All Seasons Sweet to Me: Hello September

Personally, I am never really sorry to see summer go. In fact, by early August, I am already anxiously anticipating the return of fall. There is just something about hoodies and cold nights, crisp air, ruby leaves, tart apples, warm soups, evening walks, fall boots, and the invigorating return of structure and stimulation that a new school year brings. Plus, at our home growing up, September was always a fresh start; a new beginning; a time to re-instill order, rhythm and routine into our lives. A time, as author Patti Pitcher would say, to turn away from the harsh light of summer towards our own "inner light."

My love for fall is echoed perfectly in Tom Hank's words from the movie You've Got Mail:

" Don't you just love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address."

Ahhh, I would love nothing more than to receive of a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils every September!

I hope you all have been having an abundance of apple fun this month! Here's a list of links to my previous September posts to remind you of what we like to do around here to celebrate September!

Turn Over a New "Leaf"

Get organized, de-clutter your life, and start fresh!

"Go Back to School"
You're never too old to "go back to school" and its never too late to learn something new!

Visit Your State Fair

Celebrate Football Season

Preserve the Summer and Stock Your Larder

and of course,

Eat Lots of Apples

Have all kinds of apple fun during september, from apple treats to apple crafts!
Check out my recipe for delicious Apple Spice Cake!

One tradition I didn't tell you about last year, that is a long time favorite at our house each September, is my mom's

Maple Leaf Luncheon

My mom hosts a gorgeous autumn luncheon usually around the first day of fall. She sets a beautiful table with her fall dishes (yes, she has dinnerware for every occasion) and serves up a warm and hearty fare that includes pumpkin bisque, autumn leaf - shaped crostini, and Apple Harvest Sandwiches.

To make, combine cinnamon with whipped cream cheese to taste. Spread cream cheese mixture onto both sides of a sliced croissant. Layer thinly sliced apples (Gala, Fuji or Jazz), deli turkey, lettuce, and thinly sliced tomato.

This is always such a wonderful family occasion when we can all get together and enjoy the sites, sounds, smells and of course, tastes of fall.

Here are some other fun "apple" ideas for ending your September with a bang!

Apple Sandwiches