Wow—Autumn❣️

One day last week, a lone leaf from our nearest oak tree floated its way through the air to the earth, a soft and lovely reminder that autumn was on its way.  And here it is!  Happy Autumn, everyone!🍁🍂

I love walking through the woods this time of year, marveling at Mother Nature’s designs of fallen leaves and wood.  Here are a few photographs from a recent walk.

I’ve also taken my first autumn meandering through my many  cookbooks and recipes to see what recipes are ripe for “harvest.” 

One recipe I made was a polenta with garlicky cannelini beans and braised greens, topped with a Gorgonzola cream sauce, from Vegetarian Suppers by Deborah Madison. I thought it was very good, and a nice variation to my traditional Italian way of cooking polenta (shredded mozzarella cheese between two layers of soft polenta, topped with Marinara sauce, and Parmesan cheese).  Another winner was from John’s New York Times archives—Keema Palak (Ground Chicken and Spinach Curry). Plus, he made it—points!!

Along with harvesting good recipes, I’ve been rereading many of the  children’s books we have gathered over the years, a different kind of nourishment.  One that particularly caught my fancy is Tiny Garden, by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Jax Chow.  

It tells the story of a little boy who plants a tiny garden, despite a neighbor’s doubting its value.  We all get to see what that tiny garden manifests, and the story provides a sweet reminder to follow one’s dreams, be wary of nay-sayers, keep the faith, and recognize that often beautiful treasures reside in small things.

Our tiny garden is also ripe for harvesting.  I’m especially keeping an eye on our new apple tree.  There are two, and only two, apples on it.  They are holding on to the branch, and to each other, for dear life.  Kind of touching, so to speak.

So, all, may this autumn bring a sweet harvesting of all good things for you and those you love!🧡❤️

                                                          “For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.”       —Kahlil Gibran