Speaking of autumnal goodies, let me spread the word about apple cider syrup. Get some non-alcoholic apple cider (aka, non-clarified apple juice). Fresh from a farm stand, if you've got 'em. Then dump it all in a big sauce pan or pot and boil it down until it's the consistency of maple syrup. That'll probably mean reducing it by 3/4s. Put it on pancakes, waffles, etc. It is so good! I made it toward the end of apple cider season last year, and I'm looking forward to making it again this fall.

Oooh. That does sound good!

When I was a kid, in the autumn we'd go to a local farm and get icy cold fresh cider and plain donuts fresh out of the fryer. I remember them as being THE BEST.

Oh, Shir, I meant to thank you for your link as well

I'll have a bit of apple cider this time of year, but not a big fan as it is on the sweet side for me. Now, my dad's hard cider was another matter altogether. Yum.

I'll no doubt buy some pumpkin coffee grounds, but I drink it black, so none of the sweeter pumpkin offerings.

Apple cider donuts are so good.

Speaking of autumnal goodies, let me spread the word about apple cider syrup. Get some non-alcoholic apple cider (aka, non-clarified apple juice). Fresh from a farm stand, if you've got 'em. Then dump it all in a big sauce pan or pot and boil it down until it's the consistency of maple syrup. That'll probably mean reducing it by 3/4s. Put it on pancakes, waffles, etc. It is so good! I made it toward the end of apple cider season last year, and I'm looking forward to making it again this fall.

That also sounds good! I found some wine syrup in the back of my fridge, from making poached pears a while ago, and that is also delicious, FYI. Edit: I made the pears in the wine and then boiled it down after.

That sounds good, too. Can you taste the pears?

I always think apple cider doughnuts sound delicious but I don't think I have tried one. Not one fresh and hot, anyway. The local apple orchards are a bit of a drive from here and reportedly have long lines during the season so I have not attempted the trek.

I cut non-alky cider half and half (or so) with clear soda. As I do pomegranite, cranberry, and OJ. Less sweet more sparkle.

I cut most juices with sparkling water to make them less sweet. Also satisfies my craving for fizzy soda.

I got a glowing 6-month review from my boss today. Very nice to hear. Within the next couple weeks we'll meet again to discuss moving forward with promoting me to a director-level position. I need more training before that happens, but it's clear that's what she wants to do. I don't honestly want the job, but I damn sure don't want to go job hunting again, and I do want the increased salary, so, as Jubal Early said, Here I am.

See what ya get for being so dang competent!