Thinking of autumn

Pumpkin cookies

I have a book review to write, ponderings about kid's books going through my brain, and some thoughts on parenting typed out in draft. However, today I just feel like chatting.

Christopher started classes at the University this morning. He worked very hard at the community college to achieve good grades in science and advanced math to get accepted in the School of Science. It is one of the schools in the university which attract students worldwide (as with Engineering) and they do not like homeschoolers or junior college transfers (can we say science snobs???).

He did very well in the calculus class they made him take this summer and made good relationships with the two instructors and his adviser. His brother-in-law has two degrees from the school of Science and Christopher has already sought his advice (he could not understand the way they set up their grading system).

We always go out to breakfast on the first day of school (be it Kindergarten or as a college sophomore) but both of us decided we'd delay our tradition this year. He had to be at work early today before heading for class. We are enjoying having him living at home again (even if it means I'll have to get used to going to sleep when he's out past midnight all over again!).

Hubby is doing his seasonal security work (oh, excuse me... I mean greeter) at the bookstore. We have a long list of auto and household maintenance projects so the work he does is very needed. I appreciate his willingness to work the long hours last week and for the next few days to help our budget.

I must admit I miss working very much and it is so sweet when I get hugs from students I used to work with (many have graduated and others are Seniors this year!). They are my bookstore daughters.

There is the look and feel that autumn is just around the corner, even though the temps are on the warm side for a few days. My favorite primitive country shop has been sending e-mails with lovely warm and cozy pictures of their new autumn products. I suppose this is a new way of window shopping?

It is better than going into the store where the aromas of the spice scented candles, the deep oranges and rusts and reds and greens surround the walls and cabinets, and the sound of the dulcimer can be heard through the sound system... it all comes together to destroy my will power... although I normally come away with only a tiny candle.

Let's not even talk about the soon appearance of pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks. :)

I was asked if I have many cookbooks. I used to have lots and lots and lots. I have collected them since before I was married. I still have a nice collection, mostly of my favorites and I have received lovely cookbooks as gifts that I've held onto.

Stephanie has some of my cookbooks and Elisabeth has begun taking those she loves home with her (can we say... future chef... or perhaps a mommy who loves to cook?). I also have given a lot of great cookbooks to Goodwill, knowing how excited I get when I find a good book for $1.99.

Once cooler weather arrives, I will enjoy baking and cooking even more but the pain in both my arms and the inability to raise my right arm very far has slowed down my inner chef. :)

I love the tastes and scents of the kitchen in autumn, so many of my favorite flavors are in season at that time. Today I placed beef soup bones, a small bit of round roast, an onion, and two bay leaves in the Crock Pot and set it on low to simmer all day. I let it cool down before putting it in the refrigerator where it will set a couple days before becoming veggie beef soup. Perhaps I'll make some of the pumpkin cookies we love very soon (recipe on the recipe blog... of course).

It is to be nearly 90 degrees outside later today but inside we'll pretend it is October. :)