Taking Autumn's Bait

I was completely taken aback by the coffee offerings featured at my daily coffee stop yesterday.

It was an ordinary day. Like usual, I staggered into the place half-awake in that under-caffeinated sort of way and found my place at the back of the line. Little by little, I inched forward, past the milk and yogurt cooler, past the bagels and the muffins, and finally to the congenial retiree manning the cash register. We had our usual exchange. "Large coffee...no, that's it...yes, I will (enjoy it). You too (have a nice day)."

I paid my $2, grabbed my cup, and proceeded to eyeball the daily brews. Hazelnut...French Roast...Vanilla Decaf...Pumpkin Spice???

I froze for a moment, conjuring up chilly gusts of wind and warm apple cider. Pumpkin Spice? I shook myself like a wet dog and then did a quick mental inventory: Yes, it is indeed August. Yes, the trees still have green leaves. Yes, it's tomato season.

I filled my cup with piping hot French Roast and hit the street, defiantly breathing in extra, giant gulps of the balmy August air on my short walk to work. To my left, women in sleeveless shirts and sandals strolled by sipping iced-coffees. To my right, people in shorts and tees talked baseball while they waited for the bus.

Pumpkin Spice. I sipped my French Roast, savoring its robust flavors and aromas, while contemplating the audacity of my coffee place. How dare they try to hijack summer with a decidedly fall offering! I mean, who did they think they were - Mother Nature's little helpers? Why not just break out the EggNog brew, for chrissakes?

I stewed periodically for most of the day, but mostly, I thought about Pumpkin Spice.

Ummm. Pumpkin Spice - an earthy rich autumn brew, tantalizing tastebuds with cinnamon and clove. Savory and satisfying as a wedge of pumpkin pie....maybe even with a side of vanilla ice cream, if you splurge on light cream and a little sweetener.

I thought about Pumpkin Spice. A lot.

And now, while it's still August, and the leaves on the trees are green, and juice-filled orangey-red tomatoes are literally bursting from the vines, I'm hoping summer will forgive me for taking autumn's bait.