These muffins are lovely: whole grain but light as can be, lightly scented with cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg, studded with finely chopped pears. I used the same recipe as for all my muffins (see Ginger Peach recipe for the one I actually looked at this morning when making these) but instead of the crystallized ginger, peaches and so forth, added 3/4 tsp of both cloves and cinnamon, a 1/4 tsp of ground ginger, and 1/2 tsp of freshly ground nutmeg. I also included 1 c of diced pears and 1/2 c of unsweetened applesauce.

Our Sugar Maple out back has come into its fluorescence. Stunning! It'll only last about a week and the rate of leaf-dropping is positively diarrhetic, but I just love this tree; it's what I see from my kitchen and dining room. It is magnificent, and when its leaves are yellow like this, the whole house lights up.

Sleep is just amazing. I am a new'ish woman today. Last night consisted of the following: glass of red, Indian food, attempt -in vain- to read the paper, melatonin just to ensure slumber, bed at 9:30p. Scene. I woke up at 7am (bless my husband), am not as sore as I feared, feel SO improved and am now in the midst of muffinpalooza because, to my dismay when I checked this morning, our freezer was devoid of even one muffin crumb. So, first up...spiced Seckel plum muffins. Next, ginger peach with Last Tango peaches, and after that, I'm not sure... Jack did make it to school but we'll see how long he lasts poor sweetie. I'm trying to keep my expectations at a minimum regarding the time alone I'll have this morning.

So, while I wait with eager anticipation for the first batch of muffins to emerge, I'll leave you with some cute new shots of the boys. I fall more in love with both when I look at these shots: Jack shaking hands at El's wedding, and Oliver in all his glory.