Fall, I think I love you

Fall is growing on me.  Not literally, of course.
I used to despise fall.  It's not Fall's fault.  He can't help it.
It's just that, well, I may actually be having a love affair with Fall.  Don't tell my precious Summer.
For some reason, this year I am totally digging all the things that Fall brings in with him.  The smells, the decorations, the beautiful colors of the leaves, and even the temperature change.  That may also have to do with the fact that it's almost mid-way through November, and I've yet to wear my heavy coat.  I hate cold weather!  Have I mentioned that before?

Anywho, we're having lots of fall fun around these parts.  Pumpkin patches, leaf-pile jumping, warm baked potato soup* with crusty bread, pumpkin pie candles, and Christmas music are just a few things we're enjoying lots of lately.  Oh wait, did I say Christmas music?  OH YES I DID!  I know that we haven't even had Thanksgiving yet, blah blah blah.  Whatever.  I'm no Scrooge (like some people that won't be named.  Mike.) when it comes to playing Christmas music. I've been enjoying my little Christmas music play list for quite some time now.  And I don't intend to stop.

So here's to Fall.  And to celebrating Christmas all year long.  :)

*  Oh.my.heavens.  I found the most delectable recipe for baked potato soup.
    This is a Fall recipe MUST HAVE!

Ingredients

3 bacon strips, diced
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 cups chicken broth
2 large baked potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup half-and-half cream
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
Shredded Cheddar cheese
Minced fresh parsley
Directions

In a large saucepan, cook bacon until crisp. Drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. Set bacon aside. Saute onion and garlic in the drippings until tender. Stir in flour, salt, basil and pepper; mix well. Gradually add broth. Bring to boil; boil and stir for 2 minutes. Add the potatoes, cream and hot pepper sauce; heat through but do not boil. Garnish with bacon, cheese and parsley.

I used 4 potatoes and 4 cups of broth, which made just enough (but I always like to have leftovers), so I will probably double everything next time, and use like 6 or so.  Oh, and I didn't use the hot pepper sauce, but it was still tasty!