Fabulous Fall, 2

This second installment has been a long time coming. We are in the thick of fall and all of its fabulousness.

Sarcasm? Maybe. Yesterday, I caught myself researching living locales with more mild climates. I let myself dream for just a little bit.

But, I have managed to contrive a few more positive aspects of the season.

1. Daylight savings time.  I am actually a fan of the time change. When the sun rises earlier, it makes me feel like I'm not waking up as early. And when it gets dark in the evening, it makes me want to curl up in a blanket with my hot cocoa, and then, go to bed early. I don't want to be out in the cold anyway!

2. Pretty scenes. While currently the trees are looking bland and naked, for a short time, they were donned in festive attire.  It made driving around the county a little more interesting.

There have also been some particularly gorgeous and vibrant sunsets. Our little house faces west, and we have an uninterrupted view of God's paintings. It's mesmerizing.

3. Birthdays. Kb and I both have fall birthdays. It's easier to ignore the blahs of fall when you're celebrating a birthday! We get to spend a little money on some "wants" and eat more sweets than necessary.

Last night, the fall birthday celebration was held with my extended family. The food and the company were equally fantastic. Luckily, I had a soccer game right before the party so I felt I had license to pig out. Chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad, and vegetables filled my plate for the main course. And then, there were the desserts. Oh the desserts! First, Grandma brought sliced apples and homemade caramel. Oh my stars; it was heavenly. But then, there was my mom's chocolate ice cream dessert layered with caramel and yummy crumbles. Normally, it's a Thanksgiving dessert tradition, but I very much approve of the decision to extend it to other holidays or every holiday. Unfortunately, I was stuffed after the ice cream. I didn't even get to the cake and cookies!

4. Comfort foods. I love the warm, rich, and hearty comfort foods of fall. Last week, I may or may not have had potato corn chowder for dinner four nights in a row...  My mom used to make that soup and it makes me feel all sorts of good inside. To Kb's relief, I did emerge from my soup coma long enough to make a new chicken recipe, crescent chicken. It was so easy and so good. This one is definitely going in our rotation. 

Did I mention we ate it all? Yep, the whole pan was licked clean.  No worries though; I spent a few extra hours minutes on the elliptical.