The change of seasons has always intrigued me. One day it’s this. The next, that.
Last week fall came to eastern Santa Cruz County. I knew the page had turned when I woke up. The air was lighter and cooler — even inside. Looking out the window, the number of hummingbirds fighting around feeders had diminished. And the rays of sun that usually hit Mount Wrightson as I climbed out of bed weren’t there. They come later now.
Fall has always been my favorite season. It’s when recipes switch from salad and sandwiches to stews and soups. Summer clothing rotates to the back of the closet. And porch sitting in the evening is pleasant once again.
Right now, I long for the time when I can get the fireplace going. There’s been a stack of mesquite in the garage for months waiting for a match. There is something about a fire that speaks to security, providing both physical and emotional warmth.
I am sure you have seasonal rituals around fall in your family. Here at the Poggi — the name we call our little slice of heaven — there is a traditional salute to the season in the preparation of a sauerbraten (a traditional German pot roast). It is made complete when accompanied by potato pancakes, gingersnap gravy, Polish cabbage and homemade applesauce.
And then there are the duvets that are dragged out from their summer hiatus. I am grateful to those fluffy comforters that encourage a morning laze rather than a dash to complete outdoor chores.
Soon we will be dialing up a favorite seasonal movie — Pieces of April — and watching the latest The Great British Baking Show series. I mean, who wants to think about making Nigella Lawson’s Coffee and Walnut Layer Cake when it’s 90 degrees out.
Also, I seem to spend more time reading this time of year, accompanied by a cup of tea and biscotti. (The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams is my latest c’est fait.)
Spouse and I have traditionally traveled this time of year, but that’s no longer the case since moving south. In my opinion, this is the best time of year in eastern Santa Cruz County. Why would you need an escape?