THE AUTUMN EQUINOX

One Autumn night, in Sudbury town, Across the meadows bare and brown, The windows of the wayside inn Gleamed red with fire-light through the leaves Of woodbine, hanging from the eaves Their crimson curtains rent and thin. As ancient is this hostelry As any in the land may be, Built in the old Colonial day, When men lived in a grander way, With ampler hospitality.......... (from Tales of a Wayside Inn by Longfellow) I love reading this poem at this time of the year and it always evokes for me the warmth of hearth and home...... It gives me the urge to get into the kitchen, tie on my apron and begin working on food treasures of the season. It's apple and pumpkin pickin' time....time for apples and cinnamon to scent the kitchen, pies placed in the oven and chutney simmering on the stove....all to put away for holidays. Squashes, tomatoes, herbs and all the last fruits of the garden come in to grace the table. Time for friends to get together and gather round ...........ah yes....the ancient ritual of the table. It is the seedbed of human communion that births and breeds friendships and relationships to stand the test of time. Come inside and light the fire. Put on the soup pot. Set the table. Raise a glass to the season!