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What’s not to love about a September day like today? Cool, clear air, warm sun, it’s out of control! John and I were going to head over to Lucia’s for one of our fabulous Saturday brunch dates, but after the Cocktail Jewelry party on Thursday night, with all the treats and wine, and with a big Stu-Debbie-Rudy-Ana dinner coming up on Monday night, I thought I should perhaps go for a long hike instead of a big brunch. And you know what? On a day as gorgeous as today, a hike is just as nice as a brunch. I enjoyed myself thoroughly, losing myself in lovely Elm Creek Park Reserve. Dappled sun, autumn wild flowers, pheasants, fat bumble bees, and a nice cool breeze. I turned my iPod off and just listened to the sound of my feet crunching in the dry grass. An hour and half flew by in what seemed 15 minutes, amazing.

On my way home I swung by Byerly’s and picked up a beef chuck roast. Nothing fancy, just a typical pot roast, seared and then slow-braised alongside potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic. When it’s fall-apart done (around 6:00?), I’ll let it rest while I crank up the heat on the potatoes to brown them a bit and turn all those yummy pan juices into some kind of fabulous sauce. One of my very, very favorite cool-weather meals, can’t wait.