Cherry Picking

It's been hot! I mean it's been very hot! Throw in an injection of humidity and smog alerts and you've got a serious case for not cooking. BUT - that doesn't stop us from getting in the car, driving to the Niagara Region where you'll find some of the finest cherry picking in the country. Next to Ontario, British Columbia is the only other cherry growing province so I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to get out and pick (even if it is the end of the season)

My helper and I were getting right into the picking.

The trees are beautiful and heavily laden with fruit.

Raspberries are in full picking mode too and how is it even possible to go home without.

Over the next couple of weeks the pears should be ready for picking. I guess we'll be making another trip.



After picking, it was time to do some exploration around the Niagara Region. I think I might have to retire there.

German rhubarb is a little sweeter and requires less sugar when you cook it. My fridge is now full.

The first pickling cukes are ready and so sweet.

Can you ever really have enough garlic?? This is winter garlic - generally harder to find in the city and much stronger than the summer garlic.



A little tired and alot thirsty we continued on to explore the area, have a picnic lunch and visit a gelato place we spied as we were driving in. Our primary stop was at the Wayne Gretsky Winery.



Since "R" has always been a Gretsky fan I made a point of picking up a bottle of Gretsky's wine called, of course, No.99. Naturally, I had to get some for myself too. We did a tasting at the winery - 2007 was a great year and this is a wonderful wine.





For those who watch Jay Leno or David Letterman - sometimes they feature road signs that pop out at you and give you a laugh. Here's a couple we found along the way.

I'd say it was a fun day!