As I type this posting I have a cool, crisp breeze coming in through my windows/doors to remind me that the temperature here in Ankara has dropped significantly this past week.  I’m not complaining.  I love it.  I’ve always loved fall — sweaters, hats, boots, what’s not to love? — it’s just that fall rarely lives up to the picture I have in my mind.  I expect this fall to be the same, but appreciate the change in temperature nonetheless.  And yes, before you point out what Mr. Awesome keeps repeating, I know that fall doesn’t technically begin until the 22nd of September.  That isn’t going to keep me from pretending and enjoying.

The real prompting for me to write this post was an email in my inbox this morning from Starbucks reminding us that fall is coming and announcing the return of the great pumpkin spice latte (and scones, and bread, muffins).  Last year a few people complained that there were no pumpkin-flavored goodies at the local Starbucks here and I was just so overjoyed to be back in a country with Starbucks that I wasn’t going to complain.  Well folks, it’s been over a year now and I’m jaded by the mere existence of Starbucks.  I want pumpkin treats on demand.  Why doesn’t Starbucks Turkey do pumpkin goodness?  It isn’t as though they don’t have pumpkins or even pumpkin-based desserts (kabak tatlısı, I’m looking at you).  Clearly the Turkish people recognize the deliciousness of pumpkin… why then Starbucks are you so hesitant to export that portion of your amazingness?  And is it just Turkey?  Does Starbucks in other places have pumpkin goodness in the fall?  (I started to google this question but then sort of stopped caring that much when I kept seeing pictures of pumpkin goodness and my mouth started watering so if you know, please share.)

I’m not opposed to complaining for the sake of complaining, but today I’ve decided to instead make this rant a rant towards action.  Here’s the plan: I’m making pumpkin muffins with cream cheese frosting this weekend.  Maybe pumpkin bread for the week too.  Then I’m researching scone recipes and homemade pumpkin spice latte syrup.  I tried to make a syrup the year before last while we were living in Sarajevo… it left much to be desired so I’m also thinking I might order a jug of pumpkin spice syrup from Starbucks online and then put it in a little flask to take with me to Starbucks.  Will it look sketchy? Sure.  Will it be worth it? I think so.