Those sobs of grateful ecstacy that you hear indicate my ...

Those sobs of grateful ecstacy that you hear indicate my appreciation of the start of Apple Season - a bit early this year, I think. All to the good: Peach Season is waning fast, and apples constitute my lunchbox fruit through most of the winter. (Last year, due to local climate conditions, the peach crop totally failed at my favorite Peach Guy at the Farmer's Market, and those I tried from other vendors were severely disappointing, so this year's excellent Peach Season was most welcome). Haa's (of Tehatchapi, I think) had exquisite Honey Crisps this morning at the market, and Mr. Haa says the Fujis will be another couple of weeks.

When I can, I do the Farmer's Market thing (although supermarket grapes are usually pretty good). It can get expensive, and be a total pain in the shorts driving up there on Friday mornings, but it's amazingly worth it, particularly if you try to stay away from standard desserts and snacks.