The Color of October

     Autumn brings a riot of color. After the lush but constant greens of summer, the profusion of hues during harvest season is so welcome. There are several farmer's markets in our metro area, but on this day we chose to visit Kirkwood, southward bound from home. We bought apples, cider, and sweet potatoes but we also enjoyed the sight of jumbled piles of pumpkins and squash, in a number of colors and varieties.

 

     Afterwards, a stop at the grocery store was in order, and again the trappings of autumn enchanted us. The seasonal arrangement in the floral department was ablaze with accessories and decorations in a vignette that just begged for a photograph. Yep, I took a photo of a grocery store display - what can I say? I love October!

1960's Portable Hair Dryer

     Not much of a story here, just a glimpse into the past, perhaps 1962-63. Big sis, Carol, was using a portable bonnet-type hair dryer at the kitchen table and Dad probably thought it would make a funny photo. That's me giggling at her side (and probably dying to use the newfangled gadget myself), and brother, Dave, is in the foreground (probably making faces at Carol!) She was a good sport about all the fuss but the look on her face says, "Really, Dad?!"

Pork Schnitzel

     A recent trip to Hermann, Missouri, a city that continually celebrates its German origins, included lunch at a local establishment. Pork Schnitzel was the special of the day and though it isn't something I would ordinarily eat at a restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised at the wonderful taste and texture. So of course, I had to try my hand at this dish in my own kitchen, especially since we had picked up some pork patties from a meat market just outside of Hermann (and because I had never made it before!)  A recipe was easy to find and the results were every bit as good as the restaurant offering. 

     Now no more frying for a long while...

Veterans Day - Dad and Michael

     I can't stop looking at my social media post on this Veterans Day. The message is generic enough but the photos are very special. On the left is my father, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the mid 1940's during World War II. On the right is my son, who was also a Marine but half a century later, in the early 1990's.

     It is not surprising that these two men look nothing alike, as I have none of my father's features either. (I always felt that I never favored anyone in my family until, as an adult, I saw a photo of my long dead maternal grandfather who appeared strikingly similar to myself.) The only resemblances between Dad and Michael lie in their height and build, and their beautiful hands (piano-playing hands, Dad called them). But as I continue to search their faces and expressions for some link, I realize that the link is not so much physical but subjective - their strength, courage, humor and their quiet, gentle natures, their creative tendencies and their love of nature.

     Dad was ill for several years and passed away when Michael was still a very small child; I often wish that they could have known each other, spent time together as adults. I think they would have been very good friends, the two sargeants.

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Tomato Jam

    A very warm October has given us an overload of tomatoes - especially these Lemon Boys. I've made spaghetti sauce and salsa, and they really slice up nicely for sandwiches, but still there is a big bowlful on the counter and more on the vine! So today I tried something new - tomato jam - and am really liking the results.  

It is sweet and just a bit spicy, with a touch of cumin and red pepper and is very good served simply on crackers, and now I can't wait to try it in a sandwich, paired with peanut butter, or even as a hamburger garnish.

Polka Dot Coupon Holder

      A manila envelope that had served as my coupon organizer for a few years finally bit the dust. I don't clip or use a tremendous number of coupons so I've never needed a store-bought organizer with pockets or dividers, but I do save an average of $3.00 to $5.00 every other week when I grocery shop which adds up to $78.00 - $130.00 yearly. (Sometimes I think I just enjoy the challenge of  being frugal!) Anyway a cousin has been sewing and selling totes and pouches, so I was inspired to rummage through my fabric remnants and piece together a simple, silk lined envelope that has an attached suede leather tie. I think it turned out quite pretty and my phone even fits inside.

An October Harvest Moon

     The full harvest moon usually occurs in late September but this year it was expected in October. Anticipating its arrival, I was disappointed that the forecast called for rain and clouds most of the evening. However, at one point the clouds abated long enough to get a good photograph. Instead of partially obscuring the view, the tree branches seem to embrace the glow, so I was quite pleased with this shot. After all, isn't October the time for eeriness and mystery?