Greetings: Usually when I pit my cherries, I wash them after pitting and then chill in the refrigerator over night and pit them the next day. Cold cherries are not as juicy and pit easier. This year being a poor year for all 3 of my cherries as far as yield (Mesabi, North Star and Surecrop), we picked a bunch of Montmorency the first week in August in Door County of Wisconsin which is a prime tart cherry growing area in the U.S. We were on vacation there and happy to be there during the cherry season. I noticed the growers there commercially harvest with the shaking machines and then have the fruit dump into ice water to chill them before pitting. When we got home from vacation with the cherries, I put mine in the sink with ice water then pitted. It worked really well! A little cold on my fingers picking up the cherries but it was a good tip since I did not have room in the refrigerator to chill them all overnight like I usually do before pitting. My modern plunger type pitter works great but the orange plastic tab that prevents the cherry from falling thru the hole for the pits is wearing out. Can't seem to find a replacement for it. Hate to buy a new pitter because of a worn out piece of plastic. There must be a way to make something that would fit.

Front yard plantings, bromeliad in Bismarck direct steal from someone on this list, I'll have to look up who it was. Mulch is not done. There were five citrus trees planted last year, and eventually I'd like to see their height in the landscape. It was very bright today and the colors washed out.: Back yard view from house in Oct, got creamed in Dec and Jan, replanted with some cold hardy, some tropicals. New fence next year, and I planted tons of vines to grow up and over. And although I said, "No more bananas!" I lied. I planted two dozen for the leaves.: Shady side, bromeliad garden. And we talked about home-made bird baths. I didn't know what to do with this column, the last owner left it. I'm looking for funky bowls for a birdbath. The Farm:

You might be able to find a vegan pre-prepared pie crust, either in a pan or refrigerated. I know some are made with lard but some are made with all vegetable shortening. I know this because I had to find one to bring to a kosher party once. That way you can whip together a tart in about 15 min! Or as some have suggested, a press-in crust which you can make ahead, and then whip up the apples really quick. OR, do what I do and mix frozen peaches with frozen raspberries, or a mix of berries and cherries, etc. and have everyone rave about your "home made" pie! They sell lots of kinds of frozen fruits for pies in the freezer section of most groceries. Also pre-made pie crust. Just check the labels, a lot of them are made with hydrogenated vegetable oils. Not the most healthy, but then it IS pie! You can make strawberry blueberry tarts or something like that with puff pastry too. Buy some flavored cream cheese, spread it on the bottom and then put some sweetened frozen berries on top and bake. Don't sweat the apples, they are not the only fruit for a tart! I make a crisp that is a mix of sweet cherries, dried cherries, fresh cranberries and dried cranberries. The sweet and tart elements combine perfectly. Plus it is vivid red, good for the holidays. If you have your heart set on apples, mix it with frozen strawberries or frozen blackberries or raspberries. Half as much peeling! This post was edited by lpinkmountain on Wed, Dec 17, 14 at 13:36

Thank you Mike, Jinny, and John! Lol. You guys crack me up! Jinny, yes, I agree and many have commented on that. She is like me in personality as well...we are great friends (until I threaten to go through her messy room with a bag for Goodwill ;-). Mike, you are so sweet! Some girl is going to be very lucky when you shower your good will on her (not to mention all your citrus ;-). She will need to be a good cook to whip up dishes with all the fruits of your labor! John...what can I say ;-)?? I hope someday I get to meet you guys in person! We would have fun! And think of the food ..,,;-)