Purple Russian—Tomatoes

tomatoes_purple_russianAfter our blizzard on November 2nd this year, my mind is on our (short) summer. We love heirloom tomatoes. The Purple Russian is one of our favorite—a juicy and flavorful fruit. Not a large tomato, about 2″ or 5cm in length, but very productive. Click on the image for a larger view.

Duchess of Oldenburg—Apples of Maine

apples_duchessDuchess of Oldenburg is an old variety originating in 18th-century Russia. It is one of the earliest apples of the season, bearing in mid-August. Most people prefer this as a cooking apple for pies or sauces as it is quite tart—it reminds me of a sour grape. Duchess does not store well. Click on the image for a larger view.

St. Lawrence—Apples of Maine

apples_st_lawrence2The St. Lawrence is an old summer variety thought to have originated in northern New England or Canada. Its appearance is quite striking with dark-red stripes over light green. The white flesh is crisp and light. Very much like a Granny Smith, it is tart with a lemon undertone. The St. Lawrence is a great desert apple, but not a great cooking apple. Like many early apples, this fruit does not store well. Click on the image for a larger view.

The Northern Forest

white_mountains_great_gulf_forestNaomi and I took a trip to the Great Gulf Wilderness Area last weekend. Instead of standing on the head wall of the glacial cirque, we had entered the base of the valley. The Northern Forest is a unique ecosystem that stretches from the Adirondacks in northern New York, through Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and into the Canadian maritime provinces. At the base of Mt. Washington, the forest is mixed. The structure is complex: life carves out spaces in a three-dimensional world that stretches from the forest floor to the canopy. Even glacial erratics, large rocks dropped by retreating glaciers, become home to fern, moss, and trees. Click on the image for a larger view.

Yellow Brandywine—Tomatoes

tomatoes_yellow_brandywineThis is a big fruit, but not quite as large as its red cousin, the brandwine. The tomato is not juicy, but has a soft flesh that melts in your mouth like firm tofu, only sweeter. A thick slice on handmade bread and covered with freshly ground black pepper makes an excellent sandwich. Click on the image for a larger view.

Day’s End

life_in_maine_days_endYesterday was overcast and rainy. After dinner, I noticed the clouds breaking. I walked out to our field to watch the fading light of the day.

These events are fleeting. Clouds from the valley climbed the ridge and would obscure the view a few minutes after this image was taken—you can see those clouds just above the trees. And while we imagine the vivid color of the clouds would show some tenacity, that color can drain from the sky in seconds. Click on the image for a larger view.