Seasons: Fall

Fall is finally here. Last week the air here in Portland got chilly. I have been pretending it was fall, while continuing to wear sandals  since September. All of us overcast dwelling people have been complaining that it is time for the sun and its heat to GO. Thankfully the clouds have asserted their dominance at last and are giving us crisp air, cold sunshine, and rain! What am I going to do with all this crisp fall energy? I have a list:
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Plant Garlic

This year in my thoughts on seasons I perused a book and discovered there are things that you plant in fall! The one I am most excited about is garlic. But I also plan to sprinkle some wildflower seeds about. 

This is the first year we have our own garden space at home (woohoo yard!). Harvest is past, and I have even collected seeds, and stashed them away for next year. but our garden is not yet dead (though I want it to be). I am taking a look at lasagna gardening for next year, but might have to leave a little bit un-lasagna for the garlic.

I use garlic every day in almost everything. We usually buy giant jars of minced garlic, but the idea of hanging braids of garlic we've grown ourselves is too enticing to pass up.

Move Plants Inside

Last year I forgot to bring my potted babies inside, so this year I moved them in early. They will miss the fresh air and the rain, but I'm glad of their company by my desk. Definitely bring them in before first frost though.
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Simplify

 As you saw from the Starting a Capsule Wardrobe post I am also wanting to spend my time inside simplifying our house.

Bea Johnson is still inspiring me to find reusable options and get rid of clutter so I don't have to spend my time maintaining it.

My project this weekend was some wool dryer balls (no more dryer sheets). It was simple and I happened to have everything I needed already, so that made it easy. I made mine out of wool yarn and wool roving since that is what I had. I used synthetic yarn for the cores so as to make the wool go farther. There are many tutorials online, I looked at this and this.
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Bake Pumpkin Seeds

I accomplished this over the weekend as well. We had friends over to carve pumpkins, but I just focused on getting and roasting those seeds. I have tried several flavor variations, but noting beats plain salt.

The Recipe:
-Pre-Heat oven to 300
-Sort out and wash off your seeds
-Melt a half stick of butter and mix in salt ( 2-3 teaspoons, I just eyeball it)
   Sea Salt is my favorite.
-Toss seeds in the butter and salt to coat
-Spread on baking sheet in one layer
-Bake 45 min

Make Christmas Presents

I have a tradition of making everyone a christmas ornament every year. I also enjoy making presents. The last few years my husband and I have most bought our presents, but this year we are focusing on making many of our gifts. We have made a batch of soap, and now we need to focus in on making what is left before December is here.

Fall is one of my favorite seasons. I really am so excited the crisp air is here. This is the time of year for walks and apple cinnamon tea. What are you doing this fall?