Fall is the grounded-middle child of the seasonal family. With the steadfast optimism of a lifelong friend, Fall lets us review the year thus far before administering a gentle kick-in-the-pants to get going before another year is consigned to the dustbin of history.
Fall has two extreme siblings. Winter is clearly the eldest. She is moody: consider the extreme euphoria of the holidays followed by the grey, isolating silence of January. With her howling blizzards, Winter is boisterous and bossy, yet afterwards the sun illuminates her beautiful snow-covered landscape. On the other hand, Summer is vibrant, friendly and pretty hot. He's a charming and sunny host, generous with his warmth that miraculously grows food from a seed.
And Spring? She is sweet and welcome, like a longed-for child. But Spring is clearly the youngest in the family, always demanding attention: her tantrums are tumultuous dark thunderstorms that spawn wicked tornadoes. Spring also a bit flighty, running hot and cold as Mothers and Fathers are celebrated.
But Fall is hopeful, ushering in the start of school, the community gatherings around Halloween and the gratitude of Thanksgiving. Fall's harvest yields apples, pumpkins, grapes, corn, melons, pears, berries, mushrooms, squash and tomatoes. Fading green summer leaves slowly evolve into a fiery display of oranges, reds, golden yellow and browns. Fall whispers to my heart with every crunching footstep.
Monday 9/19
b/ Eggs, Toast, Hashbrown Potatoes, Grapes
l/ (Leftover) Ham and Cheese on Whole Wheat (sans crusts), Cucumber, Applesauce
d/ A Leaner Chicken Parmesan, Sauteed Kale with Bacon
Baking: Pumpkin Chip Cookies
Tuesday 9/20
b/ Steel-Cut Oatmeal or Wheatabix, Sliced Melon
l/ Leftover Chicken Sandwiches, Spinach Dip and Pita Chips, Baby Tomatoes, Pumpkin Chip Cookies
d/ Garlic Lemon Shrimp and Orzo, Steamed Broccoli
Wednesday 9/21
b/ Apple Crumb Bars, Greek Yogurt w Honey and Berries
l/ Leftover Salad, Soup w Crackers. Fruit. Pudding.
d/ Pioneer Woman's Sour Cream Noodle Bake,
b/ Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins, Blueberry Smoothie
l/ Tri-colore Wrap w Bacon (Mozzarella, Basil, Tomato), Sliced Pears
d/ Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki Sandwich, French Fries, Romaine Lettuce, Sliced Tomatoes
Saturday 9/24
b/ Nutella Crepes w Banana and Strawberries
l/ Leftovers w Pancake Soup :)
d/ Pan-Seared Salmon w Apple Pecan Gorgonzola Salad w Honey-Mustard Dressing
