The First Cool Day

Buttermilk pancakes, fresh side pork and orange juice.

This morning I woke to a beautiful wifting (that's a word from wind and drifting) blowing across my face and the gentle sound of rain.  If it wasn't so pleasant to experience I probably would have went back to sleep.  I couldn't the fresh smell of rain and the cool breeze was just to great to miss.  Over cast sky means what canning gets done will also be very tolerable and pleasant today.

Along with sunshine you gotta have a little rain sometimes.  Yes, that is a song many of us enjoyed years ago.  It's true, no matter what the day brings sun or clouds they all should bring a little joy to us.  Rain and snow purifies the earth and air while the sun purifies us.  Today is one of those days to rest and think of what needs to be done before the winter cold and snows arrive.  I have often wondered could my life's cycle be as full if I lived where there were no definite season changes.  No matter the season I am always ready for the next one.  Soon it will be sweaters, jackets, scarves, hats and mittens for our walks.  I find it quite exciting when the crisp cool air of fall arrives.  Deep breaths and smell the wonderful fragrance fall has to offer.  I call it the Hickory Nut smell and have not a clue what it really is.  We have Poplar trees lining the edge of the lawn, their little golden leaves are amazing to watch drifting down.  One of those simple pleasures.

Breakfast was more like a cold day feast.  With buttermilk pancakes topped with butter and  light Amber Maple Syrup, fresh side pork and our every morning glass of orange juice.  I always have a half gallon of buttermilk in the refrigerator for biscuits, pancakes, a certain chocolate cake recipe, and of course everything I fry from fish, chicken to squash is first dipped in buttermilk.  Fried foods are so much crispier and less greasy when I use buttermilk.  Have you ever fried fresh side pork?  It is what bacon starts as.  Side pork is fresh sliced with no nitrates or preservatives.  It's like bacon but not.  I really can't explain other than we like it more than bacon.  I fry it with one teaspoon of butter in a large cast iron skillet.  It needs salt and pepper but not much and fried until crisp.  Drain on a paper towel.

Speaking of food, (one of my favorite topics).  My Canadian friend was at her camp for a week.  We went for our annual lunch out.  This year we went to the Tea Room and Cafe in Coudersport. It is located at the Abundant Blessings Shop.  Another win!  If you happen to want a day out and good lunch this is the place to stop.  We had their special Fall Squash Soup and  half a sandwich, chicken salad with grapes, walnuts and dried cranberries.  Soup and sandwich was delicious, all homemade.  The topper.....a complimentary Red Velvet Cup Cake with the most delicious light frosting.  Everything was great and the cafe is a cozy room that kept the authentic look of the old building.

Take time to smell fall and enjoy each season as a new chapter in your life.  Remember to always "pass it on".