Slowly, ever so slowly we seem to be slipping into fall. Shortened hours of sunlight, nip in the air, marsh grass of gold and Canada Geese flying in "V" formations. The languishing days of August have passed. FULL SCHEDULE AHEAD!
In the past, fall has been my least favorite season of the year because it heralds winter. I tuck in. Maybe that's why it has been too long of time since my last posting.
With my proximity to the Back Cove and daily observations of life's ebb and flow according to nature, I find my attitude adjusting ever so slightly. I now celebrate what ever the day may deliver and this fall we've been served up a huge helping of Indian Summer. From the foot path to farmers markets, to vacated beaches, "FALL...ing" (the art of embracing autumn) has never been better.
Along the foot path of the Back Cove, the seasonal changes are initially subtle, and then one day...BAM.....it's all blue and gold! Water fowl returns for wintering over or just passing through. The Great Blue Heron and Great Egret arrived within days of each other, late August. It is a cause for jubilation. They rest and feed within feet of the many walkers that circle the tidal basin each day. If boundaries are invaded, they take flight to territory across the bay. In a few brief minutes, the Great Blue Heron will launch,
spread wings and land in clam flats providing safer ground.
The Great Egret visited for a mere four weeks. Warmer conditions called with the first nip in the late September air. The heron is dining alone these days. 
Away from the neighborhood, in town or on the green of neighboring communities, farmers markets abound with bountiful harvests. It's roasted vegetable and pickling time.
The bountiful harvest invites us to search for vintage recipes and preserve foods the we last tasted at Grandma's house. This year I'm putting up spiced crab apple pickles. Directions found in a 1902 FANNIE FARMER COOKBOOK will guide me. They'll 
be served at the Thanksgiving Day feast I'll attend in Rockland.
Between now and then I'll post a picture of the finished product.
be served at the Thanksgiving Day feast I'll attend in Rockland.
Between now and then I'll post a picture of the finished product.
Since childhood, brussel sprouts have been my favorite. Little vegetables for little people. At least that's how I thought of them. Just my size! The charm has never worn off and I love them more then
ever. My favorite preparation is to oven roast them with other fall vegetables. I can make a roasted batch to last a week. Daily portions make for good health and very fine dining.
If you don't roast them, a huge pot of vegetable soup awaits.October wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Great Pumpkin Patch 
in New Gloucester, Maine. What began with a few rows of pumpkins twenty years ago, has grown into acres and acres of every kind of pumpkin and squash that will grow in our northern climate. Rolling hillside lays ahead ....dotted with big orange orbs. It's pumpkin carving time.
in New Gloucester, Maine. What began with a few rows of pumpkins twenty years ago, has grown into acres and acres of every kind of pumpkin and squash that will grow in our northern climate. Rolling hillside lays ahead ....dotted with big orange orbs. It's pumpkin carving time.
