Fall

I think it's safe to say that summer is over. While we'll miss the warm summer nights, time off from work and laying out on the beach, we're looking forward to the start of fall.

Fall for me means cardigan weather. I own 20-25 cardigans. I have an obsession with them. I tried to wear a few during the summer but it was too dang hot. Now that it's starting to cool off in the evenings, I have a perfect excuse. Plus, cardigans remind me of teachers and going back to school.

Fall also means pumpkin-flavored things. Which I love. I'm a huge pumpkin fan. I can burn out on it though so I try to enjoy during the fall only.



This Dogfish Head Punkin Ale was really good but heavy. I suggest drinking it with a lighter meal. (We had this with a serving of dry-rubbed pork loin and PW's Potatoes au Gratin and it was a bit too much.)

The beer tastes like pumpkin pie spices in a full-bodied brown ale. Amazing.



The proportions look skewed but I promise this is a kid's plate. I use smaller plates when serving heavier dishes to ensure a smaller portion. I halved the cheese in this recipe and still felt like it was perfectly rich and cheesy. PW does it again.



Breakfast this morning was pumpkin waffles. The waffles were great but I'd add it more pumpkin pie spice next time.



I served the waffles with more potatoes because I am glutton.



And organic pears and plums. I'm pretty sure I have to say goodbye to some of my beloved summer fruits (pluots!) and I'm sad. Good thing honeycrisp apples are on their way back to me. Jessica posted this delicious honeycrisp apple recipe and I am determined to recreate it. Her blog has me starving on multiple occasions.

I'm not going to lie, I'm looking forward to morning hikes and runs too. My physical therapist and podiatrist promise that I'll be running pain-free in a few weeks with the help of stronger hamstrings, custom orthotics and no more flip flops. Running in the fall trumps running in the fall. If only the leaves changed their color here. California doesn't have REAL seasons.

What is your favorite thing about fall?

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