When I went out and got my first post-undergraduate degree job -- my first "real" job -- one of the tiny perks was the fact that, along with my wages, my employer provided me with free coffee, day or night, weekday or weekend (and trust me, I spent plenty of nights and weekends there). Now, of course, I realize that this is typical for most offices, but, hey -- I was young, and at that point, I probably could have counted the cups of coffee I had drank on one hand. The free coffee wasn't the best stuff, but it wasn't road tar either. Needless to say, by the end of my first month, I was putting back six cups a day and I was a wired, jittery mess.

Since then, I've learned how not to overindulge. In fact, although my current employer offers the same coffee service, I usually drink tea in the mornings. Still, there are few things better than a heart-rumblingly strong cup of coffee to give you a second wind, few better ways to wrap up lunch. What can I say? The coffee bean's siren song still reaches my ears on occasion.

A lovely little sunset, hmm? It's not much, but that's the view out our kitchen window each night, and one that's been showing up earlier and earlier each day.

The fall semester is over, and the long windy nights of a Philadelphia winter have made their way back for another year. After weeks of papers, presentations, and projects, all is quiet. The month-long break gives time for reflection and sleep (well, mostly sleep). It's also a time of transition, a time to look back at the previous months and take account, to bask in the glow of what has been accomplished, and to look forward with great anticipation of all that lies ahead.

The Pasta Burner and I have always liked a full house, so our guest bedroom is often occupied by friends from far and wide. People visit for an evening, a few nights, maybe even a whole week, and then someone else comes through. There's something relaxing, lush, enjoyable about having friends stay for days at a time -- without a rush to catch up, you sit around, tell old stories, have a few extra glasses of wine. Besides, the Pasta Burner and I always make too much food for just two people, so hungry guests are always welcome.