Why its almost like being in love

Now I know that the California weather isn't quite like the good ol' mid-west and the four seasons seem to merge together a little more than the distinct changes back home, but after living here it is safe to say, we have entered fall like the rest of you back home.

Unfortunately for me, our palm tress don't change color and while leaves drop, most drop the same green color they were. But the air has a crispness to it and the smell of Fall. I love it. This weekend the rain started in though...which actually is the start to our winter...but the air still feels fall to me so I am not pushing winter quite yet! I love the way Fall makes me feel.

I love the desire to cuddle up, light candles and read a book (or in my case watch Monk almost all day!)

I love hot showers on cold rainy days

And I love the motivation I start to have for baking pumpkin treats, homemade soups and hot cranberry tea. And best part of that is sharing it with others!

This time of year makes me think of home more than any other time. The anticipation for the Holidays with my family, the new goals that will come with the new year just around the corner, the preparations for the perfect gifts and being with people I love.

At this point last year, my countdown to go home was much shorter as I was lucky enough to go home for Thanksgiving. As the years go on I had to expect that the privilege of going home 2 times in 2 months would leave, but the countdown still is on...less than TWO MONTHS and I will be with my family again for 2 weeks! I cannot wait.

Until I get to go home I get to look forward to:

• Making homemade Potato Soup (wont be as good as my moms or grandmas but Paul has never had potato soup so I look forward to sharing it with him)
• Making pumpkin pie
• Looking for new pumpkin treats to make (I am totally craving Pumpkin right now!)
  
• Making my list and shopping for Christmas gifts
  
• putting up my Christmas tree
• Watching Christmas Vacation..wont be the same without repeating it all with my family
  
• listening to Christmas music (that came out weeks ago!)
• AND sharing my first Thanksgiving with Paul and his family...a Latin Thanksgiving...wish me luck and I am nervous as can be.
  

I can't believe that November is just a week away! Clearly I am ready to pass over my least favorite holiday, Halloween and get into my favorite time of year! But really, where has 2010 gone?!