We had to pack and do so much, but having finished the book with no holidays for seven months, I just did not care. Not even a bit. My husband was on the same page – we just needed that family break with no cooking at home and a long walk someplace we hadn't walked before. We booked a restaurant (Albatross), got into the car, and stepped out an hour later in the forest next to the sea. Gatsby, let loose without a leash, went exploring as did we, marveling at the colorful leaves, unknown mushrooms, the last berries, and the moss under our feet. There were junipers that pushed me to think about the foods I would cook with them. Just over the dune, the sea lived its serene life, lingering in the cold of fall and feeling in harmony with the changes of the season. We were alone. No one was there besides all the creatures living in the forest – it did feel enchanting. It felt almost surreal to have this all just for us. Followed by a meal at the local restaurant (Albatross), sharing pizza with fries, salads, and tacos (sharing is caring), we sipped wine, this season's juice, and soaked up the beauty of fall. In nature and on our plates.