I am going to tell you a little secret about myself. You already know fall is my absolute favorite, but do you know my favorite part? I love the jack-o’-lanterns glowing in windows. Hay stacks blowing on country fences on a fall afternoon. Leaves are falling from the sky, looking like snow. Hot cocoa and toast on a chilly morning. Warm hoodies. Fuzzy blankets. Hot cozy soups on a crisp night. The smell of our propane fireplace being lit for the first time in months. The bright colors of the leaves changing, and gorgeous mountains of PA. God is good!

There are so many wonderful things about fall, but one of the top three things on my list looking forward to fall is it getting dark early. Yes, you read that right. Getting. Dark. Early. I love it! I told you I would tell you my secret! People look at me like I am literally whack when I say this. I’m like, how can you NOT like it!? The first few months are nice when we get more daylight. Kids can play outside longer, eating dinner out on our patio, ride motorcycles a little longer into the sunset, and get more things done because of longer daylight. But is it REALLY that awful having it be dark at 5? I feel like we all are always on the go. Have to do this and have to do that. When it’s dark and cold, we don’t have to feel guilty about not being outside.

If someone shows up at our doorstep at 5: 00 p.m. and we are in our PJs, we don’t look like a bunch of lazy bums! If it’s 5:00 p.m. in summer looking like that, you know people be talking. Listen, you show up at my house, and it’s dark at 5, I can’t promise you anything. Unless I am going out with my girlfriends for dinner or over to my momma’s for Thursday night dinner, by this time, I’ll be looking lazy as ever with dinner cooking away in the oven. I live for cozy PJs, my slippers, and a fuzzy blankie.

We have really enjoyed watching our deer out back as we eat dinner, and I’ll miss that part. But, I love setting the table as the dark draws near. The glow from the fireplace by our table makes for such a cozy setting. Soft dinner music, or not even gonna lie, by this time, Christmas music could be playing on my Bose speaker. I start in October, or maybe it’s September? Depends on my mood. Anyways, it’s playing now — sooooo. *Big thumbs up!*

God knew what he was doing when he made light in summer and dark in winter. We need a break. A few months’ worth. Us moms need it dark for our kids to go to bed early and not wait till 9:30 and them to say, “But mom, it’s not even dark yet!” Or you farmers that work sunup to sundown. I am sure you appreciate not being out in the fields until 10 p.m. See, it’s not all that bad, is it!? I think God knew we would have people who would have cozy little fall lights lit up outside their homes and jack-o’-lanterns glowing on front porches.

Not to mention Christmas lights! Y’all know it makes you a little bit happier seeing a house lit up. If it doesn’t, we need to talk! Seriously. Can’t be daylight to see all the lights.

See, God knows. Now that you know my secret, please don’t be afraid to swing by our homestead anytime. Just know, we may be all cozy and ready for bed any time after 5:00 p.m. Don’t judge. *My famous cheesy smile here*

Pumpkin Pie Milkshakes

Your taste buds are going to love this!

• 1/2 quart of a good brand of vanilla bean ice cream (I used Turkey Hill)
• 1 1/2 cups of milk
• 2 tsp. of pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup of pumpkin puree
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Put all ingredients in a blender, mix well until fully combined. Place in pretty glasses, then top with whipped topping, caramel and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for garnish.