Warmth

Yesterday, it was 78 in Madison and muggy HOT! Today, it was cloudy, rainy, and a high of 65. The air had a feeling of fall weather with a distinct crisp breeze blowing and misty rain falling all day..

I could only focus on one thought: comfort.

There is just something about the first few days of cool temps that make me want to bake. Yes-bake! As soon as the clouds roll in and the breeze blows, my mouth begins to salivate for the warmth and comfort of my favorite tools: the stove and baked goods.

I resisted temptation today until about 1:30, then my need to bake overtook all common sense. I scurried to the grocery store and came home and was baking cookies instantly. Before long, the scent of melting chocolate and sweet cookie dough permeated the house. The kids began to gather. Andrew was the first with a quick quip, "Ooh- I always know when you are baking chocolate chips."

As soon as I removed the cookies, I put bread in to bake. Now don't think I was kneading bread or anything, it was just a box of Quick bread that I only had to add a can of soda to. Nonetheless, the chocolate smell was usurped by the even more soothing smell of baking bread. The smell diffused throughout the house, leaving me feeling so content and warm.

I hardly noticed the gloom of the outdoors anymore. To add to my comfort theme, I put on my favorite pair of fleece pants. I think I went a little overboard with this as I quickly became hot, yet I refused to change them.

To make the day complete, I kept the oven revved and made a pasta dish with noodles and meatballs for dinner. My house was a cornucopia of scents that made me instantly feel what I desired: warmth.

Tuesday's forecast: 75 and sunny. I guess I will let my oven rest again for awhile.