We are now deep into the fall season.  October brings lots of opportunities for making yummy foods from pumpkins...and aromatic seasonal spices and locally grown and harvested fruits and vegetables.     It's also a great time of year for making homemade soups and stews in your own kitchen.  As we harvest the last of our veggies from the gardens.... we have the makings for many warm and hearty dinners.... check on-line to find some great recipes to use with your vegetables.         

      You probably looked on this page to see what I had planned to teach at the YMCA this week, maybe next week.  I am in the middle of changing my format.  Instead of listing each class and the theme of each class that I teach.... I am hosting a video "podcast" (of sorts) once a week.  This You-tube video is called "From the Front Porch".  I am making short (less than 3 minutes) videos about what's happening... what I'm working on... what the season brings, ideas for decorating and cooking.... and sometimes even about the classes I am teaching at the YMCA.... all from the relaxing front porch of my home.  I decorate for the season, I show you ways that I have done different things around the house and maybe even what we're having for dinner.  I may even host a video from the kitchen or a hike that my husband and I are on at the time.

     Mostly, I want to bring some positivity, some joyfulness to life in these times that can be stressful.  Let's look for some good....let's stay active and healthy, let's find something positive and friendly to say to others.  Let's pursue some of our dreams... or items on our current "bucket list".  There are all sorts of ways to enjoy the lives we live.... I'm just sharing a little bit of mine with you.  I hope I am encouraging YOU....to consider other ways you might create extra enjoyment and notice some new possibilities in your own life!  Happy Fall!