Looking back on bygone lazy summer days, on coffees had late in the night, family close at hand, and dishes cooked up on a Tuscan hillside, I am surprised to find that I am anxiously anticipating fall. It can't be helped. I am spellbound and tongue-tied. It's the sweet-scented air, wine mountains shining golden, and a low-lying sun that make my woes of boots, scarves, coats, and cold seem silly.

We went to our first "Heckenwirtschaft" this afternoon and I fully surrendered to fall in its splendor. Let my Italian tan fade, let sweaters return to my closet, let lasagne and pumpkin soup fill my belly...let fall come. My table is set and waiting.

Happy Sunday.