Well, before I get started, I must say, weebly certainly has been off. I KNOW I posted more than the title on my last blog but it did NOT publish it! Once again, another glitch. Could it be the scrub and pop up stoppers or the site? Who knows but I apologize! I edit and correct and I publish and that too doesn't show! What's up with that, I have no idea! I updated my Mac operating system...I totally dislike it! However I don't want to get started on how Mac is selling out! Onward to more interesting topics!
I am now Wwoofing on Salt Spring Island again. I was here in the summer, at the peak season and now I am here in Sept/Oct and what a difference in the market. As locals will tell you, Salt Spring is definitely more busy in winter season now than before but for those who sell to tourists, no one is complaining to much. Much like so many other changes that have happened on this and the other Gulf Islands here off BC, folks are all an mis-mash and some very cool and aware people. There is a sensibility here about the importance of diversity and change and being involved that was always lacking in my dear Nova Scotia. People complain a good deal there, but unlike here, they don't do anything! If you walk around the main town of Ganges here on Salt Spring you will notice, there are no Mac Donald's of Wendies or other fast food restaurants... ( I did hear from a local there was a Dairy Queen for awhile but locals would go and it eventually gave up!). So while in Nova Scotia where many orchards full of a huge varieties of apple trees have been cut and burned so that a few major varieties can produce only, here on Salt Spring everyone takes pride in the fact there are over 300 varieties of apples here! I think the struggling farmers are not to blame for such a sacrilege to apples, they were just working at the whole concept of supply and demand. If that is what sort of apples people want, then why should they flog apples no one appreciates anyhow? It is such a shame really, but as I found out a long time ago, the different varieties exist because they cater not only to a diversity of taste buds when you chomp down on it, they also work better for different purposes which was the point for local settlers who came to Nova Scotia. Here in Salt Spring, folks understand why some apples are red inside, they make the best coloured jams and jellies and have higher pectin so they gel better, while others taste bitter until you cook then and then they shine or other apples resist certain threats like scabs and warts and some insects because of their skin. I know my Nova Scotian grandmothers knew what apples worked for what purpose and sometimes trees were grafted to get some on an existing tree, while other times apples were trimmed carefully and cultivated until what was wanted was produced. It is all part of the history of apples. Yesterday I attended the Salt Spring Apple Festival. I was there to sketch people (mainly children - great fun and a great way to practice! You have to make every mark count when you're drawing a squirming child! Not to mention how it sharpens and keeps your visual memory up to date). Since I was there for the day, I had a chance to chat with a lot of vendors and long standing farmers. I even had a chance to chat with two apple experts which was interesting. I learned so much! I will share more about the sacred apple next blog. Have to go help build a chicken run shelter now!
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June 2024
AuthorArtist, Buddhist, Educator, Traveller, Cabinet Maker, kayaker, etc and now writer! |