The end of daylight saving time is a great excuse(as though you need one) to whip up this supremely easy, supremely delectable autumn feast.  It popped into my head yesterday as I was strolling through the glorious Virginia countryside with my friends.  Was it the ravishing sunset colors of the sugar maple that firmly planted sweet potatoes in my mind? Perhaps the crackling of the logs in the fireplace, as we feasted and laughed, that reminded me that nothing in the world is better than a divine, stick-to-your ribs, homey meal in the company of good friends.

I couldn't be more delighted that the chilly winds that are blowing around, sending the maple leaves swirling and opening up our view of the James more and more with each passing moment, are bringing a succession of my beloved friends from all over the world to visit in the coming weeks.

First up this week was my adored friend Sarah Hazlegrove who dropped in from her whirlwind "Tobacco People" project which is taking her to seemingly every corner of the globe.  I caught a glimpse of her between Indonesia and Brazil, as well as her more usual France, and was even able to turn my camera on her.   What a nice change as she she's always taking my picture, as you can see from her handiwork on my "about me" page.  She's some photographer.