As of 3 this afternoon, the temp was 32 degrees and falling, and now it is snowing, too! As soon as I got home from work I pulled out the soup pot. I browned some beef cubes, sauteed some onions, celery, carrots and garlic. Stirred it all together with some beef broth, canned diced tomatoes, and a bay leaf. It is simmering now, and boy does it smell good. About 15 more minutes and the barley will go in.

A loaf of bread, and maybe some apple crisp and maybe I'll feel better about such an early winter!