The days are definitely getting shorter, which means I should go running earlier in the day. I’ve sort of fallen off my running routine, but I am slowly getting back into it.  I cherish the Seattle summer nights, the warm breezes and lingering sun sets.

The other night, my dear friend Gretchen and I enjoyed a fancy cheese plate sampling of Seattle businesses. I was quite proud of the spread.

We enjoyed a sampling of some delicious items from Rain Shadow Meats, purchased from the Melrose Market location. Gretchen had brought pate, dijon mustard, and cornichon, and I had selected prosciutto. We also enjoyed some Beecher’s Handmade Cheese Marco Polo, Flagship, Smoked Flagship, Just Jack, and No Woman.  These cheeses complemented our selection of quince preserves, tiny grapes (we couldn’t agree on the name, mostly because we didn’t have a clue), a bar of dark chocolate with fruit and nuts, and a small round of Humboldt Fog. These items, of course, were paired with our table white and red wines, whose labels I sadly can’t recall.

Indulging in a cheese and wine spread with good friends is my favorite way to close out summer.  We are so blessed to live in a place where we have so much plenty and can peacefully enjoy our evenings.  Happy Autumn, my dear readers!