TGIF

For the past two days, we have been experiencing Indian Summer here in Western New York.  Yesterday actually felt hot to me (temperatures were in the 70s).  The sun was out, the sky a bright blue and the few leaves left on trees were gorgeous.  I spent the afternoon at Letchworth State Park with my nephew Daniel taking his senior pictures.  We had so much fun:)

At home, I enjoyed looking at my Halloween decorations that I brought out last Sunday.  Boo came out of the barn and is excited about his favorite holiday being less than one week away.  I bought him at Ames (my most favorite store ever) close to 20 years ago and I will never, ever, ever get rid of him.  He's not scary at all.  He's just happy.   

I didn't put up as many Halloween decorations this year, and that's OK.  I am enjoying nature's splendor instead.  I will be taking advantage of today as it is supposed to be the last day of Indian Summer here in my neck of the woods (big cold snap tomorrow) and doing some major walking tonight when I return home from work.

As for the weekend, who knows.  Tropical storm Sandy looks like she may be headed straight for us.  That means time spent indoors cooking, cleaning and decorating.  Just might be the perfect weekend to get ready for painting someone's bedroom...  Now there's an idea :)
Have a great weekend!!!

Columbus Day Hike - Canadice Lake

While on the phone recently with my lovely daughter, she told me about a hike she went on with a few of her friends.
"I hiked up a mountain!!!" she said.
The excitement in her voice was very apparent. 
I, however, remember a period when my children were little and hiking was the last thing they wanted to do.
"We don't wanna go!!!" they would cry.  It was like pulling teeth to get them to go.
Now, they enjoy it.
Funny how things come full circle. 
Speaking of circles, I hiked around Canadice Lake yesterday morning.  That would be eight miles.
As you can see from the pictures, it is eight miles of exquisite beauty.  I hope you enjoy the hike.

Go explore nature. 
Nature is full of genius, full of the divinity; so that not a snowflake escapes its fashioning hand. - Henry David Thoreau
You will not be disappointed.

The View From My Seat

Other than my walks, this is where I go when I want to relax.

It is my Adirondack chair and it is my favorite chair.

It sets beneath an old oak tree at the end of my pond.

It fits me like a well worn pair of jeans.

The canopy of the tree provides shade and wraps itself around me like a blanket.

From this seat, I can view the pond all decked out in autumn's splendor.

 I can watch my two best friends frolic and play...

It is where I go when I need to relax and reassess...

Funny Thing About Western New York

Friday we had snow.
Yesterday and today, temperatures in the 60s.
It is supposed to be the same tomorrow too.
I suppose you can say we are having our indian summer. Today we took advantage of the weather and washed windows...

and curtains...

Snoop and I mowed the lawn. He was a big help.

I got rid of all my rotten pumpkins, and put my star back up :)

I cleaned off the side porch of the barn. (I cleaned inside the house too).

Made a nice meal (barbeque chicken, home fries, and mixed vegetables) for dinner.

Now everybody is tired...

I am going to retreat to the "boss" spot...

and enjoy the view...

at least until the next football game begins;)

Have a good night.