Fall thoughts

October and the cooler weather bring about various, sometimes polarized moods and responses. I could make a study of just how much people, myself included, react to the change (any change) of season, even though it happens every single year. Here are some sentiments I've heard recently:

• "I just love EVERYTHING fall"
• "I wait all year long for the first pumpkin spice latte of the year"
• "I've had my halloween costume picked out for three months"
• "How come summer can't last forever?"
• "Just started listening to my Christmas playlist!"
• "I like fall because it's pretty and it gives me a socially acceptable reason to stay inside and knit more."

Okay, no one said that last one, except for me (whoops). Regardless of the feelings you feel this time of year, I put together my own list of "fall favorites," right after I said I probably wouldn't in this post. But why not, because fall only comes once a year and I enjoy a good best-of list. Oh, and since fall in Austin is quite different from fall in some other places, I included a few fall-ish photos from Canada (the first and last photos).

Favorite treats for fall

My zucchini bread (gluten-free). I made this today, and instead of the rice flour(s), I subbed in whole grain Cup4cup gluten free wholesome flour blend, since that's what I had on hand. I didn't make any other changes and it was still just as yummy.

The Faux Martha's Baked Apple Cider Donuts, made gluten free by subbing 1/2 cup millet flour and 1/2 cup the same gf flour blend as above. These are so, so good. I borrowed a donut pan from my friend Molly, and then subsequently made three batches of these. P.S.—We actually like them a bit more the second day.

Summer Harm's DIY Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. These are amazing. I plan to make some for Halloween week so I'm less tempted to buy a bunch of candy at the grocery store checkout

Also, I just remembered Summer Harm's Mini pecan pies and now I have to make them this week too (you probably should make them too)

Favorite music for fall

The Oh Hellos (everything)—Folky and woodsy. Its especially appropriate this time of year, but actually a year-round favorite

Relient K's Forget And Not Slow Down—because fall nostalgia

The Head and the Heart (I'm seeing them in concert later this week!)

My "Daily Mix" on Spotify, specifically the one centered around Lord Huron, Ben Howard, Jose Gonzalez, etc. It changes every day, but its consistently good.

Favorite activities for fall

Knitting (duh)

Gradually adding to the pumpkin/squash colony on our table. Although I think I'm done now, phew.

Flipping through the October and November issues of Real Simple

There aren't enough leaves for jumping, or crunching, but I still enjoy looking for fall leaves in our neighborhood, particularly the bright red ones.

Reading Anne of Green Gables, by L. M. Montgomery. Here's a favorite excerpt from page 13:

It was a pretty road, running along between snug farmsteads, with now and again a bit of balsamy fir wood to drive through, or a hollow where wild plums hung out their filmy bloom. The air was sweet with the breath of many apple orchards, and the meadows sloped away in the distance to horizon mists of pearl and purple; while The little birds sang as it if were The one day of summer in all the year.

Cozy nighttime walks with Nicholas. Last night we went for a walk at 11:30pm! Being Nicholas' wife is so fun.

What would be on your list of fall favorites?