Help, Halloween's Here!

Last year, as in most years, I decorated the house for Halloween. This year, a fresh pumpkin sits on the front steps and nothing else!! No time to crawl through the attic and drag out decorations this year. Stacks of household chores to do to get life back to some semblance of order after being away so long.

Above - Front porch 2007

The outdoor French markets were displaying many wonderful Autumn foods. The chestnuts are popular as French cooks use them in both savory and sweet dishes, chopped and creamed. At a village Pumpkin Fete we enjoyed music from the local band. Children rode ponies, giant pumpkins were judged for weight, and the local people met friends for coffee and French versions of 'fair foods' such as we see here at State Fairs at this time of year. Well, no huge turkey legs being hefted - rather delicacies such as fougasse and roasted chestnuts. The warm air was full of festivity and I was certain the wine would start flowing as the day progressed

French squash and pumpkins are quite different from the bright orange, smooth skinned ones we are used to here. Very beautiful to look at............and to eat.

Oops, must run, still have to buy candy for the Trick or Treaters tomorrow evening - that part of Halloween cannot be missed no matter how busy we are. Perhaps I'll even make time to whip up some pumpkin bread too!