Even though I’m living in Florida, the never-ending-summer state, there IS a slight change in the weather this time of year.  Normally here in the tropics, from about May up until November, the temperature averages between 85 and 95, mostly hovering at around 92.  Once “Fall” hits in October, the temperature oh-so-slowly drops into the high 80’s and then around mid-November the relief begins…low 80’s finally!  Anyway, from November into the winter months when most of America starts freezing, our weather becomes absolutely beautiful.  Of course, we do have a couple of “cold” days, usually around mid-January where the temps drop into the low 60’s.  But those cold spells only last a day or 2, and then it’s back up into the seventies.

Our growing season is exactly opposite as well.  We start planting right around now for our winter harvest.  Crazy!  Summer here is when it’s too hot for anything to grow but palm trees and jungle plants.

I wanted to capture a little of the Halloween-Fallish spirit this morning so I made myself a little bowl of happiness.

Fall Spiced Oatmeal

Take a cup of some good, old-fashioned organic oats, a cup of water, pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice (click link for my homemade version) and 2 teaspoons of brown sugar.  Boil the water and pinch of salt, add the oatmeal and pumpkin pie spice and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.  In the last minute, add the brown sugar. Splash in a little milk, stir and enjoy!  Tastes just like Fall.