My Jar of Stones

       I love fall in Michigan.  The trees look like they are on fire, pumpkins are at every farmer’s market and grocery store, and mums stained deep purple and light lavender rest on porches with twinkling lights. Fall is a time of raking leaves, going to cider mills for cider and donuts, and tromping through the woods with your dogs on chilly days.    Last Sunday, one of my stepdaughters was in town, and I had the family over for white bean chili and pumpkin pie. It was a day of good memories and stories we will tell for a long time. These are the times I like to remember and write about.    In just a month or two, the weather will transition to snowy days, and I will drive my Mini Cooper around the lakes through gorgeous blizzards that turn my world pure white. I love those days. I love the crackling fires and negotiating Thanksgiving Day dinner dishes and times with the rest of the family. I love the promise of the approaching holidays an...