Short-Timer's Syndrome

Man, it has been hard to concentrate this last week. We are having an Indian Summer of sorts here in Portland and although I have the best intentions to prep for holiday shows, it is just not happening. I mean-it's sunny out there! In Mid-October!

I also have a tinge of short-timer's syndrome due to a vacation that is coming up soon. In a few weeks, I will be in a sunny locale drinking tropical drinks and living in full denial that the holiday rush will be waiting my return.

In the meantime, I will be dreaming of snorkeling and puffy clouds...outside in the NW sun.

Apples and Cinnamon and Other Random Facts

I love the smell of apples and cinnamon. It is by far the quintessential smell of fall. Those cinnamon scented pine cones that are out  this time of year are lovely to me, but just about everyone I know can't stand the smell of them.

The real scoop is I am a neat freak and that smell makes me feel like my house is just a smidge cleaner than it is. Call it good old fashioned marketing, 'cause I am drinking the kool-aid, friends!

I'm not ashamed to proclaim my love for scents and/or a clean house. Do you want to hear about my wild love affair with our central vacuum system? I didn't think so. (I do love it, I really, really do.)

There. I said it. I feel better now. I've shouted my love of cleanliness from the rooftops.

Pickled Goodness

Guess what? I finally learned how to pickle cucumbers this summer! Late is better than never, as they say! This week I hope to try cauliflower for bloody marys this winter and maybe some strawberries for fun.

A friend gave me their recipe for a refrigerator method to pickling and I plan on giving that a whirl.
Do you have a favorite go-to recipe for pickling?