There is something comforting in the first fire of the season. I love the whole ritual of gathering the wood and getting the fireplace ready. It becomes fall. Cool, crisp. The sound and smell of dead leaves, hot soup, down comforters, flannel sheets and shirts. Sitting in front of the fire in this season feels like being in the comfort of your bed, under the covers, on a raining day.

Grabbing an armload of firewood, I feel like Charles Ingalls of Little House fame (although he actually had to cut the wood and I just pay to have someone bring it over and stack it...ok its not like Little House at all.) Indian food is the perfect compliment as the first meal in front of the fire. The house fills up with the smell of cedar- it's absolutely lovely.