Hi Everyone! Happy Monday! 
We’re at peak foliage right now, and the leaves are all so perfect. They’re not just the bright reds and oranges associated with fall, but pale, creamy yellows, dark purples, neon oranges, silvery grey-pinks, soft browns, and fire-reds. Think of a color-yes, any color-and I bet I’ve seen leaves that exact shade. I actually have to stop myself from bringing home a handful of leaves every time I go out for a hike because they’re just so gorgeous. They’re even beautiful when coated in the ever-present cold fall rain. Just driving out to the grocery store results in several pit stops to roll down my window and look at the leaves. 
You don’t want to know how many pictures there are on my phone of my feet in leaves. It’s borderline embarrassing.
Apple season is nearly over here in Massachusetts, so I’ve been scrambling to squeeze in one last day of apple picking. I partly wanted to stock up on apples but also really needed some time to take in the ever-turning fall foliage and reconnect with this season. I spend a lot of time lamenting the lack of sunlight in the fall, and sometimes have to remind myself to stop and take in the beauty of this colorful season. Opportunities to slow down and really be present are so welcome, and a few hours at the apple orchard was just what I needed.
Sunday was a picture-perfect day for apple picking, with cool, crisp air punctured by warm sunny spots and just enough cloud coverage that I wasn’t sweating as I walked through the orchard. The apple trees were still green, but all around us were brilliant shades of fall activity. Most of the apples left on the trees were up high, so we had to get creative with our apple-sourcing methods. There may have been some tree climbing, but I admit to nothing. 
We picked 5 different apple varieties, split a cider donut, and watched a draft horse amble along the path leading out to the peach trees. It may seem silly, but I kept saying out loud how happy I was. Just being there, in the moment, with the sun shining on my face and the smell of fall in the air, was all I needed. Transitioning from summer to fall can be so challenging, but days like this make me feel so alive and full. 
Have you gone apple picking recently? I’ve got you covered: the majority of my posts in September were loaded with apples. Here are some of my favorites:
Tell me: are you sick of apple recipes? I have plenty of butternut recipes coming up soon, but I still have apples on the brain (and on the counter, clearly). Thanks for putting up with me and reading about the things that make my heart swell. I appreciate you so, so much!