Summer is starting to leave us now…the days are getting shorter, the weather is starting to get brisker, it’s about time to pull up our warm socks, put on our scarves and have some pumpkin stew.  And today I had the opportunity to blog with an expert on pumpkin stew – one of my favorite bloggers, Tamara Klein Bowman from Tamara like Camera.

But first, let me tell you about Ask Away Friday – one of my favorite blog hops that Tamara is one of the hostesses of:

#AAF - Ask Away Friday

#AskAwayFriday was created by the amazing Penny from Real Housewife of Caroline County and Amber from Bold Fit Mom, as a way to connect with other bloggers with ten questions and ten answers, between two bloggers! This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know others while allowing others to get to know you and of course there is also the added bonus of making great friends along the way which is one of the best parts of this online world!

2015AskAwayFridayHost

Now welcoming our wonderful #AskAwayFriday hosts…

Tamara from Tamara Like Camera,

Tiffany from Mrs. Tee Love Life Laughter,

Christy from Uplifting Families,

Echo from The Mad Mommy

Tamara is old hat at blogging.  Tamara wrote the original “How I Met Your Father” in 20 parts – chronicling her journey to meet her wonderful husband Cassidy starting in 2003. If you’ve been around a while, you might recall that Tamara and I have traded #AAF questions before.  Tamara is constantly on the lookout for stray moose(s?), she’s a big fan of Doctor Who (like yours truly), has a TARDIS in her back yard, Han Solo is an actual member of her household, and she may or may not be married to Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy.  Her writing is so fantastic, she’s been featured in not just one, but three Anthologies:  The Mother of All Meltdowns, Stigma Fighters and Only Trollops Shave Above the Knee.  You can check out her answers to my questions here.

1. The school year just started! How has it been for you? Do you feel like you’re in a routine, or is it still totally new and weird?

It’s actually gone very well this year.  Now that Puck’s in Grade 5 and Flower in 2, they’re getting into that rhythm.  Early mornings are working, they’re getting their homework done on time, and I just love their new teachers.  They’re both young women and very enthusiastic.  And we’ve been at the school long enough now that they seem to have heard about my ex – and they aren’t holding it against me!

2. What’s on your fall bucket list?

Halloween.  This year, for the first time, we may try to make our own costumes.  Flower is going to try for a pirate carrying a mermaid, and Puck…well…we’re still working on his.  Bae and I are going as Minions, and Hubs will be Gru.

3. What fall traditions do you have in your house?

We always look forward to Thanksgiving with family.  It’s around the time I bring out my crock pot – and start making turkey soup, and beef stew.  We try to take a long hike to see all the wonderful colors of the landscape as the trees start to get ready for the winter.

4. You’re invited to a fall potluck. What do you make?

My niece is partial to my scalloped potatoes. I use lots of garlic and real cream.

5. What was your favorite Halloween costume as a kid?

I used to love to make my own costumes.  One year I went as the Queen of Hearts – I used two bristol boards and drew the Queen by hand.  Another year, I wrapped myself in bandages and went as a mummy.  It was an awesome costume…up until I had to go to the bathroom.

6. What’s your favorite fall fashion item (boots? scarves? sweaters? etc.)

I’m not incredibly fashionable and def not huge on trending fashions.  I prefer late spring and summer when I can wear dresses and sandals.  I did however get a new scarf last year – and it’s my new favorite.

7. What are your Halloween plans this year? Do you still dress up, or do you leave it to the kids?

Guess I should have read the questions ahead…as I seem to have already answered this one.  My Gran loved Hallowe’en.  Her husband (my grandfather’s) birthday was actually on Hallowe’en and her fathers was on November 1st.  I have a picture of her parents dressed up one year.  It’s black and white and it’s fabulous.  So we have a long tradition of Hallowe’en costumes.

8. Name a song that always reminds you of fall from your past.

This is a little out there – but it’s Raspberry Beret by Prince.  My cousin committed suicide just before beginning college.  I think he must have played the song one time or something when I was at their house.  He was ten years older than I was and I idolized him a bit.  I was devastated when he died.  The song has always reminded me of him.  And my last memories of him were in the fall.

9. How do you celebrate Thanksgiving usually?

We usually have a big Turkey dinner with lots of family.  My sister-in-law is visiting from Holland (she’s staying with us), so we’ll have an extra place at the table.  I’m excited.

10. What’s your favorite season? Why?

It’s not the fall.  Fall leads into winter. I prefer the spring when things are new and fresh and the promise of summer is just around the corner.

And that’s all I have for my first #AAF after the summer hiatus!  I understand there will be some changes coming to #AAF this year – so stay tuned.  In the meantime – you can link to Tamara’s answers to my questions – or you can click any of the host links above for more #AAF fun!

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3 Comments

  1. Aw.. I’m finally here and boy is it worth it! Best intro ever!
    I’m so with you on #10… like exactly.
    Also, I love scalloped potatoes!

    1. Author

      Or course! Spring means it’s almost sundress season too!

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