heyyyy you guyyyys

Lately I've been trying to apply a "when in Rome" mentality to every aspect of my life. For example: While living in the south, I feel it's completely necessary to tailgate whenever possible, and go to a NASCAR race. When in Rome, right? You wouldn't spend a spring in Indianapolis and miss the Indy 500. I've got to respect the ways of the south, too.

And this season, I'm trying to do everything fally I can possibly think of. From carving to layering my clothes to Haunted Houses to Halloween parties, I'm walking around like a pumpkin spiced autumn addict. When in Rome fall.

As part of this effort, I recently tried making a pumpkin smoothie in lieu of my typical A.M. banana version. And while it was incredibly tasty, you need not be fooled by the word "pie" in the recipe title. It's not exactly the sweetest of smoothies. However, it did make for an excellent breakfast and kick-started my last two mornings with some pumpkiny love.

Happy fall you guys! (I'm not quite so southern as to say happy fall y'all. but maybe someday :) When in Georgia, right?)

Where's the great pumpkin, Charlie Brown?

"The pumpkins are getting smaller and the trick or treaters are getting fatter," Jay Leno.

This summer I was on a mission to make Jim this Jell-O no bake peanut butter and chocolate dessert. I searched the store high and low, only to find the Publix by my house did not carry it.

Since I was already at the grocery, I decided I'd make Jim pumpkin chocolate chip cupcakes, since they're his favorite. However, after looking in every fathomable aisle (we're talking even the frozen section) I couldn't find pumpkin.

Finally I found someone to help me. I asked him where the pumpkin was and he informed me that there was a pumpkin shortage. In Georgia? I asked. Not just GA, everywhere.

Since it was only July and I was skeptical of his credibility, I didn't worry.

That is, until Jay Leno announced there was a shortage tonight.

Apparently, a chilly, damp summer in the Midwest and New England has caused crops to struggle. Some farmers are reporting as little as one tenth the pumpkins as last year. Crops are down, prices are up, and pumpkin will be hard to find.

Personally, I almost don't see the point in beginning fall if I can't be guaranteed pumpkin lattes, ice cream, and muffins. Pumpkin makes fall perfect. So, until I can be certain there will be pumpkins to carve, I'm going to stick with summerfall.