Currently, in the midwestern states of the U.S., it is spring. Last night, we had tornado warnings and high winds with thunderstorms. This is my favorite season. The storms are exciting and the rain is comforting. Coming out of winter, where plants have appeared dead for months, the grass becomes green again and the trees grow new leaves and buds. The smell of flowers permeates the air and the birds singing is more enthusiastic. The temperature raises to a comfortable level of only needing the occasional jacket or hoodie. It's finally warm enough to wear sandals and not socks and shoes! 

I do also enjoy autumn/fall, but it is with the knowledge that freezing winter weather is on its way. If you like pumpkin foods, you may also enough using butternut squash in the same recipes. It is has a slightly richer taste.