DEAR APPLE NUTS, it is going to be minus 50,000 degrees soon, so consider this your official farmer’s warning:  Come treasure hunting now for the last u-pick apples. All that’s left in the orchards is a smattering of Rome Beauty and Red Delicious.  Find trees with blue ribbons. You can also venture up to the sprout field, where you will find lopping instructions in farm-style magnetic poetry:  It is screwed on, you can’t move it, and it’s not funny. Meanwhile, down at the stand, we are not going gently into that dark night.  We’re still kicking and screaming and hawking our apples. We’re still squawking about our pears and sprouts and squash and cider.  We’re not scared of some dumb old Polar Vortex. Thing is, we’ve shifted to self-serve mode.  You can find what you like, weigh it on the scale, and drop cash in the chute. We’ll be shuffling stuff inside soon.  If the porch looks empty, just come in the double doors to find goodies.

And now for the big news… Same as last week:  Local Apple Gift Boxes!  Order before Monday for shipping by Thanksgiving. Share local apples with your friends and family.  Bosses—a terrific gift for your world-class assistant.  Order while supplies last. In case you are in denial about the imminence of w-i-n-t-e-r, we tracked these geese flying over the farm.  They are definitely flying south.  Take care and hope to see you at The ‘Creek.