Fall...Why, hello there

I have never really been a 'fan' of fall. I love summer...the heat, popsicles, beaches, vacations, community events, outdoor grilling, tan skin, warm evenings, skirts, sandals, sunglasses, etc. But then Starbucks came along and rocked my world with "pumpkin spice"....I've never even liked pumpkin pie (and I dearly love the pie family), so this one took me by surprise. When all manner of coffee shops and book stores followed suit and created their own (and generally more affordable) versions of the pumpkin spice flavor phenomenon, my feelings toward the fall season were irrevocably and eternally altered. What once appeared to me as "spring's ugly cousin" now carries an allure and distinction that is quite attractive. I've checked it out...and I like what I see. Pair a tall glass of this with a cranberry bliss bar and you'll have me trading in a night on the town for a quite evening in..that's right, it's that good. Sure, it's not as universal as 'vanilla' or 'mocha', but against the backdrop of crisp air and football season it stands out of the crowd. Thank you for giving me a reason to perk up as I replace my sandals with boots and dig my scarves out of the closet...do that thing you do so well Mr. Spice, and sprinkle the days with deliciousness.