Fall in Washington DC

Seasons shifted quickly in Washington this year, and summer as now transformed into early fall. Although summer is my favorite season, fall has its perks. Not the least as its harvest season and these weeks, there is a fantastic color cavalcade at the Dupont Circle Farmers’ Market.

pepper farmers market

pepper farmers market

farmers market dupont circle

farmers market dupont circle

I’m not the best of chefs, nor to I particularly enjoy cooking. But with seasonal vegetables, it’s easy. I just chop the veggies and tubers, and put in a pan with a little olive oil, and then eat with couscous or quinoa and a bit of goat cheese, or with a spoon of cottage cheese. (I’m not a vegetarian but I only eat meat once or a few times a week.) Even though the farmers’ market has a reputation of being expensive, my food budget is definitely down in this period!

Who Wants Winter??

This past week have been a little slow. I thought first that perhaps it was a post dissertation dip, i.e. that mental fall that often comes after a period of stress, when the adrenaline level goes down. But then I realized that it’s the season. Turning back the clock last weekend coincided with a sharp drop in temperatures to almost freezing levels, and after two days, I remembered how much I detest cold weather and darkness. I can’t really describe it, it makes me tense and irritated, and unmotivated to do anything that requires outdoor logistics. Fortunately, it is too early for winter here in DC and the temperature has been rising again since yesterday. I still miss summer and especially not having to dress warm, but I tried to make the most of the season today when the sun finally came out, and went for a walk, bought pretty autumn colored flowers, and made apple pies. This weekend, temperatures will be just below 20 C, so hopefully some of my motivation will come back. And if not, I’m really glad I got that Netflix subscription!!

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