Well howdy! My name's Applejack, and I reckon you may already have known that. I ain't the best at grammar, nor is my spelling the best thing there ever was, and for that I am heartily sorry, but I sure ain't sorry for this here testimony of mine! I sure hope you like adventure tales and that sort, cause let me tell you honey, my life ain't nothing but one big adventure, and I wouldn't trade it for all the apple harvests in the whole world. Now let's see here, where do I begin? Well, why not start with today? My, oh my, today was a special day indeed here at Sweet Apple Acres. Come think of it, before get into all that, kindly allow me to just reintroduce myself in case you never read my earlier "accounts". I'm an earth pony living in the magical land of Equestria; Ponyville, as a matter of fact. I live on an apple farm on the outside of town. That's right, I'm a country girl all the way through, and you best believe it. I ain't nothing but proud to say that I've been bucking apples for my family since I was just a little filly.

I'm the first to admit it, I ain't a real sophisticated mare. I really enjoy the simple things in life. I'm a music lover, 'specially country of course. Come think of it, I play a little fiddle and do a little singing myself actually.A beautiful day on the farm is my absolute delight, though I thoroughly enjoy a hard day's work and a tall glass of apple cider, as well as spending time with my friends. However, my favorite activity of all, is spending time with my beloved family...who when you think about are really the first friends you ever make. They sure as sugar are my pride and joy. I spend each and every day of my young life helping them out as best I can, we all do. It may not be the most lay-back relax life there ever was, but for my family, every chore, every hard-earned minute of every day is worth everything in the world. Why, right now I ain't a month over 21 years old. That means I'm in my prime out there bucking the apple trees, and I sure ain't got any plans of slowing down any time soon.

My brother's Big Macintosh, a big ol' work stallion with a strong back and stronger will. He's quieter than a mouse at a funeral, but he's as kind as a bunny; we sure do love him. The baby of the household is Apple Bloom, and she ain't got no cutie mark yet, that poor little thing, but she's still got one of the brightest smiles you ever saw and a strong little heart; we sure are proud of her. Still hangin' in there is our own Granny Smith. She got fake teeth and a saggy old hip, but you wouldn't believe the things she still wills herself to. She raised us to be the workin', lovin' family we are, and we're forever grateful to her. Of course you got Winona, the best friend a pony could ever have, not to mention the best darn tootin' herd dog you could ever pull out of a haystack.

If you got a family of your own, you well know that families grow and grow, and when the right special somepony comes along, you got yourself one more member of the family. See here, that brings me to the newest member of the Apple family. Uh... now ya'll remember how I said special somepony? Well, I guess you could say half of that is the truth; he sure as hay is the most special feller my country heart could ever ask for. Now just cause I'm the element of honesty don't mean I have to tell you every little thing I feel, do I? Aw shucks, who am I kidding, my face is redder than a ripe tomato just thinking about that cute and gentle creature. Just sitting here writin' I gotta smile wide as a rodeo racetrack.

Hehe, sorry about that. Now don't you worry your pretty little head, I'll introduce him a bit more detail like in a minute. For right now, I'm gonna pick up where I left off; as I was saying, it was sure a glorious day here today. Blue skies, puffy clouds, and the usual pretty sights of the apple trees, the fields, and the grass. The moment I'd like take ya'll too is a gorgeous part in the late end of the day, and I was bucking my way through the south field's red delicious trees, and it was getting on about four o'clock, which means dinner and quitting time will be a comin' soon. I was galloping from tree to tree, giving them a good bit of Bucky McGillicutty and Kicks McGee.

You best believe any given day out on the farm can be dog-tiring, especially if you're moving from tree to tree in not two shakes of a sheep's tale like I was. You can get sweaty and dirty from head to hoof all right, but this is my kinda life. Working means I get to help out my dear family, so working is my pleasure. There's all kinds of things to enjoy out there; the sun, the sky, the clouds. The sweet aroma of the newly ripened apples, the morning dew, the cockadoodledoo's of the rooster, a nap in the grass... I could go on till the next Apple family reunion. The most wonderful thing of all though, is...

Well, anyway, I was going back and fourth from tree to tree in the south field. I was trotting along from a line of trees leading back toward the house and the barn. It wasn't before long I came across one my favorites. Bloomington! Ah' forgot you were in here. Hehe, don't worry, ah' won't be too rough. Bloomington is cousin a Bloomberg as a matter of fact. He was looking mighty fit for a young tree, and his apples were red as a rose. I gave him a quick shot of Bucky and down they all came into the bucket. I reached down with my hoof and scarfed down one of the apples. Boy howdy, Bloomington, these are some of the finest apples ah' ever tasted. My heart lept with delight and my cheeks turned red at my next thought. Ah' bet a sweet apple pie would be just the thing his sweet little heart needs. These apples are perfect!

"C'mon little ones, I'm takin' ya'll in right now."

Without no horsing around, I got that bucket on my rump and started trotting to the farm. A mighty wonderful breeze was taking me up to the heavens on my way back, so I just shut my eyes and let my mane and tail go right along with it. Oh, Applejack... you sure got a wonderful life ahead a' you. My, oh my, ah' got so many trees bucked today, which means less work fer the rest of my family. Ah' wonder how they're all doin' this fine evening? Oh and don't forget we got the annual Ponyville hoedown in a couple days.

I made my way right up to the house and set the apples down on the porch. That's when I remembered Apple Bloom was giving the prize piggy a bath by the barn, so I galloped over that way to see if she needed any help. She's a youngin alright, but she's an Apple, and by golly that means she ain't no sloth. She sure is a great sister, and I love her to death. Ah' worked you enough for one day, Apple Bloom. If ya done a good job that is... She was scrubbing away at him, and when I showed up, she poked up with her usual cheery smile, always happy to see her sister.

"Howdy sis!"

"Well howdy there, Apple Bloom. How's he comin'?" She was getting dirty from cleaning that pig, even dirtier than he was.

"Well, ah'd say he's comin' along just fine, don't you think he is?" I put my hoof to my chin and gave my loving smile of approval, and she twinkled with happiness, always happy to do a good job for her family.

"Ah'd say he is. In fact, ah'd say he's cleaner n' you, little sis," I said, and I snatched the brush out of her hoof and gave her a scrub. She was squirming like a worm in an apple, enjoying every bit of it.  

"Hey stop that tickles!"  She cried, and I of course broke out into giggles of my own. We settled down, and I let her go.

"How many more chore's ya got, sis? Were you still gonna go meet up with yer crusader friends?" I could tell she wanted too, but she was trying to cover it up, and she ain't any good at that.

"Well, actually ah' was gonna go help AJ, he's all by himself in the west field," she said, before a devious little smile came over her.

"What're you laughin' at?" Apple Bloom smiled and laughed.

"Well, last ah' saw, he was tryin' to pull one of them pony apple wagons... by himself. Ah' think Bic Macintosh left it there on accident, and well, he's just tryin' his best to help," said Apple Bloom. That was one of the funniest daggum things I ever heard. A human pullin' a pony wagon? Why of all the- that that adorable little... I was nearly dying on the inside, but for whatever reason, I held back as best I could and tried to look serious with my sis. Wasn't two whole seconds before I quit; I couldn't hold back my laughter for a first place medal in the rodeo. After a brief stare, I was hooting and hollering with Apple Bloom at the thought of that two legger trying to pull a pony wagon. Thing is, it's things like that that make him so cute and sweet. He's just trying to help in any way he can. Inspired by his innocence, I wrapped my leg around my sis for hug.

"Hey sis, why don't you go do a little crusadin'. Ah' worked you enough for one day. Don't worry about AJ, ah'll go help him," I said. Apple Bloom lit up like a candle on a haystack.

"Really?"

"Eeyup."

"Applejack, yer the bestest sister ever. Ah'll see ya later!" she cried. Those young ones don't waste a minute, and she was outa there like a jackrabbit. Have fun little sis. I watched her with a big old grin as she ran away. Apple Bloom is a wonderful little sister, and I'm so happy and proud that she's handled our newest family member so tremendously.

As she faded from sight, I turned my head towards our beautiful west field, and deep inside I started feeling warmer than a July tomato. I can't wait to go see him after a hard day like today. Trotting through the tree line like a giddy little filly, whipping my tail about and whistling, the wind in my mane and the sun in my face, there ain't nothing like a stroll through the orchard on the way to see the most special somepony there ever was. I was happier than a flee on a fat hound. Ah'm a comin', sugarcube! Oh honey, what a beautiful blue sky we got to look at today.  Ah' hope you ready for some good ol' pony cuddlin'!

I reckon it be the right time to finally introduce you to the newest member of the Apple family; my most beloved  husband. His name is AJ (just like me!), and he may not have the hind quarters for bucking apple trees, but he sure as  sugar is the best hubby a mare like myself could ever ask for. Heck I suppose if ya'll are reading this, you probly already read his first two testimonies (well, I had a hoof in the second one). Well, anyway, when I knew I was getting close, I galloped up behind an apple tree and poked my head out to get a quick look at him. He's so cute to look at when he don't know you're watching him. Heck, this point in the day I hadn't seen him hardly at all since the work was laid out the way it was.

I peered my head out from the side of that tree, and sure as the wind blows... there he was. There I was again, just like everyday for the last year, losing myself in pure happiness as I admired the mere sight of him. In the middle of the orchard, working so hard atop his ladder picking those apples as fast he could with those hand thingys of his. That sun was shining down on him like he was an angel (he sure is my angel), and his dark mane -er, hair as he calls it- was shining like a pot of gold. His blue eyes are the brightest and most special I ever seen. And of all things, he even smiles when he works. I smiled ear to ear and held my hat over my heart. Look at you sweatin' and toilin' out under the sun fer yer family. Ah' am so proud of you! How is it that ah' get someone as cuddly and kind as you?

See, we been married about fourteen months now. We met about six months before we married when he first got here in Ponyville. He arrived here in Ponyville from his homeland looking for a new life and pony friendship. I remember pulling him outta one of them water buckets used for apple bobbing at one of Pinkie's partys, first time I ever laid my eyes on him. I always thought he was a nice-looking creature. But he was super friendly if not a little shy, maybe even a little awkward (in a good way!) I always found his manner even then to be cute, to go along with that adorable smile of his. So I offered him a job at Sweet Apple Acres, and we made good friends right quick. We started playing together on and off the farm, and I saw his gentle, sweet, innocent nature was a real pleasure to be around. I found him to be a thoroughly adorable fellow and a great new friend.

I didn't plan on what happened next. After a few weeks, his bright blue eyes were giving me a twinkle I never saw before.  Hehe, come think of it, he wasn't much good at hiding his feelings for me. Aww... if I so much as smiled at him, he turned redder than a rose on heart's and hoof's day. I wanted nothing in my life but to help my family by working hard and being the best and most dependable friend a pony could be. I may be just the farmer, I may got the life that the lot of you wouldn't want. Or worst of all, some of you may want me for one thing and one thing only. But shucks, AJ never saw me like that. No sir. His cute little heart is as innocent as the lamb.

Now I ain't no poet, and you best believe I ain't some soft froufrou girl or something like that. But when he looks at me, it's as if... well, it's as if ain't no one ever cared about anypony the way he cares about me. I ain't never seen a deeper affection for nopony then the kind he looks at me with. I ain't never really sought to be loved, only to love. That's something to be expected from great friends. But can't do nothing but tell the truth when it comes to how he makes me feel when he holds me in his arms. He had a deep respect for what I did out here on the farm, and it showed rather plainly in his gaze. When he looked at me straight in my eyes, it was if as long as he had me, he'd always be happy. It was as if I was his greatest joy.

I realized I had a problem (or rather, Big Macintosh was gonna have a problem) when I looked at him back. Not because being adored by someone else is a problem, but because when I did look him in the eye, I realized that I felt the same way about him that he did about me. I saw an uncommonly gentle creature who was strong of heart and caring as can be. Being with him out on the farm, I had more fun than a tornado in a trailer park. I deeply cared for him like he was my own, and I only wanted him to be happy as he made me. Problem was, of course, is that he was no pony. He was a human, and humans and ponies ain't supposed to get married. Well, we went ahead and got hitched in secret by my friend, Princess Cadence out in the Everfree Forest. Didn't last long, as you can probably reckon; word broke out about a week later when we got roped in to a whole new adventure, and well, you can read all about those in our first two testimonies (I'm mighty sorry, but I don't wanna spoil it for you if you haven't read it!). All you need to know right now is that we got one happy family out here on the farm, and I couldn't love my sweetheart any more if I tried.

Anyway, where was I? Today, that's right- I was looking at him over yonder by that tree. He was working hard and wiping the sweat from his brow, but he was loving every second of it. He coulda chosen a whole bushel of other things to do with his life. He coulda gone somewhere else and done stuff with the simple fact of him being human. But he chose here. He chose to become a farmer with me on Sweet Apple Acres. At that moment, my heart was ready to burst as I peered at him in secret, but for a little longer. Oh sugarcube, look at you. Ah' see you working so hard out here, honey. You gonna be one happy puppy when ah'm done cuddlin' ya! Oh goodness... and ah' got the most wonderful news... Ah' wanna tell you today, sugarcube, but ah' don't know if ah' got the strength to. Maybe ah'll wait till after the hoedown, cuz ah' wouldn't wanna overwork that cute little heart o' yers.

*          *          *          *          *          *

Well hello there! AJ here, as you may have guessed (not my wife; other AJ). I'm sorry, it's been too long, I know! Then again, you can't really expect us to record every single day of our lives, can you? I'm guessing that would make Applejack's mouth pretty sore (writing with your mouth can me more strenuous than it looks; it's a lot of work on those jaw muscles). Anyway, I guess I'll just pick up right where we were. I'm hoping Applejack didn't tell you too much about our lives together so far; that would defeat the purpose of the first two testimonies! I'm sure she didn't, though, and if she did, her sweet and humble heart did not do it on purpose; it's always in the right place. Always.

Anyhow, I guess I don't really have to re-explain the whole "I have a crush on a pony" thing at this point; I know what my place is among ponies around here, and I've accepted that; I'm that human, meek and mild as they like to say, who's head-over-heels in love with a mare. And as singled out as that may be, I must admit, it's a label that couldn't be anymore gleeful to me. If there's one thing I heartily proclaim from the rooftops, it's that I belong to Applejack, the modest farmer, with all of my mind, heart, soul, and strength, human or pony. It's been an adventure, being through all we've been through, and we've been through some wonderful times together, conquered the most overwhelming odds, and been there for each other through sorrow and strife. But my, oh my, I wouldn't trade it for any other life, not here in Equestria, nor back where I was born. Not one. Because at the end of the day, I'm married to the kindest, strongest, sweetest girl who ever lived; Applejack.

It sure is a gorgeous the day out here today, and by that I mean not only the weather, that consisted of the bluest skies and the puffiest white clouds you ever saw, but the farm itself...the glorious green that shines throughout the orchard, from the glitter that radiates from the leaves of the apple trees, or how about the pretty red barn and farmhouse right in the middle of it all? Not to mention the white picket fence that surrounds the property, or the crimson sparkle of each of the new apples arrived with the harvest. But none of it, not any of it alone or combined, was nearly as beautiful Applejack.

The time I'd like to go to was later in the day, getting close to supper, and I was picking my way through the red delicious trees. It's a funny thing; as you hopefully know by now I was born and raised in the city. My grandparents lived in the country, and whenever we went to visit them, I loved it so much I wanted to stay there forever. My family used to make fun of me, saying I was I wannabe farmer and that I would be better off doing something "admirable" like some kind of high class business man or something. But that just wasn't me, it never was. That's why working on this farm, putting in the hard hours day in and day out is like, well... it's like a dream come true.

Actually, come to think of it though, I'm not sure "dream come true" is the best choice. Because what then does that make Applejack? Another thing you may already know (if you do, I'm sorry!) is that I had no intention of falling in love or even getting married up to the point that I met her. I certainly had never met a girl back home that I could say I felt a fraction near the way about Applejack, and I had given up hope that it was possible for me. But then I came to Ponyville, Applejack happily  offered me a job, and that was pretty much it. I started spending time with her; working in these orchards, playing with her and her sister, going on runs through the woods. I realized quickly that she was the most wonderful person/pony in the world. She's sweet, honest, strong, humble, and country to the core.

Her accent is the most adorable thing you've ever heard, spoken in the cutest voice you could possibly imagine. In my opinion, of course, she's also the most beautiful creature in all the land, human or pony. And after a few short weeks, winning her smile of approval and getting a friendly look from the kindest green eyes you ever did see was my greatest delight. And, it turns out, well... you know what happened after that. A secret wedding (not to mention a secret "sharing" of the element of honesty that occurred when we got married and our hearts became one, something we didn't realize right away), an epic showdown with an evil unicorn featuring us with other elements of harmony (Applejack's friends), and a nightmarish experience in Manehattan with Trixie the unicorn and Applejack's uptight relatives known as the Oranges. But if one thing proved sure about those events, in the end, my most beloved wife and I have grown even closer, and I couldn't be happier with anything in the whole world than growing closer to the one whom I admire above any and all creatures.

Oh! Sorry, getting off topic. Anyway, it was getting late in the day, and I was picking my way through the red delicious trees from up on my ladder. Harvest time is always great of course, but it tends to make my value and self-worth feel a little on the downside, considering the number of apples I pick to the number of apples that fall from one buck of Applejack or Big Macintosh. If there's one thing that would make me feel bad, it's a feeling that Applejack is having to do more work than she has to (even though she accepts all of her work with love and without the least bit of complaining, which in and of itself only adds to my deepest admiration of her). But, going through and picking the apples is nailing some quality control before they go sort out the bucked ones, seeing how we can't sell the bruised apples. Applejack greatly appreciates the smallest bit of work on the farm, even if it's tiny compared to hers. Her approving smile of any work of mine is enough to send me into a heavenly feeling of smitten enchantment.

I was going through my apple picking as fast I could without compromising the quality control, sending the good apples to the bucket on my right hand side and the bad ones to the left. I won't lie, at this point in the day, I was getting awful tired, sweating like a pig and aching in the arms. But everyday I find the will to work through the end with great joy. Come on AJ, the harder you work, the less work there is for Applejack and her family. Oh boy, the look on her face when she sees how much I got done already. I smiled and blushed at the thought of Applejack giving me her compliments, and I could hear her adorable voice. 'Aw shucks, sugarcube, how'd ya get these picked and sorted all in a day's work? Why, ah' sure am proud of you, honey! C'mere for a hug!' I giggled to myself at the thought of such that awaited me when the day was over. I picked up the pace and ignored my fatigue. What better way to prove your love then hard work? That's the Applejack example and the Apple family code. That's enough to will you through just about anything.

A few moments later I picked one particular apple that was worth a second glance before a toss into the right bucket. It was a piece of art; it was ideal in shape and texture, with an especially shiny scarlet hue, and a spotless leaf at the top. It sure did look delicious, not to say the other apples in this orchard didn't; certainly they all did. But this one stood out, almost immaculate. I realized, of course, that it was the perfect apple to save for my ever-most-special somepony. I looked up at the blue sky and imagined her enjoying it, bite by bite, her happy smile sending my own heart, united to hers, in utter delight. I got good news forI'm setting you off to the side. I climbed down quickly and placed it just to the side of the right-side bucket.

Don't forget, we're hosting that hoedown in a couple of days. Oh, man, that's going to be so much fun. Games, fun, and dancing with everypony in a country setting with a country theme? Freshly baked apple treats galore? Applejack singing?? Oh and by the way, the ponies here in Ponyville seem to be getting use to us quite nicely. They were pretty friendly from the beginning, even to a rare creature like me, and for that I am very thankful. But when news broke out that Applejack and I had married (in secret, no less), that took a while getting used to. But, as I said, it's getting to the point where we can walk through town together and get nothing but smiles. You might think that someone like me wouldn't be bothered by that, but it does matter to me because I want Applejack to be the loved and respected pony that she deserves. If she can walk through town and still have great interactions with her friends, then I'm happy.

I wonder what else I can do when I finish this job? Well, it is getting later. Maybe one more then. I'm not so sure me pulling that wagon of apples is the best job for me around here... but I bet Apple Bloom could use a helping hoof with that pig... er, helping hand. That's a good job for me! Living with ponies makes slips like that easier then you might think; to tell you the truth, I don't really mind it at all. It just makes me feel like I'm one of them.

When I climbed back up the ladder (which is about ten feet high) I stopped only for a moment to admire the farm and my surroundings in all their glory, as a cool breeze bringing the aroma of apples flowed softly in my face. I shut my eyes and took a deep breath, savoring the freshest air I'd ever inhaled. I thought about it for a moment as I looked out across the trees and into the countryside.

Sometimes I wonder how a life like this could come to someone like me. Sure, I'm a human married to a pony, and in this world, that means there's going to be some consequences, some of which we've already had to deal with in our adventures. But my, oh my, this day was a break in our adventures filled with only peace, and I'm not complaining one bit. This farm, this place... it's all so gorgeous... so wonderful. I let out a deep sigh and a wide smile came over me as the thing that consumes my life came to mind. But not nearly as gorgeous or wonderful as ... Smiling from ear to ear, still, I got back to work as fast as I could. It wasn't long before that smile faded, as my exhausted limbs kept on doing their thing. It had been all day since I'd seen her. Oh well, at least it will be that much better when I see her again.

As I picked the last bit of apples in the tree I was in, I saw in the bottom of my vision something down low. It was Winona, our pet collie. She was going from tree to tree, sniffing each apple on the ground that she came to, but disciplined enough not to eat them, even though she was dying to have one. She came to my tree and spotted my ladder, and after a quick whiff of the "good" apple bucket, she sat down and looked up at me with a hopeful smile, those puppy eyes of her wishing for an apple. I'm always happy to see Winona. She is the friendliest, most well-behaved pet a family could ask for. Fortunately for her, I'm very easy to persuade if she comes along looking for a treat and gives me that look. I smiled at her and continued picking.

"Oh, I see how it is. You think with that look that you can get anything you want, or at the very least from me, is that it?" I said. Winona barked friendlily and rolled over on her back, her tongue out and eyes wide with hope still fixed on me even though upside down. "Well, I guess if you're disciplined enough to refuse all the apples on the ground and in the buckets, you deserve it. Here ya go," I said, picking a handsome apple and tossing it down to her. She flipped over and watched it all the way into her mouth, devouring it in a second. I couldn't help but chuckle a little bit. Winona then turned her head toward the back of the ladder, then started barking. "What do you want now?" I said laughing, still picking swiftly and breathlessly. "Go get Applejack. She'd be awful glad to see you right now." I thought for a moment just how glad I would be to see her right now. Just keep working, AJ. Won't be long now before we call it a day, and then I'll see her right up until I my eyes. I kept picking and picking as fast I could, eager to give it my all until the day is done. I sighed, wishing to see her again. And that, of course, is when the sweetest voice in the wide world called to me from behind.

"Howdy there sugarcube!"

That was enough to ignite my heart and send me spirits sailing.

"Applejack?"

I eagerly turned around, and there she was at the bottom of the ladder, giving me a smile cute enough to make all of my aches and pains disappear in a jiffy. Do I need to give a description? Even after a long day's work, she is still a wonderful sight. Sweaty and dirty? Maybe. Mane a little messy? Perhaps. But even so, she was radiantly beautiful, just as she always is. Her mane bright blonde and golden in the sun, the perfect compliment to her glossy orange coat, her adorable white freckles right under her entrancing lily-green eyes, which were full of love. Typically, the phrase "feminine beauty" might be associated with a slightly more regal pony, like Rarity, whose royal blue curls and eyelashes are among her most charming features. But I would say if you want the most femininely beautiful of any mare (and if she were to read this, she'd probably gag), look no further than Applejack the farmer.

She quickly glanced all around at the sorted buckets, and to my great delight, she was visibly impressed and deeply appreciative.

"Ya did all this in a day's work? Ya got all them apples in that section sorted, good n' bad separated? Why shoot, ah' feel like ah' haven't done nothin' today!" she said, which was quite comical to hear coming from her, the work horse, who can buck trees almost as fast I can pick just a couple of apples. I shrugged and smiled like it was nothing, but inside I was so proud of myself. Then I remembered what I'd picked just a few moments ago.

"Oh! Look down there by the side of the good bucket. See that?" I said, as she picked up the spotless, perfect apple I had saved for her. She looked at it in awe and licked her chops, which added to fulfillment. "It's yours." Little acts of kindness like this are a great way, at least for me, to show my kindness for her. She was deeply touched, as always, and smiled back with a look warmer than the sun.

"Ya'll saved this perfect apple fer me? Why, you get down here, sugarcube! Ah' need a hug," she said, tossing it up in the air and devouring it in one bite, chewing out loud. Just as I began to come down and happily oblige, Applejack gave me a loving glare, devious but friendly. "Ya know, ah' got a special treat back at the barn fer anypony who got a whole lot work done today out here today, but... ah' guess it's yers now," she said. I couldn't help but perk up from atop the ladder, looking back on it I was no different than a puppy who reacts to the word "treat". A special treat? Oh gosh, I hope it's apple pie! Or maybe apple fritter? No treat, however, can compare with an Applejack hug.

I stopped where I was on the ladder and looked across the orchard where I had passed through and picked, finally getting a look at just what I had accomplished for the day. Not nearly as much as Applejack or Big Mac, though, but still, Applejack appreciates it, and of course the quality control was a bonus for all these trees. That's all that matters at the end of the day.

"Well, it's, not bad, I guess," I said, looking across and doing my best not to blush, which I was failing at. Applejack looked as though she just remembered something, and she smiled from ear to ear and covered her mouth with her hoof, trying to prevent laughter.

"Alright now, Mr. Honesty, no lyin'... were ya'll tryin' to pull one o' them pony wagons?" she said. I knew it. I knew someone saw me. I crossed my arms and stared at her attempting to be serious, holding back my inner smiles as best I could. Applejack's playful teases are some of the most delightfully embarrassing things you could ever experience. Trying to pull that thing may have been a little stupider then I realized. If I do something embarrassing, you better believe someone is there to catch it. As I thought back on it, it was pretty funny. Especially the way I was attempting to drive into the ground with my two legs and push it forward with the harness on my shoulders. We stood there in silence, staring at each other and each of us trying desperately not to laugh. I couldn't hold it in anymore; as my mouth broke into a smile and I started laughing, she gave in as well, and before long we were both laughing harder than a pair of hyenas. As I started on my way down for that much anticipated hug, something else caught the mare's gaze.

"Hey!" she said suddenly, her eyes fixed on something up in the tree. The smile faded on my face as I looked up into the tree briefly, and then back at her.

"What is it?"

"It looks like a ... like an Autumn Gold apple! Well ah'll be, they are still growin' out here after all. Pick it, honey!" she said, pointing to a spot in the tree where I had already picked just about all the apples. I squinted my eyes eagerly, moving some of the branches aside. I stepped up, looking for a special apple, but it didn't appear to be there. That's odd, an Autumn Gold in a Red Delicious tree?

"Where is it, honey?" I said, searching devotedly for said apple.

"Just keep lookin'! It's up there," she said, and I looked down and saw that she was now touching the ladder with her hoof, her smile and remark letting me know that she was just joking about the apple. I laughed and grabbed on two the ladder with both hands. She began rocking the ladder gently away from and back to the branch it was stationed on. It actually was kind of fun.

"Hey, come on now, you know I'm not the biggest fan of heights. You weren't there when I had to ride the Princess' back to go save you," I said (which is a reference to my first testimony), and as I heard her laugh sweetly from the bottom, the ladder swayed a little further from the branch. "Hey, whoa!" I exclaimed, and I must admit, it was a lot of fun.

"Hey stop! I'll fall!" I said with laughter.

"Now who's the damsel in distress?" she said, chuckling with delight as the ladder began to tip over. This time I screamed for real.

"Uh, Applejack?!? Wait! Ahh!"

She trotted over the other side where the ladder was falling to, and as I fell to the ground, she stood on her hind legs and opened her arms for me to fall into. I let go of the ladder and landed smack in her arms, propelling the both of us to the ground. When I opened my eyes, I discovered we were locked in the most snuggly position imaginable. Now I was lying on my side, except I was so cozily and comfortably on top of top her. Her arms and legs wrapped around me so tightly and cuddly that I thought I was going to melt into a puddle. My description in words does not do justice to the feeling of being nestled safely in her arms. It's like she's pouring all the treasures from her cleanest, purest heart straight into mine, and residing there forever. The same heart that has spent years tending this land and caring for her friends and family, never questioning it.  It's times like these when I wonder that our love and happiness would turn even the most hardened crook into a state of sentiment. I did what I do best; I closed my eyes and rested my head where it was, just below her neck, and she rested her chin there on top.

"I love you," I whispered. "Have I ever mentioned that?" She neighed softly and closed her eyes.

"Sugarcube... I love ya to death."  

I've heard it a thousand times, but each time it doesn't lose it's force when it hits me. Same as always, I blushed with a stupid smile, feeling as warm as the sun. The love of Applejack. The purest and truest love in the entire world. The treasure of heaven. And I think as she opened her eyes and looked deeply out into her beautiful orchard, where the sun was beginning to set and the evening sky's colors began to magnify it's glory, there was something on her mind. Something wonderful twinkled in her eyes as she thought about something. I wonder what's on her mind? I figured if she wanted to tell me, she would, and whatever her will is, that's mine as well. I trust her with my deepest secrets, and whatever her will is, that's mine too. So I withheld from asking.

"Hey AJ?"

"Yea?"

After a few seconds, I pulled my head up and looked at her. "Yea? What is it Applejack?" She gave me a long, deep look, pouring out her love through her eyes. I have never felt more admired or more cared for in my entire life then I did when she, the simple farmer, looks like me she does. She sighed, and smiled even wider before shutting her eyes.

"Ah'll tell ya later," she said, squeezing me tight and resting her head snugly on me again. I could do nothing but accept her will and take in all of her loving care. Whatever you want, Applejack. Just never be afraid to tell me anything. You are, and always will be, my most beloved country wife, my morning star, my sweetheart, and the cause of my joy.