Mulling spices lay splayed across the marked up maplewood cutting board. Whole sticks of cinnamon, fragrant cloves, allspice, and dried orange peels are gathered in clean hands and dropped gently into the simmering pot of freshly pressed cider on the old stove. As they heat, the air fills with rich scents that evoke the memory of briskly cold nights and plaid blankets. The steaming liquid is ladled into chipped favorite mugs, hands wrapped around them in contentedness.

This hat is an infusion of warm and spicy- just perfect as the colder winds sweep across the land.

Errata: Round 14 should say k9, not k19

Published 10/14, updated 10/22