My great aunt M often visited for a few weeks in the summer from her home in the middle of New York. She was an avid birdwatcher, naturalist, hiker and storyteller. In WorldWar II, she served as an army nurse, returning to become a school nurse for the remainder of her working years. She loved the weeks of freedom to travel and we anxiously anticipated her visits. She taught us the value in a smile, the power of a kind word, the peace of silence. When Pappy joined our family, he loved chauffeuring her to reunions with family. He eagerly anticipated her autumn gift of fresh maple syrup! Actually, we all did.
It’s no stretch then to observe my joy when “all things pumpkin“ arrive in a flurry during Indian Summer. Nothing tickles my tastebuds though, as much as that creamy maple flavored ____ you can fill in the blank here. When I found some cookies filled with maple cream, Pappy ate the whole bag and lamented that they weren’t available year round. This morning I sweetly miss both of these people so important in forming my attitudes. My cinnamon toast made with maple butter, ginger peach tea and the smell of pumpkin custard in the oven, are the most glorious reminders of two special people forever dwelling in my heart.
