Fall...

This is a confusing time of year. Or maybe, just a busy time of the year. Today, the Yankees are playing the Rangers. Looks like there'll be a game Friday night, too.

Tomorrow night, my grandson's football team plays their rivals from the next town. And Saturday is college football, and another grandson's flag football game. Sunday, NFL action. And so it goes.

Fall....

It started out kinda cool this morning. With a few clouds in the sky and a forecast of possible thunder showers. And now? I have the ceiling fans on, as it is quite warm in the house.

Fall. The leaves are turning more slowly this year because it has been unseasonably warm. Just two weeks ago, I was in West Yellowstone, Montana, and people were wearing shorts and tee-shirts. Same type of weather all across the upper Midwest, during my trip. I took coats and didn't need them. Sweatshirts, too. I did wear my hoodie the last morning, before leaving Santa Fe.

It's the same with cooking. I baked a pizza for lunch but now the kitchen's kinda warm. Oh well. I am in the mood for some fall baking and I'm going to just keep doing it. I'm making beer bread to go with supper.

I went to the store this morning. Bought the ingredients for several of my favorite soup recipes. I needed potatoes, carrots, celery, fresh parsley, and beans. I bought canned black beans, plus lentils, pintos, pinks, and split peas. Soup's on, or will be, pretty soon!

I sent out my invitations for the holidays before I left on my trip. I wanted to make sure that everyone knew what was happening at my house, and when, so they could plan accordingly. The funny thing is, I never know how many folks will show up.....but the important thing is that they know that they are welcome.

And they'll be here, whenever they can. There will be plenty of food and camaraderie. And the house will be decorated to the rafters. Candles, freshly-baked cookies, football games, laughter, and togetherness will all happen.

I remember fall when my kids were little. After Thanksgiving dinner, we would go outside and rake leaves, then throw a football around. I remember watching my children bury the dog in the pile of leaves. The dog didn't mind, and neither did I, until they were getting ready to jump on the leaves. I had to rescue the dog...

Crackling fires in the fireplace. Cold noses from being outside. Warm apple cider, or hot chocolate. Soups, fresh bread, mittens and scarves. Heavy coats. The stars on a clear, cold winter's night. Being together and warm and cozy. Appreciating family and family life.

That's what life is about, to me: making memories. Memories that sustain me, and warm me, and remind me of the important things in life. And the most important things in life aren't things....

As much as I am looking forward to the holidays, I don't want to lose sight of today. It's a beautiful, sunny, fall day, with a few clouds in the sky. All those I love are safe and well. Times are tough, but we are tougher. And today, life is good.

I don't want to spend all my time looking forward.....or back.....

Right this minute life is wonderful.