To the Pumpkin Patch We Go

I decided yesterday it was time for me and my helper (Violet) to get some pumpkins.  I wanted to make sure Violet was presentable so I gave her a haircut bright and early yesterday morning :)

I got all my housework done (laundry, sweep/dust/mop, vacuum, the dreaded bathroom) and before I knew it, it was afternoon.  While Snoop enjoyed basking in the sun that appeared intermittently throughout the day...

Violet went chipmunk hunting.  (She's just a tomboy at heart :)  Irregardless, that girl does like to visit and shop, so off we went...

Look at those stickets in her fur!!!

Over the hill and over the crick to the pumpkin patch we went...

There were so many wonderful pumpkins to choose from that I ended up buying six!!! And, I only spent $10.  Can I hear a YeeeHaa!!!

Those are my six pumpkins in front :)

The place was quite busy.  In addition to Violet and me, there was a grandmother with her four grandsons (I am guessing they were between three and six years old) and another mother with her teenage daughters there enjoying themselves.  The boys were typical boys (running, rough housing, laughing, being loud), but when they saw Violet, they became quiet, kind and gentle and Violet let them pet her :)
She's such a good girl :)
I returned home, mowed my lawn and decorated outside with my pumpkins.
Three were placed in my old rusty red wagon...

The other three were placed in the flower bed in front of my house amongst the mums...

Transforming the familiar into something whimsical and enchanting...

All because Violet and I decided to go to the pumpkin patch one Saturday afternoon.
I hope your day is filled with magic :)

TGIF

To the weekend.
Quality time spent both indoors...

and outdoors.

Enjoy it :)
I know I'm going to.

On the First Day of Fall

Yesterday was the official start of Autumn.  I know I have said it before, but it warrants reiteration - I LOVE Fall!!!

It was a typical autumn day for western New York - a little bit of rain and a little bit of sun, not too cold, not too warm :)  There was, however, a little bit of a breeze that just happened to knock down power lines and leave my household without power for approximately four hours yesterday afternoon!!!  I was fine with it though, I decided to paint my kitchen with some leftover paint I had (Olympic Belgian Waffle in a satin finish).

I washed walls, patched holes and then began the process of painting.  It took three coats, but I am very, very happy with the end result and the fact that I spent no money.  Well, except for the new valances, but I bought them last week (so it doesn't count in my book :)

It pulls my house together and makes it look bigger.  I rearranged a little.  I am going for the less is more look.

I brought my $5.00 wooden box in from the barn, cleaned it and put my favorite cookbooks in it.  I really like the way it turned out.  I also like the fact that it hides my ugly telephone jack and electrical outlet.  My rooster is pretty cute too :)

Can you tell these get used A LOT?

I decorated a little too - brought out my gourds and my pumpkin table runner.

And then I sat down with the boys, ate a couple of slices of pepperoni/sausage pizza, had a beer and watched the Buffalo Bills beat the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland!!!  I love the Bills too (no matter how they play :)

As for my dog, Snoop, he was unimpressed.
He decided getting some rays was more important:)
Have a great night :)

Happy Birthday DJ!!!

We have a 20-year old in the house :)

Well, not physically in our house, but a 20-year old nonetheless.

Yesterday was DJ's birthday.  I took this picture of this happy, kind and smart 20-year old son of mine last night at dinner.  He is a blessing to me.

Finger Lakes Fiber Arts Festival

Dave and I went to the Finger Lakes Fiber Arts Festival yesterday afternoon.  It was a perfect afternoon - temperatures were in the  mid 60s, it was sunny and just cool enough so that you could wear a sweater or sweatshirt.  I honestly think this may be my favorite fall festival.  There you will find animals (llamas, sheep, herding dogs) local guilds, demonstrations, vendors selling yarns, wools, quilts, soaps, food and if you signed up early enough, you can can even take a class.
Dave and I really enjoyed watching this man shear a sheep.

I'm going going back today because I enjoyed it so much (and I really want to make this shawl :)

They even have plants for sale.

If you get the chance, I recommend going.  We found it very interesting.  They are a very creative bunch.

Go forth and create.
Have a great day!

Trees

This was DJ's first full week at college.  He came home Friday night and we ate Chinese, played with the dogs and watched movies.  DJ spent the night and when he woke up the next morning he said to me, "Mom, you know what I miss the most about home?"
I'm thinking - his bed, hanging with me, home cooked meals, the dogs...
"I miss the sound of the trees.  The wind blowing through the trees."
I should have named that boy Joyce (as in the poet, Joyce Kilmer).

 

Trees

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

Joyce Kilmer

Hello September

Where did you go Summer?  Seems like it was just yesterday that we were celebrating Memorial Day.  September brings with it new adventures - school, bouquets of pencils, candy corn and walks in the countryside.  Although I love summer, I welcome you September with your cooler temperatures and splendid beauty.

Here's to apple picking, the Naples Grape Festival, corn stalks and mums, candy corn and peanuts, brownies, college football, newly sharpened pencils and crock pot meals.
To September :)