This year the transition felt sudden. I barley noticed the subtle changes last week, but as I stepped out for my daily walk this morning, I was surprised to see the total change in nature’s artistry:
The beautiful lush green trees of summer revealing golden shades of yellows and oranges, their tired leaves gently fluttering to the ground, creating a thin but solid carpet on the grass and in the streets.
I love this enchanting time of year (for a short time anyway). Our summer was really brutal with temperatures reaching in the high 90’s for well over a month or two and the humidity fairly intense. Despite being a lover of summer, this year the cooler temperatures feel most welcome!!
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| This tree is massive!! |
Since I’ll be heading to Florida next month, I’m debating whether or not to buy a large pumpkin or perhaps some welcoming mums to decorate my front steps.
One year, we bought a pumpkin to display, but forgot to remove the pumpkin before we took off for Florida. As the pumpkin softened , and the squirrels made quite a mess of it all over our front steps as they enjoyed digging out the seeds.
Last year I bought a large colorful mum for our front steps but gave it away to a neighbor before we left for Florida. I guess I could have taken it with me since we drove there, but I think the blazing hot sun on our balcony would have killed it very quickly.
Winter squashes are another sign to me that fall is on its way. I bought 3 different kinds of winter squashes the other day: a butternut, a spaghetti squash, and a delicata.
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| Delicata squash |
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| Roasted delicata squash with skin |
It was the first time that I made delicata squash. I cleaned out the seeds, sliced it in half and then in slices before I roasted it in the oven (I did not peel the squash since the skin is thin and edible). It was sweet and delicious. I also like it because it’s small making it perfect for just one meal.
What is your favorite winter squash? How do you cook it? Is it beginning to look like fall where you live?
MY NOTES:
Fall officially begins on September 22!!
