Por Jeff Lee
My favorite time of year in Macedonia is fall. Fall is the time of harvest. The peppers are picked to make ajvar. Grapes are
harvested for wine. Apples are picked. The fall represents a time of accomplishment for farmers. After a busy planting season and months of watering, pruning and cultivating we go to our fields and pick the fruits of our labor.
Over the 14 years that we have lived in Macedonia we have seen several harvest seasons. Each one is unique and wonderful. This year saw an increase in yield for our grapes. We grew pumpkins, jalapeños, tomatoes and cucumbers. We picked apples, plums and walnuts that grow in our vineyards. We made ajvar, fruit jam, pickled jalapeños and carved pumpkins. Soon we will go and trim the vines and put fertilizer in the fields for next year.
Prayer
Lord, bless this harvest.
You brought the rain.
You caused the sun to shine.
You blew the gentle breeze.
You made the land fertile.
We give thanks for the bounty of our labor.
—Peace be the Journey