Farewell Another September

Another September slips away...

I have the hardest time letting go of September. I want to keep it here, to savor its sunny days and blue, cloud-dotted skies. I want to breathe deep September mornings, to soak in its fresh, autumn flavored afternoons, and stare into its star-studded midnight skies. I want to stretch Septembers days another two or three weeks longer. Is that okay?

When I was a little girl, September marked the end of summer. It meant new school clothes, a bag of fresh school supplies, and an appointment with the bus stop each morning. Late September of 1981 brought someone brand new into my life. A tiny, little boy made his way into our world and changed our names to "Mom" and "Dad". He brought love, laughter, and a new perspective on life. Four years ago, as September slipped away, so did the greatest man in my life, and we said farewell to Dad. And then, last year, September once again brought us someone new, a "not-so-tiny" little boy named Jacob who brought our then grandchild total to five.

Of all the months throughout the year, if I was to pick a favorite, it would have to be September. It is a month of starts and finishes, hellos and goodbyes. It comes with falling temperatures, changing colors, and layered clothing. I've traded my summer footwear for shoes and socks, pulled sweatshirts out of hiding, and tossed an extra blanket over myself at night. Chili cook-offs are gearing up, apples are making their way into pies, and pumpkins are showing up on front porches. How could I not love September?

I tried a new recipe tonight. Made that Pecan Pie Bread Pudding. My family says it's yummy. I'm sticking to my gluten free-ness  though. I'm two weeks in. I had one of my gluten free Snickerdoodles piled high with whipped cream instead and it was pretty yummy too.