Imagine... Fall Weather in October!!

Jon says I'm like an old woman with the way I talk about the weather, but I can't help it!  I've spent 30 years prior to this one in a pretty constant climate- h.o.t.  Yes, we do get cold in North Florida, but not until January, and Fall starts in November, maybe.  So, I'm enthralled!  It was in the 30s last night and today is nippy and fresh- just 50 degrees!  Can you believe it??!!

When I was out walking the other day, I came across this sight at the Tuileries Garden (you might need to click on the pic to do it justice):

I think it's the perfect statement of the current weather.  On one side, summer in all its glory is hanging on for dear life. On the other, Fall has taken hold quite securely.

Above, a closer look of the scene: flowers and green grass in the foreground with a wood of falling chestnut leaves in the back.  The kids seemed to like the woody part better.  I caught a rousing game of cache-cache (Hide-and-Go-Seek) in progress:

Of course, this chilly weather made decorating for Halloween a necessity.  There isn't a sign of Halloween here in France.  I know that a few costume parties will take place on the night of, but in general, Halloween commercialism is a thoroughly American thing (of course).  So, I made my own decorations.  I think they turned out well.

We'll draw faces on the pumpkins this weekend.  And the apples came from Sunday's market-- delicious and just picked!  I love food in France.

Speaking of which... Jon's on dinner service these days, so I've been on my own for the evening meal.  Last night, with the nip in the air, I wanted to sit in a cozy spot eating a hearty meal with a glass of red wine and my book as a date.  I think the mission was accomplished: