I realize this is a bit premature, as August is only halfway over, but I am so excited for Autumn! It is my very favorite time of year. The past few weeks I have been turning my heater on in the car when I am out really late, and the mornings have been just a little colder than they usually are- the first hints that the season is getting ready to change. I can't wait for the perfect weather- still warm enough to be comfortable, but just cool enough to wear a jacket, or cuddle under a blanket, and just overcast enough to be beautiful and not a mess. Autumn sunsets are my favorite kind- as the days grow shorter, and the weather just slightly changes, there is a special kind of twilight, more golden than other sunsets, and, of course, highlighting the leaves as they begin to change color, sometimes almost over night. The whole season has the most cozy, comfortable feeling. As Autumn approaches, I am starting my yearly grand plans of baking peach pie in September, and decorating and preparing for a Halloween with family and friends (witch hat cookies, ghost sugar cookies, caramel corn- lots of kitchen fun to be had!), and beginning to put together a Thanksgiving menu for November- the best three or four days I spend in a kitchen the whole year, making dozens of homemade rolls, pumpkin pies and apple pies from scratch, salads, side dishes, snacks, and apple cider to keep us warm! There is nothing more rewarding than setting all of this out for friends and family, along with a golden turkey that is just crisp enough on the outside, and moist and juicy on the inside. And amongst all of these good times, there are hearty homemade soups and crusty breads to be enjoyed, a hot cup of cocoa or cider with your love, a late evening drive to enjoy the colors, or a talkative night in the kitchen with friends.

And that is why I cannot wait for it to be Autumn!

It finally happened after a whole year of being together. . . the first real fight.

It was horrible! I don't ever want to do that again! I realize it will most likely happen again at some point, but I hope that will be a long time from now. Outside of fighting, we didn't talk for two days. And I spent most of that time crying and being a total wreck. I felt empty, hopeless, and sick to my stomach. I was a total wreck.

Thank God, last night he invited me to get together. Honestly, we didn't say hardly anything about it. I cried a lot- he held me, and I think choked up a few times. We both apologized in our own way, and we just let things settle. I already felt a million times better when I got to work last night, and, even after a horrible night at work, I feel even better this morning! I don't think anything could ruin my mood. I have been reminded of just how much I love this man, and how much it hurts to even THINK of not having him around. I am a very lucky girl, and am so happy that things are starting to get back to normal. <3

I know I just posted, but Risa just made tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner. She is totally my hero right now!

Risa and I have been busy in the kitchen! We tried making Irish Soda Bread for the first time ever. We realized we didn't have buttermilk, and were not in the mood to run to the store, so we made our own with a little milk and lemon juice (thanks to her for looking that up for me!). I really liked the way the bread turned out. I like the traditional round shape, and the wedges were a fun way to cut it! It was a really pretty golden brown, and it was very dense, almost like a biscuit. Since it was almost all devoured that same night, I'd say it was a success!


Today I made Banana Bread for the first time ever (I know, that's weird with as much as I bake, but it was just something I never got around to). I realized halfway through putting everything together that I had forgotten something very important- we ran out of sugar! Truvia packets to the rescue! The flavor of the Truvia is stronger than I like, but, overall, the recipe is a good one and I am pretty happy with it! Now I just need to remember to get some more flour and sugar before I start on another baking expedition!!

Risa and I actually got to hang out a little bit today! It was nice. :) And, if things go as planned, we might actually get around to watching The Departed tonight. I've been trying to talk her into it for months- I can't wait! :)