These chocolate cupcakes were my contribution to my friend Marie’s birthday party. It was my hope that by bringing her something homemade she would feel welcomed into our community. The other quiche was for our new interim pastor (aka Mary Poppins) on the day that she arrived in the valley. One of these was brought to a friend with an ailing partner. Then there were the quiches… with crimini mushrooms and peppers that I roasted (and what a wonderful scent they left in my kitchen!). As we continued our walk, Emile turned to me and said, “There’s a pie in her future isn’t there?” He knows me so well! This gluten-free cheesecake/pear tart (which was later topped with toasted almonds – sorry, no photo of that) was brought to that woman to let her know that I understood the pain of losing a beloved pet. I need to bring him to the vet.” I was stunned into silence and don’t even know if I managed to wave goodbye. I called out “Hi… How are you?” She responded, “Not good. One day, Emile and I were on our morning walk when I saw my friend going to her car.

Now before I get off on a rant (I know, you’re all thinking, “whew”) let me just share a few of the baked goodies that I managed to squeeze into the last few weeks. Perhaps I was busy but it went by so fast! One minute we were camping and then it was back to school again (not for my kids but still) and the leaves are now changing.

That last month of summer quickly slipped by me. How did that happen? Just a few days ago the temperature reached 95 and right now the thermometer is barely hitting 65! Welcome to Fall everyone! Today in Ashland we awoke to gray skies and much cooler weather.

Iwrite ashland