Now That It’s Fall
September 24, 2025
Now that it’s Fall it’s time to indulge in a few of my Fall favorites, some classic and some to switch things up. Join me.
I’m always ready for a bowl of soup when things start to cool down, but this one, pulled together on the fly might be my new favorite. For one nice bowlful add 2 scallions sliced to two cups of chicken stock seasoned with a splash or two of Trader Joe’s Coconut Aminos or soy sauce and a few pork Gyoza. Heat until the dumplings are heated though and take off the heat. Add 2-3 romaine leaves sliced in wide ribbons and still in until just wilted. You’re welcome.
There is no better way to enjoy this or any hot soup this season than served up in Heath Ceramics Chez Panisse soup bowl. Photo: Heath Ceramics
Now is the time of year I think about restructuring my property and plantings. The Apple House in Great Britain has a garden that has just drawn me in. And, it looks like it could take care of itself. Photo via Remash Tumblr
While I’ve been enjoying them through August and September, this could be the last of the season’s locally grown Gladiolus. Get ’em while they’re hot.
My daily hikes on the trail have me checking in on my buddies in the pond. Won’t be long and they’ll be packing it in for the Winter. No trail? Just get out there, get some sun on your face, touch grass,
It wouldn’t be Fall without a trip to the cider mill. Lucky for me I’m close enough to be able to stop in every week for a jug.
While Fall has us all pulling out the favorite sweaters, I’m thinking I might need to switch it up from my basic black and navy. Red is calling to me. And, yes, maybe the matching cap as well. photos : Naadam
While I’m at the farm stand picking up my glads, it’s probably a good idea to get the makings of new dill pickles. A crockful now could hold me to Thanksgiving.
And, as always, along the way I’m picking up bits of ephemera that I can put into use come Thanksgiving or when wrapping Christmas gifts. Those two holidays will be on us soon enough and I’m always glad I have a simple stash.
It’s That Time
October 19, 2023
It’s time again for some of my Fall favorites, and no, there is no Pumpkin spiced anything on the list. I have managed over time to embrace Fall rather than looking at it as the slow descent into a long cold Winter. Yes, I have gathered a list of what I look forward to as we approach setting the clocks back and it even surprises me.
You can’t beat the surprise of finding Bittersweet vine while you’re engaged in your Fall yard clean-up.
In Michigan, there is no shortage of apple orchards or an endless variety of locally grown apples.
My favorite Fall activity, stoking up the burn pile. Adds a little something special to the task of cleaning up the yard.
White pumpkins I like. I like any of the specialty varieties that are now available everywhere as well…green, pink, multi colored. I think it’s just the shade of orange that had turned me off to pumpkins all this time. That particular color or the fact I’m not a big fan of Halloween.
If you’re lucky enough to have the last straggler’s of heirloom garden roses, like these Polo. I particularly like them tucked into a Heath Ceramic Tall Modern Cup.
Sour Cream Apple Pie, a different take on the American Classic. The single crust makes it even easier to knock out on a Sunday sfternoon.
Along with apple orchards, my area has no shortage of cider mills all conveniently located. Crisp and refreshing, nothing beats a glass of cider on an October afternoon. I wouldn’t say no to a splash of Bourbon either.
Quince. Looks like an apple doesn’t it? But, you need to cook it down to enjoy. While that pie’s in the oven you might as well stir up a batch of Quince Paste on the stove. Add it to your next cheese board when you’re watching a game or binge viewing.
There is just something about this color. I look forward to this Sumac color change more than anything else I think. When I see it’s first color change I know I know it’s Fall.
photos: gp
The Near Perfect October
October 26, 2022
Aside from the obvious sad notes, I can’t remember a Fall, an October, as beautiful as this. Just what we need to take our mind off of the madness that we have all been living through…shocks of intense color set against a bright blue sky or a dark and brooding one. Even if your don’t like Fall you can’t deny that the large swaths of reds, oranges and yellows, found around every turn, have lifted your spirit. And, the best part? The show is free. So my suggestion is slow down and take it all in while it lasts.
You can’t argue with free can you? So, fall color aside, imagine my surprise when I found this Bittersweet ” volunteer” winding it’s way through a crabapple in the yard. A few minutes of untangling and trimming and it was ready to be put to good use indoors.
Before the deer got to the last remaining Hostas, I managed to keep this going in a vase indoors until it dried to this sculptural perfection.
While I generally love a Hubbard Squash for a non-orange twist on a classic Pumpkin, a trip to the cider mill has shaken things up. Not only for the perfect midday break, but fresh cider, a few apples and some artisan heirloom Pumpkins that will eventually be recycled into a pie or Fall soup.
I’m constantly preaching about the necessity of a simple modern glass cylinder and here’s why. No fuss, no muss. Just a few cuttings from the yard dropped in. Boom! Done. This will most definitely take me through till Thanksgiving.
Photos: gp
And, just like that…
October 4, 2021
it’s feeling like Fall. Bright foliage changes to lift our mood set against unpredictable gray skies. Lot’s of inspiration to be had around every corner as we prepare again to move indoors. I recently wove a box of manzanita wood into this sizable assembly that would be as striking in the garden as over this vintage Florence Knoll credenza from 1948. Or, it could be used in place of a large painting or photograph, hung on a wall covered in Grasscloth for additional drama and texture. I’m loving it so much I may just need to spend some time gathering branching for another.
from the top: first 2 photos: gp, Credenza photo: via https://plastolux.tumblr.com/ Grasscloth photo: https://www.yorkwallcoverings.com/collections/grasscloth-wallpaper/products/ywd-b65-multi-grass-wallpape
Shifting Gears
October 11, 2018
Fall. Time to turn up the heat, spice things up, enjoy the seasons bounty and get ready to adjust our mindset before Winter and the holidays are upon us.
Some simple inspiration to make the seque, top to bottom.
Terra cotta petals with a cream backside… the Leonidas rose. Picture perfect as Mother Nature changes everything around us.
Exotic spice blends like Zaatar and Ras el Hanout bring a little something special and exotic to everyday eats.
The perfect fiber blend to bridge all of the seasons, Purl Soho’s Flax Down… Baby Alpaca, superfine Merino and Linen, worked together with their Linen Quill in True Turquoise. https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2018/09/05/swath-wrap/
Flor samples for consideration for a pending Winter project. Neutrals are great but a plaid underfoot might just be fun. https://www.flor.com
On a weekend night of binge watching, a Texican dinner of Chili Verde will transport you to the southwest and warm you up. https://simplequietmodern.com/2015/10/27/a-little-needed-comfort/
Locally.grown and processed apples and apple cider…the Fall possibilities are endless and not to be missed. What’s your pleasure? A cocktail of Bourbon and cider or apple pie for breakfast?
Photos: gp
Falling For Pink
October 16, 2017
As the leaves start their slow turn from green to gold to brown I can’t help being drawn to anything in pink. From the remnants of summer annuals in pale pink to late summer stragglers in a more shocking shade I can’t get enough. Even the earliest changes in my sumac and sassafras foliage have a pink edge to their vibrant red. Maybe it’s the way these deep rich pinks play off of October’s golds and browns that help extend the feeling of Summer just a bit.
Photos: gp
Modern meadow photo http://www.oudolf.com/piet-oudolf
Like It or Not
October 20, 2015
Well, I’m ” falling” into it without a fight. Fall that is. It’s been so much like Summer I had forgotten all about the change in seasons until today. Like someone flipping a switch the sky has grayed, the breeze has cooled and leaves have gone all red and golden. There is simplequietmodern Autumn inspiration around every turn.
Photos: gp
There’s something to be said…
October 26, 2014
for the restorative powers of the simplest task. Who knew that the autumnal tradition of raking leaves could be as cleansing as meditation? After a weeklong barrage of premeditated nastiness and disrespect ( yes, I’ve had better weeks ) I look forward to a crisp Sunday afternoon with Jaxon, my rake and my burn pile…an unbeatable combination to help regroup, rethink and get something accomplished. Yep, that’s better.
Jackpot!
October 21, 2013
Jaxon and I took a drive in the country instead of lunch today, heading for the spot where I annually gather a bag full of Osage oranges. An October ritual that provides me with my fix of chartreuse and my natural spider repellant. Upon arrival at our destination I found only one…but it was a beauty. So back to the office we go, pleased that our pleasant road trip was not a total loss. Then, less then a mile from where we started our little adventure I saw another on the gravel shoulder… I pulled over. When I bent to pick it up I spotted, nestled in the soft grasses of a ditch, over two dozen more, glowing from beneath the fading Rhoadsidiana. A great haul, a nice little midday break and some time with my bud…it seemed like old times.
There’s no getting around it
October 21, 2012
The Fall Clean Up. In order to get the maximum beauty and enjoyment from your outdoor environment next year you have to extend a little effort now. Turn that afternoon of raking and picking up fallen twigs and debris into a little creative exercise. If you need to adjust things…remove a tree or overgrown shrub, come up with an effective plan to keep the deer from tearing the place up or plant some new tulip variety to usher in next spring… take the opportunity to make those adjustments or additions now. If everything seems to be in good order why not give some thought to your holiday decorations. A bit of well spent time now will make the whole process much simpler once the holidays kick into gear. Need a little incentive? How about whipping up a sample batch of this Boiled Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail by Lillie at Butter Me Up Brooklyn…just a smart little something to add to the special blend of sights, smells and tastes that are Fall.
http://buttermeupbrooklyn.com/2012/10/boiled-apple-cider-syrup-bourbon-cocktail/#more-4166
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