I'm always fooled by October. Every year I convince myself that September marks the end of summer vacations and now, with kids back in school and people keeping the heads down until the December holidays, things will be calmer. Instead, October feels like a rush of making up for lazy summer days, reconnecting with friends, and recommitting to work. Still, it's my favorite time of the year. When the leaves crisp and wood smoke randomly wafts through the air, I start to crave hearty meals and spend days in the kitchen with the oven going, pulling out loaves of bread. I start to wrap myself in wool scarves and wear tall riding boots even if it's perhaps a little too cold. It's also my favorite reading season, when there's nothing more satisfying than sinking into a good book with a steaming cup of strong tea close at hand.

Here's a look at what I read, watched, listened to, and cooked this past month.