Late Fall Reading List

 

All of a sudden, my saved reading list on Amazon is full.  There are always books saved by favorite authors to be read in the future months, but sometimes not so many for right now.  I was really happy to find quite a few that appealed to me when I was searching for new releases.  I also appreciate all of you recommending books you have read.  We all have different reading tastes, but I have learned many of you do like the same books as I do.

The Barbara Kingsolver, Susan Elia MacNeal, Jodi Picoult all have great reviews, so I am willing to give them a try.  All three author’s last books were disappointing to me.  I haven’t been a Sally Hempworth fan, but this one sounded more my style.

Here is my late fall reading list and links to Amazon for Kindle.  Let me know if you read and enjoy.

Amazon Link

Amazon Link

Amazon Link

Amazon Link

Amazon Link

Apple Upside Down Cake

 

Apple Upside Down Cake

I have not moved on to pumpkin flavors yet, because October to me, is all about apples.  If I could find a way to get some freshly picked Michigan apples (specifically Empire) I would be happy, but for baking, the grocery store offerings are just fine.

This recipe is one of those that looks harder to make than it is.  It makes a really pretty presentation when you flip it over on the plate and I was happy to see that it came out easily and did not stick.  I followed the recipe exactly, except in addition to the cooking spray, I dusted the bundt pan lightly with flour, because that is what my mother and grandmother  taught me :)

As far as the flavor, it was so good.  The spice cake mix, the cider and the apples and brown sugar, all combine for fall on a plate.  It is quite moist too.  My husband and I won’t eat a big cake, so I plan to share with some neighbors.  

We have been experiencing lovely weather in Florida with blue skies and slightly cooler temperatures.  Enjoy your Monday and this last week of October.

The Bay Sarasota

 

There is a new park in Sarasota and on the opening weekend, we decided to attend an evening concert there.  The music was an Eagles tribute band, so it seemed like a fun way to spend a Sunday night.  The weather is cooling down nicely too, so it’s time to take advantage of that and be outside.

We arrived a little early, set up our chairs at the stage and took a walk to explore the park.  There is a walking trail along Sarasota Bay, a shaded and elevated bridge through the mangroves, areas to sit in the sun with a water view, a playground and a kayak launch.  It’s dog friendly and I will bring mine next time for a morning stroll.

The concert was a good time with the crowd filling the grassy area, then spilling onto the parking lot and behind the stage right on the waterfront.  Of course in Florida, it tends to be an older demographic, but there was still a lot of dancing happening in front of the stage.  We kept to our chairs, but made a few trips to the food trucks for margaritas and beer.  It was an awesome venue, easy to get to and we will keep an eye out for other concerts.