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where they should be and doing very well. “I am lucky. What I lose on orchard fruit may be averaged out by my grape crop,” he says. Where will Ontario get the apples this fall to supply the thousands of markets, stores and farm related retail outlets? Catherine says, “I honestly don’t know. They could bring them in from Michigan and New York but they too suffered huge losses due to weather. There will be some kind of agame plan but at this point I just don’t know.” Fortunately Catherine and at least half of the province's apple growers are insured for these types of disasters but the bottom line is that this is cold comfort for them. There is no less work for the grower this year; the thousands of trees still need care and to be read- ied for next year. They will have to turn away so many people looking for jobs. Those with some crop left have to follow the path to our tables and kitchens, albeit with a lot less of their crop in tow. When asked her closing thoughts on this year’s absence of apples Catherine responded, “We can’t control the weather. Farmers are the ultimate gamblers; we don’t need to go to a casino. Mother Nature provides all the surprises and excite- ment we need.” It is indeed strange to think that while most of us basked in those warm, unexpected days of March, little did we think what it meant for the apple industry. I guess it will hit home in the fall when only a fraction of the apples we are accustomed to. reach our markets and tables. By Marjorie Fleming Focus on Scugog PORT PERRY VILLA Scugog’s long-time neighbourhood friend and retirement community. Life's better at the Villa! . Back for the summer of 2012 JULY 18 JU Saddle Blue Trio “SWINGIN SUMMER Higher Ground CONCERT” SERIES — — Palmer Park Irwin Smith at the Rotary Gazebo Stage Bring your lawn chair and enjoy some oj Wednesday Nights - 7:00 pm fin ied f Durham's most requested entertainment. 15987 Simcoe St., Port Perry © 905-985-3312 © www.portperryvilla.ca FOCUS -JULY 2012 17 07. JULY FOCUS 64 pages.indd 17 12-06-25 11:33 AM