It has been a whirlwind of a year as Michigan Apple Queen. The year started off big as I traveled to the American Pie Festival in Orlando, Florida. On the first day of the festival, I served with hundreds of others as a pie judge. I was appropriately assigned the value apple pie division where I proceeded to try all 25 pies. It was fascinating to go through the food critique procedures, but I have to confess that I wrote a similar comment on most of the applicants – needs more apples. The next day I visited the endless pie buffet celebration. I admit that I did not eat my share as I was slightly worn out of pie from the day before. It was a great weekend and I came home with one conviction, the best pies are those served in grandma’s kitchen.