This is my favorite time of year. I love all the seasons, but there's something extra special about autumn. There's a sweet, yet burnt crispness in the air during the evenings that I find so comforting. I love all things harvest, so seeing the pumpkins at the farm stands or in grocery stores warms me inside. I love how everything gets more homey and nourishing. My mom's moist pumpkin bread recipe, hearty tomato vegetable soups with crunchy bread, Indian corn, warty gourds, canning, scarecrows, decorating for Halloween (my favorite holiday!), pumpkin and apple picking, the morning air is so chilly, I jump out of bed to get my robe, pumpkin spice lattes, corn husk dolls, baking, green leaves surrendering gracefully to delicious oranges and vibrant reds, my children's utter joy at discussing what Halloween costumes they'll wear, all of these things make me happy. At this time of thanks, I give thanks for all my blessings; healthy family, good friends, a new home, a new start and the sweet, burnt crispness of the evening air.
