When I think of orchards, I always see sunshine, blue skies and windfalls – loads of apples littered about the base of a big, tree with wide branches and leafy greens somewhere in Italia. I see grandpa with his golfer’s hat, sitting at the table, his elbows resting on the red and white gingham tablecloth while his wife, grandma works with her hands and voice, giving instruction to the rest of her crew on which apples should go where, for what and by when. The whole scene is wrapped in family fun and laughter.

So imagine my excitement when my daughter’s class had a trip to an apple orchard planned. I volunteered to go straight away. Read more…