I love the Fall and change of seasons and my family and I took advantage of the unusually warm fall temps and we went apple picking last weekend. This is a picture from the apple farm we went to and we did get a ride on the tractor and picked apples here. We picked some delicious Jonagold apples and I made an apple crisp which is a family favorite. We had a great time but being outdoors among the rampant ragweed triggered my allergies. For some reason, I've acquired a severe ragweed allergy as an adult and each fall it gets worse even being on allergy medicines. I ended up having difficulty breathing by Tuesday and had to go to the doctor who diagnosed me with asthmatic bronchitis and gave me medicine and a cortisone shot which I've never gotten before. I'm better but still struggling a bit and hope that my body can fight this.
Apple Crisp Recipe from Betty Crocker
| 4 | medium tart cooking apples, sliced (4 cups) |
| 3/4 | cup packed brown sugar |
| 1/2 | cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour |
| 1/2 | cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats |
| 1/3 | cup butter or margarine, softened |
| 3/4 | teaspoon ground cinnamon |
| 3/4 | teaspoon ground nutmeg |
| Cream or Ice cream, if desired |
- Heat oven to 375ºF. Grease bottom and sides of 8-inch square pan with shortening.
- Spread apples in pan. In medium bowl, stir remaining ingredients except cream until well mixed: sprinkle over apples.
- Bake about 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Serve warm with cream (we prefer ice cream).
*This is the recipe that I usually make and it is a favorite.
I've been working part time since August and that has been a major adjustment and has contributed to why I haven't been blogging as much. I do enjoy working in a school environment as an Occupational Therapist, it's a new area for me and I'm learning a lot. It's cute when the kids want to give you a hug or get so excited and proud when they've accomplished something new or reach a goal. One student brought a book to the therapy room with them and I had to ask about the series he was reading. I've adjusted my schedule and work load and I hope to be able to spend more time reading and blogging. I am behind on my reviews but will get to them soon. I've been very selective of the books that I've accepted to review which are not many at this time. For some reason, I've noticed that I've been getting more unsolicited books for review sent to me in hopes that I'll read and review them. Many are not books that I am interested in and I would not normally choose to read. I'm passing them on to friends or will have a giveaway here and share them with my readers. The intention is to spread the word about new books, although I'd prefer to be asked first.
Books I'm reading:
Out of the shadows
by Joanne Rendell
by Joanne Rendell
Shadow of the Wind
by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Audiobook that I'm listening to:
by Rebecca Skloot
That ragweed is a killer - sorry it got you down so much, but I'm happy to hear that you're settling into your job.
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to keep windows open while I still can but it's playing havoc with my allergies, too. When my asthma flared back up again when I was 40, it was the fall and it took steroids to knock it back to controllable levels. It really does wipe you out working so hard to breathe, doesn't it? I've been craving apple crisp all day! I'm going to have to hit one of the stands tomorrow; you have me drooling now!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the pictures and recipe, made me feel really autumn-y :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Bonnie! I'm so glad you are enjoying your new job and settling in! I do miss you posts, but totally understand why you can't post as much. Take care!
ReplyDeleteThe apple farm outing sounded fun - well except for the ragweed, yuck. I'm sending you good, healing thoughts, Bonnie. Enjoy the books you're reading. That apple crisp photo makes my mouth water, LOL.
ReplyDeleteI am allergic to all sorts of things now and I never used to be. The same thing happens to me. Whatever it is, triggers an asthma attack and then I have to use a steroid inhaler which I detest. I haven't had to have cortisone yet. I drank a super green drink the other day and reacted to that because of the grasses!
ReplyDeleteApple picking sounds like such a nice activity. We'd have to drive a bit to do that here.
*achoo* I totally sympathize with your fall allergies and I hope the cortisone and meds bring you full relief. I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying your new job as Occupational Therapist; it must be quite rewarding.
ReplyDeleteYou have a book on your list that I've been curious about. So I'll be watching for your review of Shadow of the Wind.
Great season, enjoy, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteApple picking is a great way to celebrate Fall! That tractor is awesome & a fun way to get around the orchards I bet.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to read about your breathing troubles & asthma diagnosis. I hope you are feeling better. The cortisone shot should help along with the other meds. I have had asthma for years & once you find the right meds, its usually quite manageable.
I hope you're enjoying the books you're reading. I've heard good things about "Out of the Shadows" and "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks".
~ Amy
I've been suffering for allergies for months. I don't remember being allergic to anything when I was little.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your new job! It's tricky trying to keep up with a job and read!
I hope those allergies get under control..we need a good hard frost and maybe that will take care of it! I'm so glad that you're enjoying your job. Sounds like the kids like you!!!! Thanks for the great recipe..looks delicious!!
ReplyDeleteHope your feeling better. My book group LOVED Shadow of the Wind, am interested to know what yours thinks of it. I am also looking forward to your review of the Henrietta Lacks books as I think it might be a good non fiction read for the Book Group.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your allergies - they sound awful! I hope you are feeling better.
ReplyDeleteHow nice that your job is so rewarding.
I get strange unsolicited copies sometimes too. Because I didn't ask for them I try not to feel guilty if I don't review them. If I don't review them I give them away or donate them to the library.