Fall is in the air

 Livin' in the South and Fall is in the Air

Last weekend we could really feel it getting cooler from near 90 into high 70's, so nice!  This weekend it's hot again but at least we felt that change, ahhh.

Front porch with the new Mums (Chrysanthemum), aren't they pretty.  Mark says they look like giant Easter eggs.

We went to the Farmers Market and Craft Fair and the Pumpkin variety was awesome.  We bought some beautiful big Mum plants for the front porch and lots of fruits and veggies.

Fun things - we've been eating Muscadine grapes!  They are so yummy.  If you're ever in the south in Sept. keep an eye out for them.  They're huge and sweet but with an earthy, slightly medicinal taste.  I love it.

Boiled peanuts are a thing and you might think that sounds strange or weird but no, you stew the peanut - shell and all in a broth or liquid. Vendors here make in  many flavors.  Jules loves them and he's been cooking them in the crock pot and when you eat them you peel the shell and eat the inside.  They taste like little baked potatoes!  Who knew?

Okra - The okra flower is beautiful and the okra grow like weeds here.  We started one small little garden to see what would take.  I'll be planting more okra.  You can grill it - put it in a stew - it's a natural thickener.  Oh, and my all time favorite way to eat okra is pickled.  Yum!

 

Other things that are growing well..

Watermelon which have been delicious here and these great little Tabasco peppers which provide just a hint of heat.

 

All the varieties of pumpkins that were at the Farmers Market!

 

I love the sunlight on the plant in my art room.  The plant was a clipping from my neighbors plant, thanks Lyssa. It's so happy.

Sweet Tea - you know you're in the south when you can order sweet tea and they will ask if you want it in a to go cup for the road, this is complementary and just the southern way.  I don't drink much sweet tea but it is a thang.  

Chicken - There's a lot of chicken in the south cooked in every way you can imagine and it's really good.  

Dressing up - people dress up in the south.  At school we are asked to dress professionally, you won't see jeans unless it's Friday.  People wear dresses.  They believe in formality.  You will see people in suits and dresses, especially on Sunday for church. 

Phrases you will hear in the south - Have a Blessed Day, Bless your heart, Darlin', Baby, Momma, Hush your mouth, I'll tell you what, out yonder, he needs a good spankin' - LOL 

Today I wanted to celebrate the start of Fall.  I love fall!   Here's wishing you all your favorite fall goodies.  Cheers to a wonderful day!  Next one will be a classroom update.

I've been missing and thinking of all my friends lately. So, here's a toast to all of you.

Big hugs, Eileen