Hello Fall! (pumpkin waffles)

There is a chill in the air. It's almost time to trade my summer bedspread for my winter comforter. It is dusky by the time I get home in the evening and I like the coziness of our little apartment, lit up against the night. Mornings are crisp and bright, perfect for burrowing into covers and flannel sheets.

And perfect for pumpkin waffles. The recipe is straight from Deb, so I will send you over to her, rather than retype it all here. It needs no alteration. The waffles are just a bit spicy and pumpkin-y. They fill the house with the most delicious smell. They are a good enough reason to abandon my warm bed in the morning, especially if you add a dab of butter and just a drizzle of pure maple syrup.

I have heard that many people do not have a waffle iron, because they think they won't use it or some such nonsense. People, waffles are easy. They are delicious. They are less messy than pancakes, because you don't have any pans to scrub afterward. A good waffle iron will last forever. All of mine (yes, I have four, but they are all slightly different - please don't judge) are from the thrift store and they work perfectly despite being 40 years old.

And now back to the weather. I have always loved fall, but lately I've found that I love every season. I look forward to the slight changes in the air, I'm attuned to the shifting light. I mourn a little for whatever season is passing, but I'm eager to greet the new one. I don't want to rush through these transitions, or the seasons themselves. This is exactly how I want to be in all aspects of my life, relishing the moment, not looking too far forward or pining for the past. Starting with the weather is a step in the right direction, I think.