Autumn in California (or whatever)

It's hard to tell that the seasons have changed in the Bay Area. It's officially fall, but things don't look or feel much different. Some days there is a chill in the air that wasn't there a month ago, and there is certainly more moisture threatening, but the hills are still sun-bleached, and the only fall color that we have noticed appears on a few Japanese maples that are planted on a freeway overpass in Mountain View.

So, Martin and Erika journeyed to "Apple Hill" in the Sierra Foothills this past weekend to really experience autumn. Apple Hill is a collection of apple growers just outside of Placerville who celebrate apple season in a big way for a few short months. You can drive from farm to farm and pick or just purchase all kinds of different apple varieties and apple treats like apple cookies, apple pies, and caramel apples. There is also the Jack Russell Brewing company, which brews all kinds of seasonal beer and hosts a BBQ and a band on the weekends. Makes for a lovely way to spend a sunny fall afternoon. In addition to The Best Apple Pie Ever, a couple of antique Polaroid cameras, and (of course) some delicious snacking apples, Erika and Martin also collected two perfect pumpkins in preparation for the Great Jack 'O Lantern Carving Contest, which will take place on October 27th. I won't be taking part in that since I lack opposable thumbs, but I *have* been practicing my Scary Cat look, making my tail all bushy and raising the hair along my spine. Makes Montana the House Cat run every time.