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Quickly

Mabel boycotts winter.

Pre-Thanksgiving

This weekend we're engaging in some pre-Thanksgiving activities, which will involve testing new recipes, and sleeping in. And starting a book, The Goldfinch.

In the meantime I have something to share with you, an autumn beverage:

Sparkling Cider
Ingredients:
8 ounces dark rum (I like to use Kraken)
3 ounces lemon juice
4 ounces thyme simple syrup
12 ounces sparkling apple cider
4 ounces water
4 ounces club soda
8 dashes of bitters

To make thyme simple syrup, combine 2 cups sugar, 1 1/2 cups water and 6 thyme sprigs in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring up to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer, until the sugar has fully dissolved, about five minutes. Remove from heat and place the syrup in the fridge to cool. Place all the ingredients in a large carafe with ice and stir. Garnish with thyme and apple slices.

Weekend

6:00 a.m. call time for an event / old windows in Howell hall / Mabel is grumpy / homemade dumplings!

Salt & Smoke

The first annual Salt & Smoke community roast was an absolute delight. A perfect afternoon of food and friends... once again, I am reminded of how much I love where I live.  Huge thanks and congratulations to Sarah and Anna for organizing the feast!

Kitchen Roselli

I hold this place close to my heart, like a happy secret. Tucked inside an old general store in the tiny town of East Bend, Kitchen Roselli quietly and consistently serves the best Italian food you'll ever have. Old, wide floorboards, ancient ceiling fans, twinkling Christmas lights, and no pretension... the perfect setting for a leisurely Saturday supper.

Weekly scenes

Pretty flowers brighten up my office / Mabel objects to Daylight Savings 

November

I'm so busy at work, and with the new house, I can barely sleep at night. And it's not the busy trap. I am legit busy.  November is a hectic month, but at the end? That very last weekend? My favorite holiday. I can't wait to get cozy and celebrate with family and friends.

Mabel and autumn leaves outside of Caldwell Hall / new living room in the afternoon light. 

I'll admit it: when I read Laurie Anderson's farewell to her husband, I cried into my coffee.  It's beyond words. 

Apple cider

This weekend, let's begin November properly - with apple cider doughnuts.

 

Ever bright

An autumn weekend full of walking and lemonade at the state fair, Hiss Golden Messenger at the Haw River Ballroom, supper at the Eddy and a whole lot of goodness in between.

A few things

Let's make an autumn pizza.

Tracing a grandfather's vagabond past.

The camellias are in full bloom / this one matches a Carrboro sunset.

P.S.... quotable.

Pedlar walks

A blue ridge weekend with so much sky.