I *heart* fall

undocumented, but still good

oh dear, oh dear.

I left my camera at home this weekend...oh the photos that will never be! I kicked myself all the way to my hometown and back. It was bittersweet each time I saw things through the eyes of my camera, with the realization that I had no way to document it, no way to save it and share it with you. Sigh.

Missed photos:

1. The empty lot that, until a few years ago, held my childhood home.
2. The life-size statues of bearded men and Native Americans at the infamous Charburger restaurant in Hood River, OR.
   
3. The amazing home of some great people who had us over for roasted chicken and potatoes, fresh green beans, freshly pressed apple cider from fruit that grows on their own trees, and an apple galette for dessert (You should have seen the sun room filled with blooming geraniums).
4. The Gorge during autumn.

The weekends have been so lovely this fall. Calm and full of meet-ups with family, friends, and people from my past. Its getting me all warmed up for the holidays. I guess it time to get started on all the holiday preparation, but I don't want to spoil being in the moment right now with all that planning. I'm just going to savor it for a bit more.

the stuff of life

I'm so behind! I've been busy being out and about taking pictures of the changing colors,





attending weddings, putting the finishing touches on my Halloween costume, carving pumpkins, and cooking, cooking, cooking.

My poor family. I think they've about had it with my soups. Seriously, in the past week or two, I have made Mushroom Barley Soup, Roasted Butternut Squash Soup (thank you Alicia, it was so delicious!), Vegetarian Chili, Creamy Potato and Kielbasa Soup, and Lentil Soup (ok, ok that was from a can, but I still subjected my family to it!). But, to my credit, they have each been cozy, yummy, and satisfying... in my opinion, all the things an autumn meal should be!

Tonight I couldn't bear to cook another meal. I was totally spent, so we went out here for a slice instead, which was great. A band was playing in the lounge, and Addison was completely enthralled by the music. He always is when we see someone playing live, particularly if there is a guitar. In fact, it has been his focus and obsession as of late.



A friend of ours gave us this toy ukelele and every day Addison puts music in his stereo -- usually his favorite, John Mayer-- and rocks out.

Then I brought out the big guns.



He was ecstatic.



And Addison, I couldn't be prouder of you, because I know you are going to make it big someday. In whatever you choose to do.

Autumn, I love you.

I adore this pairing of photos that Joanna posted yesterday!

































The colors are delicious!

Today, I can finally see the evidence of autumn's arrival... rain, falling leaves, cold weather, and everything in my house expanding due to the moisture (from dresser drawers to puzzle pieces!).
I think I'm finally ready.

Things I love about autumn:

• getting cozy
• cooking with hearty, harvesty foods and making soups, breads, and slow cooked meals
• heavy blankets at night
• Halloween!!! (I adore costume parties... why don't they happen more often?)
• This pumpkin patch, complete with corn, hot cider, popcorn balls, pie, and the Maze!!
  

What do you love?