It's Finally Fall!

Or will be at 10 something tonight

Most years we relish fall

for summer has been both hot and dry

And we're ready for cooler weather

And perhaps some fall rains.

But this year, summer has been pleasant

A few weeks of really hot weather

But mostly it was cooler and wetter than normal.

The perfect summer?

And once fall comes

We buy jack o lantern pumpkins for the front of the house

Used as pumpkins until Halloween

when they'll be carved into scary jack-o-lanterns

And in the back garden, 

We've planted mums in the armillary planter in the herb garden

And some pansies as well

The first of the pie pumpkins that decorate the house

until we decide to eat them!

Made into gratin, pie, bread or muffins

And a fall tradition

But the reward is not until next Spring

Bulbs!

This year I got greedy and bought two bags

White daffs and red and white tulips

I'll plant them in big bunches for impact

I almost can't wait until Spring!

And a bowl of perfect apples on the sideboard

For snacking

And a big basket of apples

(a gift from friend Mary Ann)

for apple chutney and apple butter

I made a recipe of each on Sunday

And they're on the shelves in the cellar.

I love the natural decorations of fall,

the mums, the pumpkins, the apples

It's Monday and I'm joining Susan at Between Naps On The Porch for Met Monday