Fall decor

Fall decor
Originally uploaded by Pearl's Pix
Today's temperature was 90 degrees. In spite of the lack of cooperation from the weather, I am decorating and dressing as if it were Autumn.

Precious

Precious
Originally uploaded by Pearl's Pix

Thanksgiving is coming!

Thanksgiving will be here in about three weeks and I am already starting to think about the menu. That in itself is a huge step forward over past years when the holiday snuck up on me. Last year, I even resorted to ordering a premade dinner from a local grocery store. Not my finest hour.

This year, in addition to some old favorites, I want to try some new recipes. The family has already started voicing their opinions about that and they do not seem to be on board with all my plans. I will have to keep some of their favorites, like the vegie casserole from an old Better Homes and Gardens cookbook.

Other recipes need to be retired though. I have been doing the same tired sweet potatoes with brown sugar and mini marshmallows forever. Something new and healthier is in order. The stuffing recipe I won’t mess with though. It’s a personal mix based on the same old cookbook as the vegie casserole.

I like old cookbooks. I make the best Lemon Merengue pie from the 1949 cookbook I inherited from my mom. My best find was a similar cookbook in brand new condition for the local used bookstore. These old cookbooks are fun to look through too. I have recipes for cooking squirrel and opossum in both of those books. I don‘t think I will be adding either of those items to the menu this year. The family would definitely prefer I stick to Turkey.

Living in the now

Up until the last couple of years, autumn had always been my favorite season of the year. I loved decorating in those warm colors, the comfort foods, and the family time together.  But with me working, I had less and less time for those things. I didn’t enjoy cooking anymore and I was already dreading the holidays.  At work, we were getting ready for Christmas. Fall décor had been out for a fleeting instant a month ago. I was becoming more and more overwhelmed with everyone’s expectations and I just didn’t enjoy the season.  

One of the problems with working retail is that it messes with our internal season clocks. This year, I am not working retail and I am trying to find that clock again. I am no longer working on seasons and holidays months ahead only to have the real ones suddenly surprise me. I am living in real time now. Even though I had to force myself to put out my fall colors and décor around the house today, it is a step once again towards finding my love of autumn.