it in a glass.

Crab-apple jelly and pear pickles are

the fruits of autumn while strawberries class

as summer sweetness drained ere roses pass.

There is such beauty on these shelves of mine,

the scarlett chili sauce, the pretty green

of piccalilli, and beet relish fine

in brighter red with pale pears set between;

and jars of jam lend contrast to the scene.

The bees store honey from the sunny bowers;

the ants prepare for snow in summers heat.

My cupboard is a record of long hours

but now behind glass doors the seasons mett,

and all my toil, inspired by love is sweet

by: Anne Campbell (from an 1980's Ideal Autumn book)

My garden is now gone, except for a few banana peppers and a very few small tomatoes. I have sowed some turnip, kale, and mustard greens for the fall. Everything that could be preserved, has been. In the winter when I open one of my jars of fruits or vegetables that I canned, I am reminded of summer. I am ready for fall! Tomorrow I will share a wonderful fall cookie recipe. Soft Molasses Cookies.

Blessings

Linda