Monday, September 21, 2026

Pumpkin Spice Hodgepodge

Pumpkin craft I did at Michael's in 2023


I'm participating in Joyce's Hodgepodge again this week, and I thank her for the tasty autumn questions.

1. Fall arrives this week in the northern hemisphere. Does it look/feel like fall where you live? What's something you love to do this time of year that makes you feel its officially fall? 
*If you're answering today from the southern hemisphere feel free to sub spring for the word fall. 

Although the heat wave broke last week, it's still hot during the day and doesn't feel like fall at all, but it never does in September here in SoCal. What does make me aware of the change of season however is the earlier sunset, which seems sudden and dramatic, but it's the same as every year. As we head into October, I am all about everything pumpkin scented and flavored. On Friday, I went to Trader Joe's and bought pumpkin soup, pumpkin butter, and pumpkin bread mix, and this is just the beginning. I love pumpkin muffins, pumpkin pie, and pumpkin spice latte (yes, I am aware that there's no pumpkin in the latte). I'm also good with the rest of the fall flavors: apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cranberry, etc.

2. What's a small daily task or chore that always seems to fall through the cracks when your schedule gets busy?

I usually get everything done that I need to do. I might forget to wear earrings if I'm rushing around to leave the house in the morning, which will annoy me immensely once I notice.

3. What's something you're falling for lately? 

I don't know. I'm watching The Slipper and the Rose from 1976 while writing this and really enjoying it, so maybe old musical movies or just old movies.

4.  Pumpkin is a popular flavor this time of year.  Are you a fan? What's your favorite pumpkin flavored food or beverage?  

Yup, totally. See above. Hard to pick a favorite though... maybe pumpkin cake with streusel topping.

5. What's something you wish would never change? Explain. 

I can't answer this question as my nature compels me to go down all the rabbit holes and find reasons why whatever I might choose would be a bad thing ultimately. I don't particularly like most change, but it's inevitable.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I don't know if anyone remembers when we were talking about gelato. I would like to report that I have tried it now, and it's delicious!

17 comments:

  1. Pumpkin cake is pure heaven. It's one of my family's all-time favorite treats. I never make it unless I'm having all the kids over for dinner, or if it's for a potluck, because otherwise I'd end up eating most of it myself.

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  2. I have pledged to try to participate in Hodgepodge more regularly. I see you blog almost daily and I just can't seem to get posts written that quickly. But maybe by committing to this one weekly series at least 2 times a month, I will blog more consistently. I enjoyed reading about all the pumpkin and other fall flavors you enjoy. My niece was recommending TJ's pumpkin muffin mix today. But alas, we have no TJs or Aldi's - her other recommendation.
    The sunset is coming early and with it, longer shadows in the afternoons. So glad for the recent reprieve from summer heat.

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  3. I love all the pumpkin flavored things too. I made pumpkin chocolate chip cake cookies last year and they were so good.

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  4. Oh yes, it so feels like the sun sets so early lately. Just suddenly. Time to dig out my autumn meme... I love The Slipper and the Rose. Definitely one of my favorites.

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    1. I was surprised at how funny that movie was! I asked AI to recommend more of the same :)

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  5. It feels like fall here in New England and my coastal town's deciduous trees are showing some yellows and oranges. I hope October brings you some cooler temps! - N

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    1. Ah, beautiful! I miss the changing colors (but not the snow)...

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  6. Your crocheted (knitted?) pumpkin is adorable! Good job on that and how cute is the little tag as well with your signature :). I am deducing you're a pumpkin fan!! I hope to get to TJ's soon to check out their pumpkin/fall goodness. Our heat has broken and we are in the 60's- perfect timing for fall :).

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  7. I love your pumpkin. It is so cute. Well done making it. :-)
    Your goodness from TJ's sounds good. YUM!

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  8. Yes gelato is delicious and I'm glad you had some : ).I love all the flavors of fall, especially cranberry and cinnamon. Pumpkin is okay if it's not overpowering and I find in beverages its a bit too strong. After reading today's answers I'm feeling the urge to make some pumpkin bread.

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  9. I love all the pumpkin things too although we don't get as much of it over here in England which seems very unfair. hehehe
    For me it's always a necklace I forget to put on when I am going out.

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  10. I have to admit, fogetting to wear earrings would (has) thrown my entire day!! I could much more easily be without my phone all day than not have earrings on - lol!

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  11. Thanks for visiting, Hidgepodgers!

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