Apple Pie With Friends

I spent a lovely afternoon with a good friend, helping her to make use of an abundance of apples from the trees on her property. It really is a loss, I think, that women don't do this more often. The 'work' went so much faster when it was accompanied by good conversation, great company, and a nice cup of tea. These little domestic chores, like cooking, that make up so much of our days feel less like chores and more like crafts when they are shared with friends. It seemed a much more thoughtful process, almost sacred, to be making food that our families will be nourished by and will enjoy. These days, cooking often happens in a hurried, last-minute way - something quick pulled together between all of the other business of our days. It can be lonely work, and feel thankless. But today's pie-making felt beautiful. It was relaxing, fulfilling, and enjoyable. Truly, domestic bliss.