It's November!

It certainly feels like fall here today in McKinney.  It's pouring rain, windy and  sweater weather!  Finally, I think the heat is gone.  This is the kind of  day that always makes me  think about warm, cozy houses and comfort food.  I have taken away all the summer seashells and hydrangeas and replaced them with fall pumpkins, gourds and sunflowers.  I found the neatest thing in Maine this summer.  It's a very roughhewn chicken feeder.  We did a little sprucing up with some stain and sealer and it fits perfect on the kitchen island.  For those of you with these big islands, sometimes it hard to find something that doesn't block the view.  This is perfect for several reasons.  One, it's low and long, (7 1/2 feet long)  with plenty of room to fill with whatever...for whatever season.  It can be used in the dining room as well as the island, although, I think it's better here because it's more casual.  A few folks have seen it and thought it looks fabulous!  I also started on my breakfast room table...not done yet, but getting there.  Here is a picture in process.  I am layering with different patterns,  with  fall colors of brown, black, cream, and pumpkin.

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And then there's the food thing.  If you have never been to Stonewall Kitchen (www.stonewallkitchen.com) or used their  products, you are really missing out.  They are based in York, Maine with corporate offices, cooking school, production line, restaurant and retail store. Everything they do is top notch, so you can't go wrong buying their products.  In the retail store they offer tastings and include many recipes that incorporate their products.  I am going to post a couple on the recipe page today so make sure and take a look.  Finally, I took some treats to my dentist office today (www.mckinneydentist.com)  to announce my "holiday trays".  I will be baking holiday trays to order this year, so if you are interested, check back later this week for more information, or send me a note.