Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Soups


After months of absolutely gorgeous weather, we have a cool rainy day here in SW Ohio. I knew that the summer had to end sometime but the rain made it more real. Corn and beans are dying down and we, along with our neighbors, are getting ready for harvest. In the past week I have seen mums in some yards and a few pumpkins. And, after all, it is September 20.
When autumn rolls around my thoughts naturally turn to two things: food and sweaters. Beyond the beautiful colors and aromas of fall, for some reason those two items are what I associate with the season.

Necessity drove me to organize my cupboards yesterday and one whole shelf seems dedicated to chili making ingredients. I scanned the freezer to see if I needed anything to make a pot of stew or soup. Our favorites are Mom Dean's vegetable soup and my own corn chowder.
If I had to choose a favorite among the three (soup, stew or chili), I would have to choose soup. Nothing beats the aroma of a pot of soup simmering on the stove. Some warm bread and maybe a small green salad and you have a meal.

Of the three do you have a preference? If it is soup do you have a favorite?
On the sweater association, my tastes have evolved over the years. In my 20s and 30s it was turtlenecks. In my forties it was "twin sets" (LOL). This decade my preference is great looking, uniquely patterned cardigans. Whether the pattern is emphasized in the stitch or the wool or simply the color, I love the look of a fall cardigan that can be paired with slacks, Dockers, jeans or a skirt. I usually add one or two each year and donate one or two of my lovingly worn favorites.
Do you have a particular association with fall that you look forward to and enjoy? Cider and donuts? Halloween? Colorful leaves? Football or soccer? Please share.
Fall is my favorite season as I would imagine it is for many farm women. It is our family’s opportunity to reap the benefits of our labor and put closure on this year's crop season. It is our chance to stop wondering "if the crop is good this year maybe we can...." and learn if that project we have been dreaming of can become a reality. It is the culmination of a year of planning, worrying, praying and working.

I wish all of you a safe and bountiful harvest. LA

I am hungry for Mom Dean's vegetable soup...

Ed

1 comment:

  1. Mom Dean's vegetable soup is really hard to beat, LuAnn. We should post the recipe on here so we can all enjoy!

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