(DRUM ROLL)

The advent calendar has begun!

We're all a little excited, particularly my birthday-loving, holiday-enthusiast daughter. Everyday, I am forced to make a rundown of birthdays/holidays standing in the way of her 4th birthday. And I love doing it.

SO ... Visiting an apple orchard.

What has become the bane of my existence.

Apple picking is such a happy memory from my childhood. Every year we would go to Apple Hill. Perfect weather. Perfect apples. Perfect baked goods.

Texas? Not so much.

I do announce triumphantly, however: I believe I cracked the secret combination to apple picking in this state.

It's true. I think I found a way for us to visit a real apple orchard and do some real apple picking.

Tragically for my triumphant, a brutal summer not only stole my glory, but the life of one of my favorite trees in the backyard.

Every orchard I inquired after (within a two-and-a-half hour driving distance) reported failed crops due to drought an extreme heat.

Boo.

Plan B (I was not going back to Central Market, enjoy it as I do): The Dallas Farmer's Market.


The kids at the entrance, of course, entranced with the tractor the the right of them and not me ...

Who knew of this little gem in the heart of downtown?

Certainly not me.

Since we were driving to Dallas to surprise Lane with a birthday lunch, I thought we'd leave a little early and hit up the fresh, local fruit of the Farmer's Market.

Granted, I believe the apples we purchased were imported. But they are glorious.

Large, red and juicy.

I can not WAIT to make apple cider on Day 3.

We also did this today (see below) ...