Our friend and neighbor GH celebrated his birthday today. When we found out he was free for dinner I put together a meatloaf comfort meal I hoped he would like. Apple crisp is an easy and favorite dessert at our house. Here is the recipe from the birthday dessert I served tonight after dinner.
from "Home Sweet Habitat, Habitat for Humanity" cookbook
Divine Apple Crisp
6 to 8 apples, peeled,sliced
1/3 cup sugar
1/2-1 teaspoon cinnamon
Toss apples, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
Arrange in a 1 1/2 qt. casserole or 9X13 pan
Combine:
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup melted butter
Mix until crumbly. Spread over apples. Bake at 350 for 45-50 min. until brown and bubbly.
from "Home Sweet Habitat, Habitat for Humanity" cookbook
When I moved to my current home I wanted to have grapes again. When we bought small plants it was one of those times we didn't do research or pay attention to what type of grapes we purchased.
I still don't know what kind of grape we have. They have lighter purple skins, lots of seeds, and when they are cooked they make a lighter jam and the flavor is not as rich as the Concords. 
We always have bunches of them and I do use them for jam, but they aren't like those plump grapes I had so many years ago that stained my fingers and filled my kitchen with a heady grape aroma.
We have discussed pulling these up and getting what we wanted originally, but the vines are so hardy and the leaves add texture and color to that part of the garden. They provide a perfect napping place for the cats during the heat of the day in August. I think we will just keep nurturing these mystery grapes and have a lighter colored jam when I am done canning. I know grape seed extract is supposed to be good for something! Maybe I will use the food mill and do some extracting during this harvest season!
This week's Sunday Scribblings is "My first act as 
Because of the work I do for my school district with the federal Title I program trips to the ESD office in Spokane are needed every few months. It was a glorious morning as I captured the early morning sky from our yard as I prepared to depart.
Leaving Spokane on Highway 2 at the end of the day we were caught in a rainstorm. Heading west to join Highway 395 south of Deer Park the weather changed and it was clear enough to see this beautiful beginning of a sunset. 
I was sure we would enjoy this sky as we continued to travel toward home.
The sunset soon moved behind the trees .
Heading north the blue sky remained, but the gray skies and rain clouds were ahead. When you live in the Inland Empire you aren't surprised to go through three or four weather patterns in a short distance of driving. That is one of the many things I appreciate about living here. Another is the October sky.
Certain colors prevail in the garden during different times of the year. One week I can drive down the driveway and all I see blooming is pink. In early spring the garden speaks green. A few weeks ago yellow was the predominant color.
This week the color I am noticing is orange. Orange is a color that says autumn. Of course pumpkins come to mind immediately. I love trees that have leaves that turn orange. Then there is Virginia Creeper, assorted mums, and gourds ready to be harvested. 
When orange emerges in the garden it is vivid, bold, and showy. It mixes with yellow, red, and brown to create a blended tapestry that says October.
I am glad I caught splashes of orange as I toured the garden recently. I hope the orange hangs on for a few more weeks. Amazingly, we still have not have a frost. When a frost hits colors will change again.
Isn't it amazing how you can be at the right place at the right time with a camera? Priceless. 