For our gang, one of the best things about Autumn is the Annual Brugnoli Friends and Family Krautfest (maybe you remember last year’s), and this past weekend delivered beautiful weather for our festivities!

We started with a crisp, foggy morning that included a beautiful breakfast buffet at Sandy and Bill’s, where most of the gang hung out to watch the annual Conneaut Lake Fall Festival Parade (and the rest of us served as candy passer-outers and parade marchers for our Boro Council candidate, dear “Oh Rob” Brugnoli.

After the parade, we hurried home to prepare for the Kraut-making festivities.  Halupkis and Pierogies and Brauts and Dogs in Kraut simmering, while we set up stations to make 800 pounds worth of cabbage into the world’s best homemade saurkraut in the warm Autumn sunshine.

Stations were set up… and then began…

the cutting…

and the slicing and shredding…

then measuring and weighing…

(…and always time for a mother-daughter pose)…

then finally stomping and pounding.

and laughing…

and composting.

 

 

 

 

Older generations taught younger generations…

and friends taught friends.

More laughs…

lots of hugs… and giving thanks.

 

 

 

Pumpkins were painted…

 

 

&

Swings were swung…

and laughter filled the air.

Treasures were searched for…

and discovered.

Lots of delicious food was eaten…

and YES – these cookies consist of three amazing layers: chocolate chip cookie topped with Oreo cookie topped with brownie!

Delicious, intoxicating beverages were enjoyed.

Hot peppers were sauteed and served on fresh crusty bread by friendly “witches” and warlocks.

Families were celebrated.

 

 

We even brewed beer!

 

 

 

 

 

and BOWLED!

It was a day full of memories… and moments…

and people… and music…

and love… to be cherished.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi