#Washington Apple Pi

[robpegoraro]

Weekly output: Starlink on United, spectrum policy, Google updates (x3), Ecosia, Charter to buy Cox, user-groups talk

I’m flying to San Francisco tomorrow evening only to turn left at SFO so I can spend the next two days in Mountain View for Google I/O–my 12th trip to cover Google’s developer conference. (This past week also involved flying, but only for fun; Patreon readers got a breakdown of the long miles-and-points game that led up to my bucket-list 747 flight.) 5/13/2025: I Tested Starlink on a United…

[j4ckles]

apple pie

synopsis — dean is in a small town grabbing a bite, when he sees you, and you look just as sweet as the baked goods you serve, and sometimes the rush of sugar is just far too addictive.

pairing — dean winchester x baker!reader

wc — 927 !

warnings — none !

dean strolled into the quaint little diner in the small town of west yellowstone, montana, his eyes scanning the cozy, vintage interior. dean had formed a liking to diners, but he really enjoyed when they weren't beat up or looking as if it'd barely been hanging on like the usual diners he'd go into. it was a quiet afternoon, and the place had a comforting, homey vibe that put him at ease. the scent of freshly baked goods wafted through the air, making his stomach rumble in anticipation.

he slid into a booth by the window, his gaze drawn to the glass display case near the counter. it was filled with an array of pies, cakes, and pastries, each one looking more delicious than the last. but what really caught his eye was the girl behind the counter, carefully arranging the baked goods with a gentle, practiced touch.

you were one of the new bakers in town, having moved out of seattle, washington for a change, opening up a brand new diner. you had quickly become a favorite among the locals, always having the quiet, kind elderly stopping by for your pies. you'd had quickly become a staple in the town due to your 'old', or 'classic' recipes. your warm smile and the heavenly aroma of your creations had a way of brightening even the gloomiest of days. as you worked, you hummed a soft tune that sounded something akin to metallica, completely absorbed in your task.

dean watched you for a few moments, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. there was something about you that was undeniably sweet, just like the apple pie you were placing in the display case. he couldn't help but feel a pull towards you, a curiosity that he couldn't quite explain.

when you finally looked up and met his gaze, your eyes sparkled with a friendly warmth that made his heart skip a beat. you gave him a shy smile, and he felt an unexpected rush of nervousness. it felt so strange. dean winchester, nervous? it almost felt like some kind of poorly set up prank, one that he desperately wanted to fall for, over and over again.

he stood up from the booth, slowly, almost hesitantly making his way to the counter, taking a seat at one of the stools, cautious not to sit too close to you. he wanted a closer view of the pretty lady, but not close enough where if she said something kind to him, that the effects would be noticeable.

"hey there," he called out, his voice carrying a hint of nervousness, but his confidence never wavered. "what's the best pie you've got?"

you wiped your hands on your apron and walked just close enough for dean to get a whiff of your perfume, and god, if you didn't smell just as good as your pastries, he caught the lightest hint of strawberry, maybe even something light, possibly floral. your smile was bright and warm as you looked over at dean. "well, that depends on what you like. but. . if i had to recommend one, i'd say the apple pie. it's a town staple, always have to make more throughout the day."

dean's grin widened, a vast difference to the usual cocky smirk he kept plastered on his lips. "apple pie, huh? i'll take a slice of that, then."

as you turned to fetch his order, dean couldn't help but admire the way you moved with such grace and confidence. he had met countless women in his life, but something about you made him feel like he was facing a whole new kind of challenge. one he didn't dare think about backing down from.

when you returned with a generous slice of apple pie, he took a bite, unable to help the soft moan that escaped his lips. "this is amazing," he said, his eyes lighting up with satisfaction. "you weren't kiddin', this might be one of the best apple pies i've had ever."

you laughed softly, a sound that sent a pleasant shiver down his spine. "i'm glad you like it. there's plenty more where that came from."

as the afternoon wore on, dean found himself lingering in the diner, enjoying your company as much as the pie. he couldn't find it in himself to move away from your company, for the pull of your presence was far too alluring.

by the time he finally stood to leave, long past the time he had originally told sam he'd be back at the motel, he knew one thing for certain: he had to see you again. and maybe, just maybe, he'd find out if you were as sweet as the apple pie you made.

over the course of the next few days, dean found excuses to visit the diner. sometimes it was for breakfast, sometimes for a late-night snack. but each time, he hoped to catch a glimpse of you. and each time, his heart would race a little faster when he did.

one evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the town, dean walked into the diner to find it nearly empty. you were wiping down the counter, getting ready to close for the evening, your hair falling in soft waves around your face. he approached, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, a feeling that was still oh so foreign.

"hey, you," he said, leaning against the counter, a soft gleam written all over his face. "got any plans after closing?"

a/n — i'm kinda inlove w this yall waitt. . . baker!reader x dean headcannons soon perchance?. .

TAGS — @deansbite @hellooriah @manimdeadimdeceased @beausling @ultravi0lence14 @destielsaep @starzify @bluemerakis @soldiersgirl @daylighted @titsout4jackles

[dcdreamblog]

here is a lighter question for Mr. Uncle Sam: how do you take your apple pie?

US: Words cannot describe how much my ideal vision of apple pie is "As many kinds as you can manage, as fast as they can be made, and as violently as they can be thrown in my general direction" Me: You've been on record with Apple Pie as your favorite food since the 40s. It's rather- US: Cliche, maybe but I can't honestly help it. Me: Do you think the public perception acting on an avatar like you might have altered your taste buds? US: Probably. Back in the late 1800s I had an obsession with oysters along with the rest of the country. And when there's entrees on offer I can never turn down a Cheeseburger loaded down with the fixings. Not that I care much, even if it is a cliche it just tastes good. Me: No need to explain yourself to me. In a 2 day span one summer I ate 11 lobsters, 3 pots of steamers and a pot of clam chowder. US: ...I was able to sense you were from Maine upon meeting you for the first time, magically, and even I am shocked and slightly appalled at that statement. Me: Oh then you won't mind if I tell them about the Victory Bond Barbecue in 1943? US: Is that a threat? Me: Yes. *ahem* in 1943 when the vast majority of Squadron fanned out across the United States' largest cities for the sake of summer events and picnics to help raise war bonds, Uncle Sam and many of the other Freedom Fighters were present for a banquet in Washington DC. US: It was a very exciting atmosphere, especially since we had been overseas in the thick of the fight for almost a year beforehand. Me: During the banquet, a pie eating contest was one of the main events. US: Now hold on son- Me: Sam was one of the main participants, having been coaxed into it by his teammates in an effort to be seen as more personable US: We can talk about this- Me: In a minute long span, Sam consumed Forty. Five. Pounds of freshly baked apple pie in front of a shocked crowd. US: It was for charity, I- Me: During the remaining hours of the banquet, Sam continued consuming pie at a steady pace. All told the estimation is that he consumed upwards of 113 POUNDS of apple pie in a single day. Considering that 10 inch apple pies weigh in the ballpark of 4 pounds each you consumed somewhere between 28 to 30 full sized apple pies in one 7 hour afternoon. US: ... Me: So I guess we're both cliches. US: ...I regret. Nothing.

[dragonpyre]

Dont disrespect my late cat Snickerdoodle /j

But fr I agree. I can understand how they became popular as basically just a butter cookie rolled in sugar and cinnamon which would've been pretty fancy (as both sugar and cinnamon were one of the things you had to buy from the store so you'd likely use them sparingly) for your average person. (Not rich person fancy but in a hey look we can afford to use these ingredients to make treats for our guests fancy and occasional treats for family. Cinnamon was used frequently in Washington since apple pies were also popular but didnt really need sugar)

But they're kinda meh in the modern day

I have nothing against them, I just don't like them

[salanaii]

Learn Korean with me - Week 4/Day 2

Day 2: Vocab 101 - 221

Thin (duolingo/Papago) – 날씬 – nal ssin

Thin (google) – 얇은 – yal beun

Busy – 바쁘따 – ba ppeu da

Smart – 똑똑한 – ttog toog han

Nice/good – 적합한 – jeok hab han

Clever – 영리한 – yeong ri han

Strange/weird – 이산한 – I sang han

Children/ sons and daughter – 아이들/자녀 – a I deul / ja nyeo

Letter – 편지 – pyeon ji

A gift/a present/ the present – 선물 – seon mul

Teach/teaches – 가르칩니다 – ga reu chib ni da

Receive/get – 받아요/받습니다 – bad a yo/bad seub bi da

Send/sends – 보냅니다 – bo naeb ni da

Give/gives – 줍니다 – jub ni da

Exercise – 운동 – un dong

Exercises/ is exercising – 운동합니다 – un dong hab ni da

Study – 공부 – gong bu

Studies/ studying – 공부합니다 – gong bu hab ni da

Learn/learning – 배우고/배웁니다 – bae u go/bae ub ni da

Throw/throws/ is throwing – 던집니다 – deon jib ni da

Catch/ is catching/catches – 집습니다 – jib seub ni da

Do not study/ does not study – 공부하 (않습니다) – gong bu ha ji anh seub ni da

Do not learn/does not learn – 배우지 (않습니다) – bae u ji anh seub ni da

Does not catch – 집지 (않습니다) – jib ji anh seub ni da

Do not throw/ does not throw – 던지지 (않습니다) – deon ji ji anh seub ni da

Magazine – 집지 – jib ji

Dream – 꿈 -  kkum

My – 저 – jeo

No, not me – 아니요, 저는아닙니다 – a ni you, jeo neun a nib ni da

It is awesome – 멋있습니다 – meos iss seub ni da

Awesome/cool – 대박 – dae bak

Is attractive / is charming – 매력이있습니다 – mae ryeok I iss seub ni da

Is not attractive / is not charming – 매력이없습니다 – mae ryeok I eobs seub ni da

Am/are drinking – 마십니다 – ma sib ni da

Is/am eating/eat – 먹습니다 – meok seub ni da

Reads/reading – 읽 습 니 다 – irk seub ni da

Writes/writing – 씁니다 – sseub ni da

Drinks/drinking – 마십니다 – ma sib ni da

Large/big/tall – 큰 – keun

Bad/mean – 나쁜 – na bbeun

Is/are long – 깁니다 – gib ni da

Short/shorter – 짧다/짧습니다 – jjard da/jjarb seub ni da

Olders/lots/(there) is many – 많아요/많습니다 – manh a yo/,anh seub ni da

Small/little/short – 적어요/작습니다 – jeok ro yo/jeok seub ni da

Say/speak – 말해요 – mal hae yo

Talk/conversation – 대화 – dae hwan

To talk/ to have a conversation – 대화합니다 – dae hwa hab ni da

Motors – 모터스 – mo teo seu

Cola – 콜라 – kol ra

Coffee – 커피 – keo pi

Party – 파티 – pa ti

Ice cream – 아이스크림 – a I seu keu rim

Apartment – 아 파트 – a pa teu

Woman – 여자 – yeo ja

Women – 여자들 – yeo ja deul

Man – 남자 – nam ja

Men – 남자들 – nam ja deul

Or/either – 또는 – tto neun

School – 학교-  hag gyo

Apple – 사과 – sa gwa

Pencil – 연핀 – yeon pil

House/home – 집 – jib

Bread – 빵 – ppang

Book – 책 – cheag

Country – 나라 – na ra

More – 더 – deo

To divide – 나누다 – na nu da

Road – 도로/길 – do ra/jil

Person/People – 사람/사람들 – sa ram/sa ram deul

Cat – 가양이 – go yang I

Thing/object – 물건 – mul geon

Child – 아이 – a i

This – 이 – i

Milk – 우유 – u yu

Friendship – 우의 – u ui

Above/on – 위 – wi

Song – 노래 – no rae

Kiss – 뽀뽀 – ppo ppo

Ant – 개미 – gae mi

Tokyo – 도쿄 – do kyo

Seed/Mr./Mrs./Ms. - 씨 – ssi

Starbucks – 스타벅스 – seu ta beog seu

Hyundai – 핸대 – haen dae

Samsung – 삼상 – sam sang

Baskin Robbins – 배스킨라번스 – bae seu kin ra bin seu

McDonald’s – 맥도날드 – maeg do nal deu

Doughnut – 도넛 – do neos

Busan – 부산 – bu san

Washington – 워싱턴 – wo sing teon

Seoul – 서울- seo ul

Berlin – 베를린 – be reul rin

London – 런던 – reon deon

Paris – 파리 – pa ri

New York – 뉴욕 – nyu yok

United – 유나이드 – yu na I ti deu

나 NA i or me

너 NEO you

우리 U RI we or us

머리 MEO RI head

나비 NA BI butterfly

아기 A GI baby

오이 O I cucumber

커피 KEO PI coffee

소리 SO RI sound

소녀 SO NYEO girl

소년 SO NYEON boy

표 P YO ticket

유리 YU RI glass

나무 NA MU tree

피부 PI BU skin

가구 GA GU furniture

버스 BEO SEU bus

바지 BA JI pants

지구 JI GU earth

허리 HEO RI waist

여자 YEO JA woman

야구 YA GU baseball

기타 GI TA guitar

치마 CHI MA skirt

후추 HU CHU pepper

휴지 HYU JI tissue

[captainsbestgal]

So yes, students are making Cougar Gold as a part of the agriculture degree. This is from Washingtom State University, not Wisconsin. Many former land-grant universities, like Washington State University was, have creameries since they historically have a big agriculture degree program.

Washington State University is also the university that brought you the Cosmic Crisp apple, which, if you haven't had, you need to. It's like 20x better than a Fuji or any other sweeter apple. It's literally the best apple you'll ever have. It'd also great in apple pies, which I know people get weird about sweet apples being used in baking but it's so fucking good.

We also have an ice cream parlor on campus that is just as good, if not better than the cheese. The ice cream is also stocked at one of the late night campus ran restaurants, and you can get it made into a milkshake, and that is life changing.

my sister hath sent me. Canned Cheese.

[24worldnewsnet]

The relationship between Mr. Trump and tech industry power brokers was built on money and the promise of deregulation, with Mr. Musk in the middle of it all.Last year, Elon Musk was the Pied Piper of support for Donald J. Trump among Silicon Valley power brokers.One by one, tech billionaires close to Mr. Musk who had either backed Democrats or avoided the political scrum put their money and their time behind the former president’s bid to reclaim the White House.But the meltdown of the relationship between President Trump and Mr. Musk on Thursday has thrown that coziness into question. In the coming days, the billionaires who followed Mr. Musk to Washington may be forced to decide whose side they are on in this suddenly personal fight.For Silicon Valley, what appeared to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to team up with decision makers in Washington is looking precarious. Mr. Musk was the keystone of the tech industry’s relationship with the Trump administration. Without him, it could be up to lesser-known figures, such as the venture capitalist David Sacks, a close friend of Mr. Musk who has become the Trump administration’s A.I. and crypto czar, to maintain those ties.“This is a tale as old as time,” said Venky Ganesan, a partner at the venture capital firm Menlo Ventures. “Like Icarus, Elon is finding out that if you fly too close to the sun, your wax melts and you crash.”The spat between Mr. Trump and Mr. Musk has worried tech billionaires who supported Mr. Trump’s presidential campaign. Haiyun Jiang for The New York TimesEven before Mr. Musk announced that he was leaving Washington, there were growing questions about what exactly the tech industry’s embrace of the Trump White House was accomplishing.The yearslong attempt by the Justice Department to break up Google? Still on track. The Federal Trade Commission’s pursuit of Meta, Facebook’s parent company? That just wrapped up in a Washington courtroom and is now in the hands of a federal judge. Tariffs on imported goods that could hurt device makers like Apple? Mr. Trump seems more determined than ever to see them through.“Much better to be aligned with principles than personalities,” Mr. Ganesan added. “A lesson tech titans might want to learn.”Representatives for the White House and Mr. Sacks did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Mr. Musk did not return an email request seeking comment.Throughout 2024, many of the tech industry’s boldfaced names threw their support and hundreds of millions of dollars behind Mr. Trump, mainly because he promised to back away from regulating the cryptocurrency industry and keep the federal government’s hands off artificial intelligence.The venture capitalist partners Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz surprised many when they announced they were supporting Mr. Trump, though Mr. Horowitz changed his mind when Kamala Harris, a personal friend, entered the race. (He said, however, that their venture firm still endorsed Mr. Trump.) Many of their colleagues, such as the tech mogul hosts of the popular All-In Podcast, which includes Mr. Sacks, also endorsed Mr. Trump.Mark Zuckerberg, left, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai, and Mr. Musk, among other dignitaries, at Mr. Trump’s inauguration in January.Pool photo by Shawn ThewFor them, Mr. Trump has kept up his end of the bargain. He has not only pushed for the deregulation of crypto markets, his family’s company has jumped headfirst into them. And Mr. Trump’s domestic policy bill that angered Mr. Musk even contains a provision that would block states from regulating A.I.Other tech industry leaders have not had as much luck. At Mr. Trump’s inauguration, Apple’s Tim Cook, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Google’s Sundar Pichai and Mr. Musk formed a Mt. Rushmore of tech bosses in the crowd behind the new president. Sergey Brin, a Google co-founder who once raced to the airport in San Francisco to protest the travel restrictions of Mr. Trump's first administra

[cynthiabertelsen]

Apples in France: What’s the (Hi)Story? (Part I)

Braeburns (Photo credit: C. Bertelsen) You might say that apples and I have a special relationship – apple sauce and apple cakes and apple pies. I grew up climbing a majestic apple tree in my yard and adored the smell of the fluffy pink blossoms when spring finally swooped down on eastern Washington state and all the snow melted. One day when I was a young child, my father and his boss at the…

[downtoearthmarkets]

We have grape news as September is prime grape season in our farmers markets! Not only is New York state famous for its apples (we are the Big Apple, of course), it also produces the third largest volume of grapes in the United States, behind only California and Washington state.

New York has a long history of grape cultivation that began in the 17th century when Dutch and Huguenot settlers planted grapes in the Hudson Valley. These colonists initially attempted to grow French and European vines that they brought with them across the Atlantic. However, the foreign vines quickly succumbed to pests, diseases and the harsh winters. Instead, the settlers cultivated native grapes that had been part of the native American diet for over 10,000 years.

The Hudson Valley went on to become an important table grape producer and the birthplace of American wine. In 1827, Richard Underhill established the first commercial winery in the region, making wine from native grapes. From 1920-1933, Prohibition illegalized the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcohol and many New York wineries were forced to close. Those that survived switched to growing grapes for non-alcoholic uses, such as raisins, jam, and grape juice. 

Today, New York state is known for its famous wine regions and its tasty table grapes. While the uniformly sweet and simple flavor of supermarket grapes is designed for mass appeal, farmers market grapes boast complex flavor profiles with depth and dimension. Here are several locally grown grape varieties that you can easily find being sold at our fruit stalls this month.

Catawba Grape The Catawba grape originated on the East Coast, somewhere between the Carolinas and Maryland. This pinkish, purplish grape is thought to be a cross between the native North American species Vitis labrusca (also known as fox grape) with the European species Vitis vinifera. It was first cultivated in the early 19th century by German settlers in the Catawba River valley of North Carolina.

The Catawba grape was widely grown in central New York in the mid-1800s. It became wildly popular for its use in sparkling wines and rosés, gaining recognition as one of the first distinctively American wine grapes. Today, it is still highly regarded for its unique flavor profile and continues to be celebrated as an important part of American winemaking history. The grape has a pronounced "foxiness", which refers to the earthy and musky aromas commonly associated with Vitis labrusca grape varieties. When eaten fresh, Catawba grapes are seedy, firm and juicy with a sweet and spicy flavor.

Niagara Grape The North American Niagara grape is a variety of Vitis labrusca. The grape was developed in 1868 by Claudius L. Hoag and Benjamin W. Clark in Niagara County, New York through a cross of Concord grapes and white Cassady grapes. It is used as a table grape and for making wine, jams and juice. Niagara is the leading green grape grown in the United States.

Niagara grapes are poor shipping grapes, so are usually found being sold near to where they are grown in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, Washington and Ohio. While rarely available fresh outside these areas, Niagara grapes are well-known as the source of most of the white grape juice consumed by Americans.

The fresh Niagara grape is large and juicy, round to oval-shaped with a pale greenish-white color. The grape’s sweetly pleasant “foxy” aromas have been likened to that of candied lemon rind, Riesling, flowery jasmine, and high-toned, sugary muskiness.

Concord Grape The Concord grape is named after the town in Massachusetts where it was developed. Another Vitis labrusca cultivar, the Concord grape is the most well-known foxy grape and is considered to be the quintessential American grape. Concord grapes are prized as table grapes and juice grapes. They also are used to make grape jelly, grape pies, grape-flavored soft drinks, and candy. The fruit is sometimes used to make wine, particularly sacramental and kosher wine. Thanks to its popularity, the grape is now cultivated in many parts of the world.

The skin of a Concord grape is typically dark blue or purple and often is covered with a glaucous epicuticular wax "bloom" that can be rubbed off. It is a slip-skin variety, meaning the skin is easily separated from the fruit. Concord grapes are richly flavorful, musky and sweet. They have large seeds that are safe to eat and contain healthful nutrients, flavonoids and fiber. If you prefer not to eat the seeds, you can chew the whole grape, then use your teeth and tongue to sieve out the seeds.

We hope that all this juicy grapevine gossip has made your mouth water! There are plenty more New York state grape varieties to be discovered before the weather turns and grape season is over until next year. So be sure to head to your Down to Earth farmers market this weekend to pick up lush bunches of these delectably tasty, locally grown fruits.

[realtorjamier]

Things to do in September Around the Area

September in our area is the perfect time of the year to enjoy outdoor events. The weather tends to be mild with the emergence of early autumn. Fall festivals are full of farmers’ and vintners’ agricultural offerings, as well as artists’ and musicians’ creative works. Take a look at this sampling of experiences in the D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia area.

DC JazzFest

Aug. 30 through Sept. 3 The Wharf 1001 7th Street SW Washington, DC

Originally dubbed the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival in 2005, the DC Jazz Festival features acclaimed and emerging artists and provides a rich education component for young and old alike. The festival presents free and affordably-priced performances and education programs serving a diverse populace. 

Patsy Cline Block Party

Sept. 2 Patsy Cline Historic House 608 South Kent St. Winchester, VA

Celebrate Patsy Cline’s birthday in her hometown with live music, tours of her childhood home, food, and educational exhibits. The Patsy Cline Historic House stands as an icon for Patsy Cline fans and admirers hoping to know first hand the story of Patsy’s early years and offering insight into the famed singer’s early road to stardom. Parking and free shuttle rides are available from the Winchester-Frederick County Visitor Center on 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Road and will run continuously throughout the day. 

Virginia Scottish Games

Sept. 2 through Sept. 3 Great Meadow 5089 Old Tavern Road The Plains, VA 

Experience the sounds and influences of Scotland through live music, dance, and athletic competitions at the 49th Virginia Scottish Games. Eat haggis, meat pies, Scotch eggs, and drink whisky. Research your own Scottish roots by meeting other folks with Scottish heritage. 

Labor Day Art Show

Sept. 2 through Sept. 4 Glen Echo Park 7300 MacArthur Blvd.    Glen Echo, MD

Presented by the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, this exhibition and sale is one of the largest art shows in the area. Admission is free, and the exhibition features the work of more than 200 artists from the mid-Atlantic region. The wide range of artistic media includes sculpture, painting, ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber arts, photography, furniture, and works on paper.

Maryland Cider Festival

Sept. 9 Two Story Chimney Ciderworks 115 Damascus Road Gaithersburg, MD

Drink apples, listen to music, eat food, and visit craft vendors. The Maryland Cider Festival will feature ten local cideries showcasing their best hard ciders – some dry, some sweet, still or sparkling, modern to heritage. It will be a great way to enjoy a fall day.

The Great Frederick Fair

Sept. 15 through Sept. 23 Frederick Fairgrounds 797 E. Patrick St. Frederick, MD

“Cowboy Boots and Down Home Roots” – The Great Frederick Fair’s celebration of agriculture is unmatched. Gate admission includes tons to see and do for kids and grownups: a cowboy circus, a farm animal birthing center, comedy shows, traditional agriculture exhibits, musical acts, magic, and more. Carnival rides and games will also be available with the purchase of a wristband or individual tickets.

Wild Roots Music Festival

Sept. 16 Wilderness Presidential Resort 9220 Plank Rd. Spotsylvania, VA

Located just west of Fredericksburg, the Wilderness Presidential Resort is hosting the Wild Roots Music Festival featuring regionally and nationally known bands and musicians. Family friendly music, games, and vendors will keep every generation entertained in a spectacular lakeside setting.

Bluemont Fair

Sept. 16 through Sept. 17 33846 Snickersville Turnpike Bluemont, VA

Meander through the 200-year-old village of Bluemont nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 53rd annual Bluemont Fair features artisan crafts, local wine, beer, and music. Experience the history of the area including an archaeology demonstration. Children under 9 are free and can enjoy games and a petting zoo.

Mountain Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival

Sept. 22 through Sept. 24 Jefferson County Fairgrounds 1707 Old Leetown Pike Kearneysville, WV

Wander through the tents, buildings, and pavilions in the rolling countryside of Jefferson County, W.Va., and admire the crafts and fine arts of approximately 180 quality juried artists/crafters from over 20 states who will demonstrate their creative works. Bluegrass bands, kids activities, craft beer and local wine, food trucks, and more. 

Apple Festival

Sept. 30 Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum 21668 Heritage Farm Lane Sterling, VA

Watch how cider is pressed and enjoy hard cider, beer, and wine. Kids will have fun with apple games and a moon bounce. What else? Live music and food trucks.

Manassas Latino Festival

Sept. 30 9201 Center St. Manassas, VA

This annual event has live music, dance performances, diverse foods, and fun activities for the entire family, all in celebration of the cultural heritage and contributions of the Latin American community.  The Manassas Latino Festival is a project of Abriendo Puertas, whose mission is to empower the Latino community to integrate, thrive, and fully participate in building a stronger, just and inclusive society for all.

[robpegoraro]

Weekly output: Android 15, "Project Liberty" and TikTok, AI and remote work, 1Password, robots and humans, Superhuman e-mail, Mark Vena podcast, Washington Apple Pi

After a weekend spent mostly indoors to avoid temperatures that hit or neared triple digits Saturday and Sunday, I’m flying to Los Angeles Tuesday for a grab-bag of reasons that include trying out Waymo’s robotaxi service there (which may make me feel like I’m living in the future), covering VidCon Anaheim (which is all but assured to make me feel old). Patreon readers got an extra post from me…

[holidayspackagesglh]

Discover America: Exclusive Tour Packages for Indian Travelers

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure across the vast landscapes, vibrant cities, and diverse cultures of the United States of America? Look no further! In this blog post, we're thrilled to introduce you to a range of exclusive USA tour package from India. These packages are tailor-made to suit the preferences and dreams of Indian travelers. So, gear up for a journey like no other as we explore the exciting options awaiting you in the land of liberty.

Exploring the Allure of USA tour package from India

When it comes to planning a trip to the USA, Indian travelers often encounter various challenges, including visa procedures, flight bookings, and itinerary planning. But fret not! USA tour package from India have you covered, offering a seamless and hassle-free experience. Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or city slicker, there's something for everyone in these exclusive packages.

1. The History Buff's Delight: USA Tour Package from India

History lovers, get ready to embark on a journey through time with our exclusive USA tour package from India. Explore iconic destinations like Washington, D.C., where you can visit the Smithsonian Museums, the White House, and the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. Continue your historical odyssey in Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence, where you can see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. This package offers an immersive experience in the rich tapestry of American history.

2. Nature's Playground: USA Tour Package from India

For those who seek communion with nature, the USA has an abundance of natural wonders awaiting your discovery. From the majestic Grand Canyon in Arizona to the lush landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, our USA tour package from India ensures that you witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the country's natural treasures. Don't forget to pack your hiking boots and cameras!

3. The Urban Explorer's Paradise: USA Tour Package from India

If the hustle and bustle of big cities is your cup of tea, then our urban explorer's package is tailor-made for you. Discover the vibrant energy of New York City, explore the enchanting streets of San Francisco, and feel the Southern charm in Atlanta. This package guarantees an urban adventure like no other, with opportunities to savor diverse cuisines, explore iconic landmarks, and soak up the local culture.

4. Living the American Dream: USA Tour Package from India

Dreaming of experiencing the American way of life? Look no further than our "Living the American Dream" package. This tour offers a unique opportunity to stay with American families, immerse yourself in their culture, and participate in authentic experiences. From baking apple pies to attending local festivals, this package will make you feel like a true American.

5. Thrills and Chills: USA Tour Package from India

For the adrenaline junkies, the USA offers a plethora of thrilling experiences. Whether it's a road trip along the iconic Route 66, an adventure in the Florida Everglades, or the excitement of Las Vegas, our "Thrills and Chills" package guarantees an adrenaline-pumping journey filled with excitement and adventure.

6. The Cultural Odyssey: USA Tour Package from India

Dive into the cultural melting pot of the United States with our "Cultural Odyssey" package. From the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans to the artistic haven of Santa Fe, this tour exposes you to the rich and diverse cultural heritage of America. Immerse yourself in local traditions, art forms, and cuisine while forging lasting connections with the people you meet along the way.

7. The Ultimate Family Getaway: USA Tour Package from India

Traveling with family? Our "Ultimate Family Getaway" package ensures that every member of the family, from the young to the young at heart, has a memorable experience. Explore iconic theme parks like Disneyland in California, Universal Studios in Florida, and the magical world of Harry Potter. This package is designed to create cherished family memories.

Your USA Tour Package from India Awaits

In conclusion, these exclusive USA tour package from India offer a gateway to a world of adventure, culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or urban explorer, there's a perfect package waiting for you. Say goodbye to the hassles of planning and logistics and embrace the excitement of exploring the United States of America with these tailor-made tours. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make your dream of discovering the USA a reality. Book your USA tour package from India today and embark on the journey of a lifetime! Must Read : From India to USA: Your Dream Vacation Awaits - Book Now!

[nwbeerguide]

Reverend Nat's Hard Cider announces upcoming conclusion of business.

Discovered on their website, Portland (Oregon) cidery and taproom, Reverend Nat's Hard Cider, will cease operations at the end of September. Attached is their full statement, found on the businesses front page.

"After 12 great years, it’s time to move on. September 2023 will be our last month in business.

Please join me in the Taproom any time now until Sep 24 but especially on Saturday Sep 23 as we celebrate all the amazing ciders and great people who have contributed to our incredible successes. I have three final Tent Show releases to share with you all, plus our two non-alc ciders will FINALLY be in cans for sale. Home deliveries are still happening on Fridays at least through the end of September.

Back in 2004, a friend of mine had a large apple tree in his back yard. We made apple pies, apple sauce, dried apples and apple butter. And still there were more apples. “Why not make cider?” I thought, having never tried cider before. I had a vague idea about bubbling airlocks and glass carboys but no idea what it would taste like. I happened to have a 20-ton house jack in the garage and some old timbers, so a half a day later, I had cobbled together a working juice press.

I clearly remember the taste of the juice of that first apple. Sweet, rich, a bit tart, a bit nutty; I was hooked. That year I made 5 gallons of hard cider. The next year, 15 gallons. The following, 40. Six years later I had 500 gallons of supremely dry hooch in my basement and I was becoming an increasingly better cidermaker. (Not to mention an increasingly popular neighbor. Friends were stopping by at all hours for a pint on the porch or a mason jar fill-up to take home.)

As a die-hard craft beer revolutionary, I experimented with beer yeasts, wild fermentations, Belgian ale spices, aromatic west coast hops and local fruit juices. My search for superior ingredients to make unusual ciders was all-consuming. As an historian of cidermaking (I have the largest cider book library in Portland), I recreated forgotten cider styles and practiced juicing and fermenting techniques long out of fashion. Permeating all these experiments was a desire to make ciders that no one else will make. I would cook a dish, eat at a restaurant, drink a beer or a cocktail, or peruse the farmer’s market, and be unable to contain my excitement for flavors. After making cider for nearly a decade, I concluded that, while apple-only ciders define cider for most of my fellow countrymen, my passion was in creative flavor combinations making cider in the spirit of craft beer geeks.

I started Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider in my basement, moved into an abandoned warehouse near the Rose Quarter in 2013, a larger building in 2023, and recently into a Taproom on 35th Place and SE Division. Now I sell my ciders in Oregon, Washington, Montana,  Colorado, Ohio and North Carolina, as well as British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, a little bit spread thin across Japan, and a little bit in Europe. We’ve had an incredible run and I met so many amazing people and shared so many wonderful experiences. It’s been the best job I’ve ever had.

The last few years has been hard on us with COVID closures, changing consumer preferences, the sputtering of craft beer overall, and the decline of Portland as a worldwide tourism destination. But there is not a single reason why we are closing, just a combination of factors. I am sorry that our loyal customers won’t be able to enjoy these incredible ciders any more.

THANK YOU to all of you. My mega fans (Symposium anyone?), Tent Show members, Taproom regulars, grocery store customers and taplist advocates. None of this would have been possible without your support. Thank you.

THANK YOU also to: My great cidermaking team: Chris for Hellfire; Dwight for enthusiasm; Dawn for quality; Charlie for a lot of hard work; and Istvan for sticking with me until the end.

My great sales team: Delphina for bringing your hard work and creativity; Jason West for that fun ride in a pickup truck; Nate and Matt for running your own little Rev Nats island in SoCal; Matt for the Thanksgiving Day check-ins.

My delivery driver team of Sol, Emily, Brad, Kristen and Jason for your amazing flexibility.

My Taproom team: Jim for getting us into the cool kids club; Nick for all the awesome collaborative ideas in the taproom; Gemma and CLB for your outstanding passion.

My earliest investors, for believing in a big idea and my later investors, for keeping that idea alive.

My industry friends: Jeff Alworth for including me as one of the best breweries in Portland; Sean the Beermonger for early encouragement; Jeff Smith for my first sale and Drew Worden for buying all my Hopricot; Adam Milne for great friendship and counseling; Joe Casey and Doug Rehberg for being fantastic neighbors; Bill Bradshaw and Pete Brown for recognizing Hopricot way back in 2012; Tyler Brown for teaching me how to use hops; Son of the Smith, sorry I can’t be around for more collaborations; Sean Burke, Mike Wright, and Alan Sprints for showing up to my opening night. That was very nice.

My great distributors: All the folks at George’s Dist for being the best distributor an out-of-state cidery could have; Ricardo Linares, I know you really cared; Michael Walcott, Red Gillen and Aoki Eiichi for showing me a new world; Markus for giving me the shirt off his back and Karl for making me feel welcome; Jay and Taylor at Artisan for finding something that works against many odds; Jimmy Werbin and Scott Willis for showing me how a good distributor works. I should have signed with you guys in the beginning.

And finally my family, Sarah and Beck. Thank you for letting me follow a crazy dream. I hope it was worth it for you too."

More here, https://reverendnatshardcider.com/

[pnwfoodpolls]

Whidbey Pies has not only won the Hidden Gem award, it is the very first to do so with a 0% in the "do not like" category!! it has also won the Favored award!

In 1986, Whidbey Island, Washington, Whidbey Pies officially arrived. Starting as a menu item at seafood restaurant Whidbey Fish in Greenbank, the pies expanded to become their own shop and experience seperate from seafood. Handmade and specializing in berry flavors, these pies come in compostable containers, and no two pies are the same. Whidbey Pies states its mission is to help revive loganberries.

Year round, they offer cherry, granny smith apple, and marionberry pies, with an additional fourth slot for their rotating seasonal flavors. With their Greenbank location now purchased and operated by a bistro (though the bistro still sells their pies), their only remaining pie shop location is is Langley, where you can order in person, or order online and pick up from the store in person. However, a number of retailers also sell their pies year round, including big names like PCC, metropolitan market, and Whole Foods.

sources: whidbeypies.com, kitsapfresh.localfoodmarketplace.com.

please feel free to add any further trivia or insight on this pnw food!

[draw-the-earth]

Our favorite king of apple pies!

Did you know that the state of Washington grows about 66% of America’s apples?

[adapembroke]

Living with the South Node in Scorpio

"Did you know," my partner said, "you never talk about your childhood? I know almost nothing about it." Until that moment, I had no idea I'd drawn a line across my biography. There were the before times: my childhood and early adulthood in New England. And then there was the life and identity I made for myself when I moved west in my mid-20s. Like so many people before me--including one of my ancestors who died looking for gold mines in California in the 1850s--I took the 3,000 mile journey as an opportunity to reinvent myself. Far from home and family and friends, it was easy to question my assumptions about myself. I was free to experiment. There was no one there to comment about a sudden change in fashion or lifestyle. When something didn't fit, I left it behind without friction or embarrassment. I am now in my late-30s, and I have transformed from the fundamentalist stay-at-home wife I was raised to be, to a professional astrologer who is expecting a baby with a Buddhist. I am walking proof that people are capable of making immense changes. It is why I love astrological tools like progressions that slowly, gently nudge us through the process of transformation as we mature. At the same time, there is a part of me (represented by a heavy representation of fixed energy in my natal chart) that is uncomfortable with change. When I first started moving away from the life path that had been laid out for me, I met psychologists who treated me as if I had been raised by wolves. I might learn to talk like a civilized person, they said, but I would never lose the habit of howling at the moon. Those experiences taught me that I needed to become a phoenix, setting myself on fire periodically to make sure I kept moving forward. Rising from the ashes again and again, I combed through the wreckage to make sure there was no trace of the person I had been. As I burned through my 30s, I started to despair of ever finding enough of a foundation to create anything of substance. I longed to follow the advice of Gustave Flaubert: "Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work." But the change did not stop. Despite my best efforts to stay away from the flames, I was trapped. I rolled through life on a Catherine wheel, shooting off sparks and leaving wildfires behind me.

It is only recently that I've started to understand that my attempts at self-immolation hadn't been as successful as I imagined. Facing the prospect of becoming a mother, I am watching myself go back in time. I couldn't have begun this journey consciously. My logical brain would have sneered at the idea there might be anything worth going back for. Fortunately, my logical brain was not in charge. I was unaware of what I was doing until I began to discover that my attempts to incinerate the past had been so thorough, the fire had burned hot and deep enough to turn the ash to diamonds. Last night, I ate a Macintosh apple. The last time I had one, was years ago, and I was disappointed. The apples grown in Washington are not the same as fruit from trees that have weathered New England cold. But I am forgetting the taste of winter. As I bit into the apple, memories of apple picking and farm stands came rushing back as saliva flooded my mouth. I ate and told stories about my mother. How she bought sour granny smith apples winter, spring, and summer. We ate them hidden away in pies or cold out of the fridge, cut neatly with an apple slicer to make them easier to swallow. But in the fall, we filled baskets with Macintosh apples we picked ourselves at a local farm. Autumn apples were as sacred as maple candy. They were always eaten out of hand barely warmed by autumn sunshine. Fruit was like that. Except for sour apples, it never came from the store. We always picked our fruit ourselves, most often eaten off the plant. Except for strawberries that were squirreled away in the freezer for winter cereal. It may seem that I am on my way to backsliding. I have been told a million times that people come back to church when they have children because they want their kids to have the experiences they had. But the diamonds I have found in Bible stories are never taught in Sunday school. No one seems to remember the prodigal son returned home because he knew he would be treated well. I can eat a million apples without being tempted to fall back to where I came from. Nothing has changed. The Catherine wheel spins on. I burn. I roll. Always forward. Retrogrades are only an optical illusion.