Hambone's Mercantile

As I begin to put away the last drops of sunshine for winter, canning applesauce and jams, preparing tinctures and extracts for the upcoming cold season, and making lemon extract from the last of the season’s lemons, I notice the bright sunny yellow of the alcohol as I begin adding lemon peels to my jar. It made me wonder if previous generations felt this way about those little moments that pop up out of nowhere. By the time this extract is cured and ready, it will loose it’s sunny color but keep it’s bright memory of fresh lemons and warm sun.

I envision lemon ricotta pancakes, maybe with blueberries for good measure. The bright flavor of sun, in the season of short days and cold winds. It’s not lost on me that in our modern world, I can simply go to the grocer and pick up fresh lemons year-round, or in fact, in my region, that I would not even have access to lemons without our modern access to groceries and greenhouses. It doesn’t stop me from appreciating these lovely little moments of reverence for warmth and sun dresses.

Love in all seasons.

~ Hambone’s Mercantile