Last Saturday, my husband and I took a road trip through southern Alamance County in North Carolina. Along the way we gathered memories as we purchased crocheted pumpkins and goodies to enjoy as the season changes.
First we began with a visit to the historic Allen House located south of Burlington on Highway 62, to learn more about figs. As we arrived we could see the smoke from the chimney. Inside the cabin, Lisa Cox and a volunteer were preparing to cook a fig pudding over the open flame.
Lisa told us that the fig pudding we read about in history books is more like a cake than a pudding. And of course, nutmeg was added to her version of the recipe.
We didn’t have time to wait for the pudding to cook because Bob wanted to stop by an antique car show at a different location in the county.
Thank goodness my husband has a keen sense of direction. It is a skill that I was not blessed with. After nearly 34 years, I have learned to just let him drive.
The entire festival was an event sponsored by a local Ruritan Club. We pulled into a long, graveled driveway flanked on the left by a wooded area. To the right was a large field.
The towers on Bass Mountain could be seen from the field that was divided into two sections – one open and one dotted with antique vehicles.
A few vendors, displaying wares for the ladies, rested in the shade and waited to sell their homemade products. As I talked to the vendors, I discovered new stories.
When I decided to purchase the two crocheted pumpkins, I waited while the young lady added a leaf to the stem of the smaller one. She told me that her grandmother inspired her own interest in learning how to crochet.
How wonderful, I thought, that she learned the skill directly from someone who was able to pass the art to another generation. I can only imagine the memories that come with each stitch. Every movement of her hands creates a new work from an old pattern.
At another booth we stopped to purchase bread and butter pickles. It reminded me of summers at home when we had a garden. When you learn to can what the garden produces, you understand the quiet time afterwords. You listen intently and count the number of pops as the seals close securely.
We bought one other canned item that day -fig jam. I suppose we will have to wait for a fig pudding around Christmas.
Each day is full of stories.
Donna B. Roach ©2023. All Rights Reserved
How very special it is that you recorded this delightful excursion with your husband. And, that you shared it in writing with your devoted fans. Now we are all blessed by this wonderful day in rural North Carolina.
Thanks. So glad you let us know you came along for the ride!