Falling in love with Autumn
September comes with the peak of fig, grapes, apples, cornelius cherries and end of plums. The fall pears, jujube dates, quince, pomegranates, walnuts, chestnuts and persimmons are just starting to ripen plus we have a few lemons, oranges and mandarins that will be ready next month.
We've spent the last three days hand picking grapes, crushing and removing the stems and managed to collect 400 liters of grapes (another 200 liters started) brewing up some mushti (sparkling grape juice), wine and raki.
I (Kim) had two family visitors for the first time in eight years. It was amazing to see Albania through fresh eyes and play tour guide for a few days. Also visited the infamous tattoo bunker and met the artist Keq Marku. We had a wonderful visit and more to come next month.
The fall harvest includes our ever producing watermelon which we enjoy at least one a day since July. It's blown our expectations out of the water. The garden is still kicking out eggplants, peppers, spinach, tomatoes, basil, cucumbers, zucchini, and aronia. We've prepped the greenhouse for additional green lettuce, tomatoes, peppers and basil.
We've walked the pomegranate orchard to inspect the new growth post frost damage and are happy that even some of the smaller trees have a few fruits. The start of our You Pick season begins with Hicaznar (Turkish variety), ruby red and sweet. After we finish the vine to wine we'll start the collect, squeeze and freeze process for the pomegranate juice.
The Orchard Guard Tower has been nearly full this month with guests from Germany, Canada, Missouri (US), France, and the Netherlands. We were pleasantly surprised by our first friend of a friend referral. We really do enjoy sharing our little corner with each and every guest. If you are planning a trip to Albania and are visiting the north check the calendar and hopefully the dates align and you can experience the peaceful tranquility of farm to table living.
Art and I did manage to squeeze in a kayak adventure to a spot called the Black Eye a spring in Lake Shkoder located on the north side of the Mokset Hills. We've hiked to the spot several times over the years but it was the first chance we've got to see it from the water. Big thanks to Kanto for the kayaks and supporting our guests that we send his way. Also spent the day with Arti's family at a beach in Montenegro.
The chickens have nearly gone on a strike and are not laying but one or two eggs at the moment. I think the shock of the cool nights with the first day of fall has something to do with it but we'll see. Below is our shortest chicken and the youngest chicks are already getting a little feisty.
The pigs are enjoying the cooler temps.
We've been busy but still caught a few birds in action.
Falls are dreamy here in northern Albania. The days are warm, nights are cool and the colors continue to change plus the sunsets are stunning. How do you not fall in love with autumn?
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