Soil is a clay loam and is pretty loose. The hard knobbly stuff around the base of the trunk wasn't soil but I'm not sure what it WAS -- guessing some sort of fungal growth or gall? It was roughly 2' in diameter. Interesting about the dwarf root systems. The Golden Delicious would indeed be too big as it would shade one of the only sunny spots where I grow our veggies. Maybe I'll plant a native in that spot. Except for the willows and a couple young sycamores, there are no natives along our urban creek; it's primarily ivy, vinca, jasmine, nasturtium (and morning glory across the creek). I beat it all back and contain it but I don't think I'll ever declare victory as it surrounds us on neighboring properties.

Amen!!!!Wow, Annie! I have tears in my eyes just following your memories! Although I don't have as many memories of life on the farm , I still remember fall in this old house and Dad was the gardener. We stayed out till it was dark and Dad would make a bonfire in the middle of the garden. All the neighbouhood kids would come over and we would roast weinies and marshmellows! Just the smell of the fall and the garden are enough to get me all sentimental! After we filled our faces with our roastings, we would come in the house and into a tub of soapy water and into fresh, line dried flannel jammies. Lots of times we had the top of one pair and the bottoms of another but it didn't matter. We climbed up on Dad's lap and he read to my brother and I and Mom would tuck us into bed. I lost my mom really young but I still remember those special times around Thanksgiving here in Canada in "this old house". When Mom made homemade pumpkin pie, crab apple jelly, choke cherry jam, biscuits and garden fresh vegies. Everything always tasted sooo good! My daughter says she has some of the same memories and some special ones of her own thanks to her mom. I hope she passes them on to her kids too. Thank you for sharing your memories! May you enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving and ramble on all you want. It is good for the soul! :) Namaste Ginny

Oh Janet, I'm so happy to hear that. I was just thinking about them again this morning. My grandmother made them many years ago and I'm thrilled to know you like them that much. Thanks for letting me know. I'll pass that on to my mother. :-) Jen

Wow! Jamie, I am so gratified by your post. That is MY recipe--one I created and sent in to the magazine. It is truly good to hear that others are enjoying my work. Thanks so very much for posting this here.