Happy Labor Day… only 109 shopping days until Christmas!

Is summer really gone already? I'm too busy for prolonged paradoxical pondering, but how can all those extra-long days go by so fast? It seems like I was just writing my Memorial Day post.

If you are a regular reader, you know what a crazy, travel-filled season this was for me. The blog's traffic has grown steadily, and I appreciate all the visits, comments, and contributions!

So, even though you may be feeling a little melancholy, remember, we are entering the prime time of the year for cooking and eating. I hope you'll visit this blog often for ideas on filling your fall and holiday tables with lots of delicious food.

Yes, the days will get shorter, sunflowers will go to seed, lawns will be garnished with a scattering of crunchy leaves, and some joker will tell you how many shopping days until Christmas -- but it's all right, we're having braised short ribs and root vegetables for dinner!

Finally, here’s to all the dishwashers, cooks, chefs, and other hospitality workers that celebrate Labor Day by working as hard as ever. Don’t feel too sorry for them, it's a labor of love, and besides, they’ll catch up after work. Enjoy!

Apple photo (c) Flickr user Elaron