OCTOBER — Dually Thankful
Hello Dear Reader,
It’s the prettiest time of year – the time of year when I break out into “Colors of the Wind,” because what else befits the beautiful changing of the leaves. Fall is by far the most beautiful season, there is so much vibrance in the ironically moody colors. With the fall season, come the fall months. Here we are at the end of October, meaning Michael Bublé is defrosting as we speak, and Thanksgiving is literally right around the corner.
That being said, you’re in for a double decker holiday surprise. Thanksgiving is the season of giving, right? Yes, no, partially? Well, in the spirit of thankfulness and giving, I will be giving you, not just one, but two gifts because I am thankful for YOU!
The first gift is a Thanksgiving dessert recipe! I’ll be the first to admit that I am always trying something new for the holidays, but the trial-and-error portion can become tedious. I’m sure it’s the same for others, so here is a full proof dessert to share with your family and friends!
The second gift is something I know you’ve been waiting for quite some time…drum roll please… a scene from the sequel to “The Abditory!” I know, I know, take a moment to dance while I throw out some finger guns. I’ll give no foreword and just allow you to immerse yourself into the piece.
Headmost, a few of our regulars.
KNEE SLAPPER THURSDAY
You’re not the only one who is having a great fall…

Verse of the Month
“Then He said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into harvest His fields.’”
Amos 5:24 ESV
PUMPKIN APPLE STREUSEL MUFFINS
via DelightfulE Made

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 C. ALL PURPOSE FLOUR
1/2 C. BROWN SUGAR
1 TSP. BAKING POWDER
1/2 TSP. SALT
1/2 TSP. BAKING SODA
1 TSP. CINNAMON
1/4 TSP. NUTMEG
1/4 TSP. GROUND CLOVES
3/4 C. CANNED PUMPKIN PUREE
1/2 C. PLAIN GREEK YOGURT
2 EGGS
1 PEELED, DICED APPLE, ABOUT 1 CUP, (GRANNY SMITH OR GALA WORK WELL)
PECAN STREUSEL TOPPING:
1/3 C. BROWN SUGAR
1/3 C. FLOUR
1/4 TSP. CINNAMON
1 1/2 TBSP. MELTED BUTTER
1/4 C. CHOPPED PECANS
GLAZE:
1 C. POWDERED SUGAR
1 1/2 TBSP. MILK
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake tins with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl mix the dry ingredients: flour, brown sugar, baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Whisk together to combine, set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, yogurt and eggs. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet until all are well incorporated and combined. Fold in the apples.
4. Prepare the streusel by combining the flour, cinnamon and brown sugar. Drizzle the melted butter over the mixture and stir until crumbly. Add the chopped pecan and stir to combine.
5. Spoon or ladle the batter into the prepared cupcake pan. Each cup will be nearly full. Top muffin with a generous amount of streusel topping, divide evenly over each cup.
6. Bake at 350 for 24-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and crumb-free.
7. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before removing muffins from pan. Let cool completely on the rack. Mix together the powdered sugar and milk for the glaze and drizzle over the cooled muffins. Enjoy right away. Freeze or refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container.
For more details, CLICK HERE.
Now we embark to the lower deck of a ship…
Staring into the lit clay jar, I tried to concentrate on releasing myself from these iron cuffs. When suddenly, it dawned on me. A figurative lightbulb appeared in my mind and a solution was made. The light. My heart began to beat fast at the hope that this might actually work. I would use the oil from the jar as a lubricant for my hands, sliding them out from my chains. They weren’t locked so tight around my smaller wrists that with a little help I just might be able to wiggle free.
But with that idea came another problem. How was I to get the jar with my hands behind my back, even though the barrel was parallel to my side. I winced my eyes in concentration, trying to think of the easiest way to bring my plan into fruition. Using my feet would prove dangerous, for fear that it might knock the lamp over, let alone the barrel. But as I looked around, I saw that there were few other options at my disposal. This was going to be a risk that I had to take.
My brows knit together as I took a deep breath, preparing myself. I gripped the chains behind me, knowing that I’d have to put my full weight on it in order for it to work. Giving one final quick breath, I put my weight on the chains as I lifted my legs, each one grabbing onto the sides of the barrel. As I hung horizontally, I knew that this would be the most difficult part. Slowly, I began to rock the barrel back and forth, pulling it towards me. My wrists burned from my body weight, but I ignored it, knowing that I had to do this. To my great surprise, it actually worked. After a couple minutes, the barrel was leaning against the post.
I let out a sigh of relief, having half of the plan complete. Now, for the grand finale. I blew out the light from the jar and I turned my body so that my back was against the barrel, the chains rustling with the turn. Not moving for a moment, I listened to see if anyone had heard anything or was coming. After I was sure that I was in the clear, I continued, feeling for the jar. I used the faint heat of the cooling oil as a guide. Feeling the clay against my fingertips, I let out a soft sigh at its surprisingly cool surface. Trying to grip my hands, the final phase was about to be complete. Ensuring I had a strong hold, I began to pour out the contents against my wrists and hands. I sucked air in from the unexpectedly still warm liquid, but I pressed on, continuing until I could pour every last drop. Once that was complete, I dropped the jar and began trying to wiggle my hands free. It took a little time, but as I folded my hands into themselves, they were ultimately able to give way, freeing me from my chains. After rubbing my wrists, I ripped the gag from my mouth and used it to wipe the oil from my hands. I spit to the side of me, happy to be rid of it and its nasty contents.
My eyes had already adjusted to the darkness, and I was orientated with the room. From what I could tell prior to blowing out the lights, there were no weapons here, no knives, swords, not even a fork. No matter, I’d get by without them. Placing my hand against the door handle, I tested the door gently, making sure there was nothing hindering my path. To my relief, I found it free, and it swung open, the soft light of the moon peeking down the stairs. I scanned the area, making sure the coast was clear before I made my way down the hallway. I could hear snores coming from closed doors along the hallway, proving my plan already to be true.
My first destination was to the deck; it had been the last place I had seen Evander and thus made it a good place to start. Tiptoeing up the stairs, my eyes just nearly leveled the floor as I surreptitiously looked about. Overall, the deck was flat and there wasn’t much hidden to the eye. There were a couple crew members manning the ship, but other than that there was no sign of Evander anywhere. My next guess was the other side of the ship. If they weren’t holding him on the deck, then they probably put him to work underneath it, with the rowers. I sent out silent thanks for Evander having shown me where some of the things were on the ship beforehand. It wasn’t very large, but it gave me an advantage.
Once again, I tiptoed down the stairs, making my way to the other end of the hall where there was a ladder that led underneath. Taking a quick look for the captain and the crew, I proceeded down the ladder to the back of the room. It took a couple moments for my eyes to adjust to the torches attached to the wall, but when they did, I saw over thirty men, with their overseer knocked out in the corner. It took me a moment to scan the area for Evander, but when my eyes finally landed on him, I couldn’t help but let out a small gasp. There he was in the last bench, seat closest to the aisle. It wasn’t the harsh conditions down here that disturbed me; half-starved men chained to their seats, sitting in their own filth with that very putrid aroma filling the air. It was Evander’s shredded back, dried blood sticking to it as almost black bruises covered the rest of the exposed areas. I could tell that he had to use all his strength to sit upright, little sways evident. I had seen worse done to men, but it was never a man that I cared for.
… and this is where I leave you.
COMING NEXT MONTH
As we wave goodbye to October and say a charming hello to November, we can cast our eyes even further into the future. That’s right — Christmas, baby! Come back next month to get guidance and inspiration for all your Christmas presents and needs! Don’t worry, there’ll be a little Thanksgiving something too. 😉
See You Next Month!