Pumpkins, Apple Cider, and Crunchy Leaves

That's right, folks.  It's that time of year again, Fall is here and is in full swing.  The weather we've been having here in Milwaukee has been a bit odd - cold one day, sunny the next.  Yet, the signs that Fall has arrived are present - the trees have begun to loose their leaves, apple cider is in abundance on grocery store shelves, and farmer's markets are no longer stocked with berries, but with pumpkins and gourds. 

Just the other evening, I was walking with a friend to grab some coffee at a local establishment on the East Side.  As she and I were walking toward the shop - we took a moment to take it in - the crisp, fall air.  Nothing's better than this smell - it's the smell that reminds me of trick or treating and high school football games.  It's the best smell that is only heightened as you trample on crunchy leaves.

And this leads to the best part about Fall: the beginning of the holiday season.  The countdown has begun for some of the most entertaining bits of fall - Halloween and Thanksgiving.  And nothing screams, That's American, more than Halloween or Thanksgiving... unless you want to count NASCAR, or the Super Bowl.