As I started my walk this morning, I noticed the thermometer hovering at 49/50 degrees, seemingly unable to make up its mind. I think it sensed the warmth of my hand as I picked it up and registered an increase in temperature; then, realizing its mistake as I set it back down, sank back to 49 chilly degrees.

Definitely not weather to be standing on my tiled kitchen floor barefoot. I put on warm clothes, actual shoes instead of sandals, and headed out for the morning walk. Nothing like cool weather to inspire a fast pace.

Plastic pumpkins have sprouted on lawns all around. One would think that they grew there overnight, the land being so plastic friendly. Got me to thinking, though, about pumpkin or winter squash soup (the real thing, not plastic).

I used to love it, both spicy savory style and alternatively slightly sweet creamy style. Perhaps it's time once again to try it.

Any other suggestions for cold weather foods? Might as well enjoy them before the Santa Ana winds kick in and heat us up again to the 80's and 90's, probably later in the week.