~ Comfort ~

One of the things I love about fall is the return of comfort food.
Warm, stick-to-your-ribs dishes that warm you to your toes and make you feel all cozy inside.

My daughter bought me Taste of Home's Ultimate Halloween issue which is full of those types of recipes.
I've been trying out a few of them, and am adding to my family's favorites.

This one [Sweet Potatoes and Apples Au Gratin] was especially yummy.
I had to fight the temptation to throw a handful of brown sugar on top, because that's how I usually cook sweet potatoes, but with the apples in the mix, you really don't need it - they sweeten them up just fine.
(And it's healthier too!)

Yesterday we had an honest to goodness thunderstorm.
It's been so long since it's rained here - my poor lawn shows it.

I love thunderstorms.

As I listened to the thunder, and opened the windows wide to let the rain smell in, the lights flickered and I wondered if the power would go off.

That made me think of my oldest brother.

Back when I was a kid, when the lights would go off, he would find a candle or some other form of light, and he would sit and tell us stories, or play his guitar and sing silly songs. He made it fun, and even exciting!
Because of him, I've never been afraid of thunderstorms.

He was such an awesome big brother. He gave me so many happy memories - I really need to write and tell him that.


Conference weekend is another comfort around here.
It's a bit of a mini vacation from having to get dressed up and go to church (ha ha), but it's also 2 days of being taught and instructed by our church leaders via television.
Always gives me warm feelings of hope and encouragement - which we so need right now.
It's a time to gather the family, and hunker down in the family room to listen together.

Nice.
.