Cinnamon Apple Crisp

Sitting on our deck, I’m watching a gaggle of wild turkeys in front of me scratching the dirt and pecking at dried-out grass fronds. They are a nervous bunch. Four of the twenty birds are caught in our fenced yard, and in a panic. Ric goes to open the gate and shoo them out – instead they fly over, and we can’t figure out why they didn’t do that in the first place. They are an odd crew.
 

 
I’m pondering whether or not the hummingbirds have headed south for the winter as I haven’t seen one for days, and then I notice a squirrel picking up an apple core that I threw onto the hillside for her. She carries it up a tall pine tree, stopping on the top of a birdhouse to munch it. A warm breath of wind blows across my face, and I am reminded that nature continues in normality regardless of the chaos that ensues in our human existence.

I once read somewhere to do something “normal” when you find yourself in fear or panic to calm yourself down. Lately it seems our lives are surrounded by frightening issues and thoughts. Crafting a recipe and executing it in my kitchen is the normal I have been going back to as a way calm my nerves. My husband runs – literally runs miles most days to keep him balanced. It is his meditation as cooking is mine. An artist friend has begun taking art classes to give her a focus. She is an accomplished artist, but the practice of learning new techniques is centering for her. So, we are all doing what we need to do to get through this time and come out the other end sane and perhaps with a different sense of self and what is important to us, and maybe even with some new skills.
 

 

Cinnamon Apple Crisp

 
Warm soft apples, cinnamon and a sweet oat crumble whisper “comfort” to me. Everything from the smell of this dish baking to the flavors passing your lips tastes of coziness and well-being. It may not solve the problems of the world, but this scrumptious apple crisp made me feel a little better.