Time for the changes of fall. Time to clean, remove, sort, make, and button up. The seasonal change also affects many a mood. For some folks it is a time of renewal and rejoicing the cooler weather and all the beauty. For others, it brings sadness and depression, as the weather is about to change to cold and be bleak.
Take time not just to enjoy the beauty, but to renew and refresh yourself as well. Take time to actually enjoy the beauty of fall and all the little awesome things it brings. If you concentrate of the wonders, it removes you from your own sadness for a while.
It is necessary to go through fall and then winter for all things to thrive and grow again. The same with us. We need to go through so many seasons in life to get to the beauty it has to offer. Some are not so pretty - but necessary. Each day is a new opportunity to experience something new and different - good and bad - sweet and sad. We are not promised happy days all the days of our lives. We have to make each day something special. DO NOT waste these days.
Now, for the foody part of my post!!!! Tis the season for all kinds of tasty fresh goodies, that are so much cheaper at this time.
Tis the season!!! Whether you grow your own or buy from farm stands - you can get so many fall food supplies at cheaper prices now. Check your local orchards. Even check those special groceries, like Whole Foods, Fresh Thyme, etc.
Take your time and search around. If you find great deals - stock up for the winter months. You can freeze or can items. Many things like squash and pumpkins can last months just left in a cool dark space.
SERIOUSLY keep your eyes open. Kroger had an unlisted sale on potatoes for several days - 5lb. bags for .99! This was in several states!
As we near various holidays - some items get cheaper. Pay attention folks! Add to your larder in any way you can. Fresh goods are just so wonderful. I love almost all fall crops!
The fall foods listed above just say comfort to me. I love roasted veggies of all sorts! Warm fruits and compotes and cobblers. Mmmmmmm
Soups, stew and casseroles also say comfort to me. Hot, filling and yummy dishes that warm the belly and feed the body.
I miss these items all summer. I tend to eat none of these during the summer. Just me. There is so much fresh and light to eat during the summer - so I eat with the seasons for sure.
I am now ready for these hearty and comforting fall/winter dishes.
We are cleaning out our gardens of the last harvests. We are cleaning up our yards. We tend to do fall cleaning inside the house. We get out our sweatshirts and socks. We make sure we are prepared in so many ways for winter. Our furnaces, cars, homes, equipment, etc. We are finishing up much of our canning. We are starting or working on our crafting projects for the holidays. Tis the season.
I hope everyone tends to take time to enjoy the beauty of the fall colors. The smell of the air. Some days are fresh clean air, others are campfire and burning leaf smells (I love those too). Enjoy a brisk day and take a walk or get out in the yard and do some work. Go enjoy nature - whether at a park nearby or out to the country. Watch the critters all collect and prepare for winter as well.
Watch the beautiful skies and the clouds. Open a window to air the house.
Just take some time to ENJOY all this season has to offer.
Prepare and stock. Enjoy and watch and listen. Breath it all in my friends.
This season will soon pass, and winter will be upon us. That is another chapter in life.
Have a blessed fall day!
What a lovely and true post. Thank you for sharing your positive outlook. Have a great day. Lynn Ewing
ReplyDeleteThank you. Our lives go through so many seasons - it is pretty amazing. Fall can be such a refreshing time.
DeleteThank you, Cheryl. I am very connected to the seasons that dictate the to-do list and enjoyments. The fall foliage is in full display with golden yellows highlighted with orange & red. So beautiful. I enjoy standing in the cold room and looking at the colorful display of preserves. To everything there is a season...
ReplyDeleteWe don't have much color yet - you are so fortunate. Pretty colors, cool air and a breeze - lovely.
DeleteFall has definitely come to Michigan. I do struggle with the changing of the seasons. Your word of encouragement to enjoy it was a much needed boost.
ReplyDeleteWow - you too? Still not pretty here yet. Cooler temps, but not bad at all. I DO hope you enjoy it - so many fun things to do.
DeleteI agree there are seasonal foods. One of my favorite memories as a child was the first "fall" meal of fresh potatoes and corn on the cob, with hamburger patties, with baked apples for dessert.
ReplyDeleteThe leaves are turning here, and with the wind are falling too. I had hoped to get photos in the valley but they haven't quite turned enough for that. I'll need to do a walk in the park soon.
Yum, that meal sounds good. Mom used to make baked apples - oh yummy.
DeleteI envy you all with color on the trees. That is my favorite part of fall. The color. Look forward to your pics.
I love sleeping with a bedroom window open this time of year. The fresh air is wonderful and train whistles and crickets make me think fall because this is the only time we do this. But, first and foremost we have a hurricane to get through and many friends and family in it's path.
ReplyDeleteKeeping you, your friends and family in our prayers, Lana.
Delete--Elise
I still have my window open a little, even though it is much cooler at night now. I bet you get lovely breezes.
DeleteI am praying for all you gals and guys in the path. Stay safe!
I've always eaten seasonally and it just makes you appreciate everything more. When summer rolls around I am craving fresh garden tomatoes. Now that I've had my fill, I'm ready for all the Fall food you mentioned. We had our first pot of chili last night and it was delicious.
ReplyDeleteI think I agree with you. Now tomatoes, I could do all year with no problem! LOL
DeleteBut most everything else, yep, it makes it more special. Kind of like our baking at the holidays. I just make certain kinds once a year.
I had chili at my brothers the other night - it was pretty tasty.
Autumn nights have reached us, but the days are running late!! At least the nights and mornings are cool so I can open windows. I'm dreading the utility bills these days. I think chimney sweeps are going to be very busy before and after this winter! So are firewood suppliers.
ReplyDeleteFunny you should mention winter meals. I've been going through my recipes looking for some more affordable, but healthy meals. Soups are really the winner. Especially if they have beans. Still too warm for soup. But I'm ready! Cheryl, we eat very seasonally, too. By this time of any season, I'm tired of it and ready to change it up. Alas.... I'm also trying to plan meals in such a way that I can cook with a full oven. That works great for dishes that improve overnight, like lasagna. Not so great for others. This old dog is learning new tricks!!
I heard on the news this morning that butter may be harder to get this holiday season. No mentions of any other dairy product so my skeptical side questions this lol. However, if you need butter, take that into consideration. I usually hold off until it's around $2 lb. I might up that to $2.50. Anybody else hear anything?
I made a delicious southwest chicken dinner last night. I got the recipe from the paper years ago in a low calorie article.
Crockpot! Mix salsa, corn, and black beans in the greased crock. Put the chicken breasts on top and then pour a little salsa on them. About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle cheese on top. It's one of those super forgiving recipes that you can personalize to taste. I use a half a jar of Aldi salsa, 12 oz. I also microwave a regular bag of frozen corn. And drain and rinse the black beans, of course. I've used several kinds of beans. I would imagine you could use beef or pork, too. Last night I used the last chunk of Cojita cheese I had and we both agreed that was a clear winner in the cheese category!! I think leftovers would be delicious as burritos and added taco rice would stretch it further. I use 2 large BSCB and it's dinner and lunch the next day for the two of us.
I continue to marvel at how many people are ill prepared for emergency weather. With Ian descending on Florida, there were ginormous lines and most were leaving with cases of water! We get called hoarders, but we're actually doing society a big favor. We're not adding to the problem of shortages in a crisis situation! It's so easy to just add a bit at a time. I better understand those living very close to the edge, but if you're driving a new $100k SUV??? C'mon! Tap into that common sense corner of the brain! And while they're at it, it might be nice to help out someone they know at work or church.
Alrighty, off to finish my chores. I'm slow this morning. Not enough sleep.
Debby, I have read about possible butter shortages, but there's still plenty in our stores, and there have even been good sales ($1.99 lb.). Thanks for sharing your recipes. They sound delicious! --Elise
DeleteI haven't heard a thing about a butter shortage. I have a bunch in the freezer, so I am not going to worry for myself.
DeleteI do like seasonal meals. I am ready for that.
Your recipe is basically my Mex. chicken recipe - only difference is I add taco seasoning. There are just so many ways to serve it.
You assume those rich folk have common sense!!!! A flower that doesn't grow in everyone's garden!!!!!!
Fall and spring are my favorite seasons, Cheryl, each for its own reason. This is the 1st time in 22 years that I'll get to experience all 4 seasons, since we moved from Ohio. Yes, this area of AZ gets all seasons. Hurray! Nights and mornings are in the low 50s now, soon to get colder. Hubs bought bags of wood pellets for the stove yesterday; it won't be long before we fire it up at night, which should help us keep the heat off a lot longer.
ReplyDeleteThe chest freezer is now full of vacuum sealed sale meats. Mostly beef, but also some pork and chicken. I confess it's been a challenge scaling back the number of people I'm cooking for now. I made pork chops and a London Broil over the weekend. Looks like we'll be eating off of the leftovers through most of the week! Yesterday I baked a cinnamon apple sheet cake. Hoping it stays fresher, longer in the fridge.
Has anyone made their own canned pumpkin? Is it cheaper than store bought cans? Any/all tips appreciated.
Have a terrific Tuesday everyone! --Elise
Those are my favorites as well. Yep, different reasons for each - but both just beautiful.
DeleteA warm stove sounds neat. I hope you thoroughly enjoy the seasons!!!!
What a great feeling that must be with the freezers full. You are ready for whatever comes your way!
I have always heard to can pumpkin in chunks, as it is too dense in a blended form. I am not sure.
Hey, you are lucky to have so many good leftovers. Les cooking - get creative them!
The Ball Canning Book has pumpkin canning recipes. You have to can chunks, not puree. Doesn't do any good to look for a recipe for puree, because it's not safe canned that way.
DeleteWishing you a blessed day also! Enjoy your positive, informative, upbeat blog very much!
ReplyDeleteAahhh thank you! Happy you are here.
DeleteHi Cheryl. Really enjoyed your post today. I'm asking for some advice about Ady's family. They're sort of trying to take over the funeral proceedings to their specifications rather than Ady's wishes. His sister can be rather domineering and I'm stressful that it's becoming what she wants rather than what Ady wanted xx advice would be welcome xxx
ReplyDeleteIf you have the legal right to make these decisions - do what was discussed and agreed to by you both. The whole process is stressful, for sure. The funeral homes try to get you to spend money during your worst time and family often interjects.
DeleteIf some of her requests are simple and can be worked into the funeral - well, ok, if you desire.
I went and planned things myself - as we had disgusted many, many times over the years. I kept it just as he wanted. Simple - one day event (short). Casket closed for general public. There were pictures everywhere and they made a video of my pictures. It was open for 1/2 hour before for me and immediate family only. No extra frills and bells.
I didn't request any ideas or intend on any ideas from anyone else. His wishes - my job to follow.
You may have to stand firm and you may have to burn a bridge or two - but do what he wanted. That is what is important - not their wishes.
I wish you success at this. Huge hugs.
What a wonderful post. I also live 'by the season' and enjoy them all...although winter not-so-much except for Christmas and blazing fires. My favorite fall memory as a kid was getting off the school bus and seeing my father and helpers processing silage to fill the silos for winter feedings. And..my mother always made HUGE family meals for the farm family but the first day of apple picking she would make a roasting pan full of apple cobbler (kind of biscuit crust) and we would fill our bowls with that and add milk and sugar (if we wanted) and that was our meal for that night. SOOO good. I have tried many times to duplicated her recipe and have never succeeded. I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week. Hugs- Diana
ReplyDeleteDiana, I think I am kind of the same way. Not a huge fan of winter at all - except family get togethers!
DeleteOh what wonderful memories. I sure do miss those big farm fresh family meals. Nothing was ever quite like mom's cooking!
You talking about the apple cobbler and apple picking day - took me back to the apple picking episode of the Walton's. Mary Ellen didn't participate, but the kids voted to split their proceeds with her!
Cherished memories for you!
What a deliciously wonderful memory! I could totally get on board for a dinner of apple cobbler!! We've been known to have DQ Blizzards for a summer dinner before. B1G1 coupon makes it affordable, too!
DeleteCheryl, I loved that episode. Such a good example of family. They might've been cash poor, but they were loaded with love.
I just love the cool weather and warm foods that fall brings with it. It’s my favorite time of year. 😊
ReplyDeleteIt is so refreshing and those foods are just comfort.
DeleteThanks for the reminder to appreciate this beautiful fall time of year. Apples sound good, maybe I'll bake some with butter, doesn't that sound so good?
ReplyDeleteI made a tomato based Italian cucuzza soup tonight served with angel hair. It's an old family recipe from my Italian grandparents. I've got a cucuzza song on my blog! lol
Have a sweet evening!
Yes, baked apples, apple dumplings and fried apples - yum to all. Your dinner sounds tasty. Love those old family recipes.
DeleteI am seeing the trees slowly changing colour. It is a bit late this year but I am enjoying harvesting, canning, and freezing this year. I am even enjoying watching the pumpkins ripen a bit each day.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
It is all so pretty. I like when it is gradual - you get to enjoy it a little longer. Sounds like you are preparing that pantry!
DeleteI can handle fall if I don't die from my allergy related upper respiratory infections. I have another one now, second in September. The only reason I switch from salads is that tomatoes are not in season. Of course, the grape tomatoes are very delicious if I decided I want salad. Mama made pumpkin pies and we all loved those. I have her recipe and will make at least one. There wer five of us kids and when we were teens she always made seven pumpkin pies and put out initial on one for each of us. She said she was tired of refereeing who-ate-the-most-pie arguments. So, we could eat our pie all at once or make it last a week. She put each in a gallon storage bag for saving without covering. It was a great system. Daddy made her a little square cabinet that she could put on the table or in the pantry for storing all the pies.
ReplyDeleteFall means pumpkin pies, persimmons, and pecans to me.
Oh what a cute memory. That is one way to stock the problem! I bet the kids loved having their own pie. I don't do anything pumpkin - maybe I am weird. Never have liked it. Everything else about fall - yes.
DeleteWe alll know their are hard days ahead. Many of us have lost love ones, I did what my husband wanted when he passed, the cost was not a issue, I just wanted him to have what he wanted. He did want a closed casket (cancer) so he he did not look like he wanted. His service was packed, standing room only, I must say I was shocked that so many people traveled such a great distance to pay their respects. There was standing room only, I cried the whole way down that aisle. He had meant a great deal in the life of all those people as a union rep!!
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to the fall and winter. I am the odd one out, I like the cold. It can be a great time to take time to reflect and think of lifes blessings. I thank God that I have a nice comfortable warm home, I have plenty of food and wondeful pets that I can take care off without worry. Nothing is difficult, I can do what I need to do. With the hard work my husband and I did during our life I am safe and comfortable and hope to be so until I pass. I do continue to be frugal and think of the future. If we all do so we will be fine.
Thank you for chiming in on the funeral situation. Doing what our loved ones requested is important. I hope we can help our reader some hope and give her some comfort.
DeleteI like fall - not a fan of the winter. I guess I can do the cold - I just don't like the snow and ice.
It is so comforting to know you are OK! You and your hubs sound like us - we planned and saved and tried to do the right things. I am OK as well - and that just is peace of mind.
Thanks for the testimonial - they do help others.
The Fall (Autumn to us) always reminds me of my Mum, apple and blackberry pies, stews, the fires being lit. I love this season, table lamps with their soft glow and blankets to snuggle into on the sofa. For us it was always, fair, halloween, carnival.
ReplyDeleteLovely photo of your brother with his grands in your last post.
This is Heather from the UK
DeleteHeather, you described it all so well. I can actually see that scene in my mind. It just sounds wonderfully cozy.
DeleteThanks - those kiddos sure do love their papaw!
Heather, you brought back a memory that I'd forgotten about! My cousin's school had a Halloween carnival that was so much fun! My aunt would pick me up, give us a wad of dollars, and off we went in our costumes! My mom only had one rule...NO goldfish!!!! I played and gave mine to my cousin. Win-win! I always went home with a bag of little prizes, candy, and some dessert from a cake -walk.
DeleteI just received the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning. Nice book and come spiral bound. Under pumpkin they say an average of 16 pounds is needed per canner load of 7 quarts. That might help in figuring if it's cheaper than buying canned. Sometimes you can get quite a few free pumpkins the day after Halloween.
ReplyDeleteThe book says small size pumpkins (sugar or pie variety) make better products. You are supposed to cut flesh into 1inch cubes. Do not mash or puree.
Hope this helps.
Ellie
Central Az
Ellie
Central Az