Well, hello friend!

Can you believe October is nearly over? This year has just flown by! I’m not saying that because I feel behind or wish I’d done more. Honestly, I feel pretty good heading into the colder months here in southeast Iowa. It’s wild to think I’m already planning for Christmas and getting the garden ready for winter. Maybe you feel the same way: some days seem to crawl, but the years just fly. It’s a good reminder to savor the little moments as they come, rather than watching the calendar too closely.

October always feels like a turning point. The days start cool, the air smells different, and I begin shifting from full garden mode to winter prep. This year, October started warm and dry, almost like summer didn’t want to let go, but we’re finishing with chilly mornings and a few rainy afternoons. As much as I hate to see summer go, there’s something comforting about the slower, cozier pace this fall season brings. The cooler weather means I can slow down for a while and enjoy some time inside. It’s also a chance for us to catch up and talk about what’s been happening.

Let's talk about the garden.

Right now, I’m still watering younger and newly planted trees and shrubs. Even though the days are cooler, the roots stay active until the ground freezes, and given how dry it’s been, they still need the moisture. I’ll keep watering until the soil stays cold, sometimes that’s as late as December! For those of you in warmer climates, watering continues throughout winter.

We’ve had a few light frosts, which means the vegetable garden is nearly wrapped up. I picked the last of the peppers and eggplant and tucked them in the refrigerator. The Romanesco, cabbage, kale, and carrots are still holding strong, which is good because they can handle a good chill. The garlic is sprouting beautifully, and once the leaves finish falling, I’ll mulch it for that final blanket of insulation before winter.

Last week, I put away all the outdoor furniture: the teak table and chairs, the bent willow set, the iron benches, the terra cotta urns, and any extra watering cans. Technically, some of it could stay outside, but I like knowing it’ll last longer if I store it indoors. I always make sure hoses and watering cans are drained so nothing freezes or cracks. It can feel like a big task at first, but on a sunny fall day, it’s actually a satisfying way to close the season.

In my backyard, a local excavator has been helping remove an old section of concrete that once served as a livestock area years ago. The slab sits right beside my vegetable beds, and without it, I’ll be able to reformat and expand that space in the future. For now, it might look like a bit of an eyesore, but I’m thrilled to see it go. It feels like a clean slate, and one more step toward shaping this garden into what I envision for the years ahead.

Let's talk about food.

I’ve been busy testing main dishes for my next cookbook! In case you’re wondering, testing means I’m cooking, tasting, and tweaking new recipes over and over (and usually over and over and over...) to make sure they’re just right before including them in the book. It still feels surreal to say, “My next cookbook!”

As I work through recipes, I keep noticing how much the season shapes what I cook. Autumn has me reaching for squash, apple cider, and warm spices in nearly everything, so I’ve had to remind myself to mix it up a bit. I suppose I am truly guided by the season!

When I’m not testing, I’ve been enjoying my favorite cozy meals: a pot of chili simmering on the stove, roasted pork tenderloin, skillet cabbage, squash hand pies, and of course, apple cake. This time of year just calls for comfort food that fills the house with good smells and warmth.

Here are some perfect fall-time favorites to make this coming month:

Slow Cooker Chili The best set-it-and-forget-it soup to make for cold weather! Get the recipe

Pork Chops with Quick Applesauce A unique recipe, but super delicious with sweet apples. Get the recipe

Apple Cider Sangria The best combination of apple cider and wine for a delicious fall-time drink! Get the recipe

Pumpkin Loaf Is it breakfast? Is it dessert? Make it and you decide! Get the recipe

Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins Two great things coming together for a fall treat: pumpkin and cheesecake! Get the recipe

Applesauce Cake with Caramel Frosting A secret ingredient makes this cake moist, and paired with a great frosting. Get the recipe

Pork Tenderloin with Squash & Apples Seriously, everyone's favorite recipe for the fall season! Get the recipe

Spiced Apple Cake Apple pieces and lots of spices make this cake unforgettable. Get the recipe

Let's talk about Kip.

I’ll admit, sometimes (okay, most of the time) I catch myself staring at Kip and thinking, “How can someone be this perfect?” But, he truly is! He’s been loving the cooler weather, spending hours outside with me while I plant bulbs, toss a frisbee, clean up the garden, and pack things away. Indoors, he rotates from one sunny nap spot to the next, following the light as it moves across the house.

He did fight another ear infection this month (those darn ears!), but I’m hopeful a new medication we're trying will finally clear it up. With his weakened immune system, it takes him a bit more time to heal. In the evenings, he curls up between my legs on the couch, perfectly content, and honestly, what more could I ask for?

As October comes to a close, I’m looking forward to quiet evenings, more time in the kitchen, and maybe even the first snowflakes of the season. I hope you’re finding your own cozy rhythm, too.