Untitled

 I wasn't sure how to title this last post of September. So untitled it is!  It was a mixed bag of emotions this weekend.  It started out just great.  Again, beautiful weather.  Sunny and a bit warmer than I really like it but it's cool at night and that's a blessing. Last week we did get some rain finally, but we sure could use more.  I guess I'm never really satisfied! Saturday we went down to Malabar Farm state park for the first festival of this fall season.  A friend from Church came with us.  She's new to Ashland and hadn't been here before. There weren't as many vendors as in the past, but it was still nice to walk around and see what folks were selling and also enjoy the reenactments going on.

The civil war group getting ready to shoot the cannons.  This is the reason we don't take Annabelle with us.  Those guns would have her in therapy for sure!

                                                 

The French and Indian war was also represented.  The setups are always fun to see and the folks doing the reenactments take it pretty seriously.  We walked around, took a horse drawn wagon ride to different parts of the area and I think our friend enjoyed it too.   Later in the day it was time for pictures for Ashland High School's homecoming.

My Granddaughter, Addy, with her boyfriend, Gage. Thankfully it was a lovely warm evening.  I'm not sure I'll get used to those short, short dresses. I'd hate for anyone to freeze! But hey, I think my generation helped invent the mini skirt, so I'd better not comment!  Then Sunday morning as I was getting ready for Church, I heard that the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints passed away   Those that have followed me for years know that I'm a member of this church that many call The Mormon Church.  President Russell M. Nelson was 101!  He was very vibrant, active man until the end of his life and we sure enjoyed him as he took the church in different directions that focused on Jesus Christ, Temple worship, and family.  He was also a world-renowned heart surgeon who helped invent the heart lung machine that saves so many lives.  It was just after our church service was over that we heard about the horrific act of violence in Grand Blanc, Michigan at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  4 have died and many injured as a man rammed his truck into the church, open fire with an automatic weapon on the innocent people inside and also set fire to the church and it burned to the ground.  They fear more victims will be found once they can get through the burned remains of the church.  All these shootings can make us numb to this hateful violence but this sure hit close to home knowing how many feel about our religion and the fact it could easily happen here.  Prayers are needed for those families that are hurting from this and more compassion for everyone no matter their race, religion, or political stance. I guess I could have titled this post, "What the world needs now is love, sweet love"...lets help spread that!  My favorite month is just a day away.  I sure hope October can be a good one for everyone.

The Creepy Woods last evening as the sun was setting.  Not so Creepy, just peaceful.

It's Fall Y'all!

 Yesterday we were able to celebrate the season with much needed rain!  Yes, it rained off and on all day, and even some into the night.  We're hoping more is coming tomorrow and I wouldn't complain if it lasted all week!

Can you see the rain drops in the bird bath?  I really think I heard my grass gulping down the water! So, to really get in the fall mood we went to an Amish farm that we usually go to get our eggs.  They also sell pumpkins and mums and since we already got mums last week, we grabbed some pumpkins this time.

Just a few here and there and I know we'll be grabbing a few more as the month of October rolls in.

I also had to grab some pumpkin yogurt for a snack.

Made a new cookie recipe.  Apple cinnamon. Paired with some tea and a cute plate...yum! The recipe called for cinnamon chips but couldn't find any, so I did find some pumpkin spice ones, and they were a good substitution.  Jack gave it the "keeper" sign!  Today we took a little adventure to a hospice run thrift store and even though there was a lot of construction on the street right in front of the shop, we made it in!  They had all the Halloween, fall, and Thanksgiving stuff half price.  Score! Here's my haul:

A little cake stand, a really heavy Haunted House sign, a cute tiny witch, and a really cute tray. 

OK, so this dude was really calling my name and Jack made me buy it. (That's my story and I'm sticking with it!)  

I did grab a few Thanksgiving things.  A little turkey volitive candle holder and some pilgrims. Not a bad grab of goodies.  

This was not a thrift find. A friend gave it to me because she knew I'd give it a good home. Well, it's a good start to my favorite time of year and I know there are many who are sad summer is over. We know that the cold and snow will eventually find us but for now I'm just enjoying the rain, the crunch of leaves on walks in the Creepy woods, pumpkin flavors, campfires, and of course the fun decor.  Have a good first week of fall everyone!

A Bit Batty Here!

From this title you might assume I was going to write about bats.  And you would be right!  We had a bat in the house over the weekend.  Jack finally caught it and released it and hopefully that will be the last of the batty news!  I haven't posted in a while, and this month is now half over!  Official fall starts next week.  We have had chilly days and nights these past weeks but no rain.  It's very dry and we're hoping for some showers this coming weekend.  The temps are in the 80's during the day this week but cool at night.  Our county fair is this week, and I know they are loving the sunshine, so I'll be happy for them too!  I don't think we'll traverse the fair grounds though.  I've been battling a bad back since last Tuesday.  I even had to turn down a few days of work because of it.  I haven't had any problems with my low back in a while but man this time it's really bugging me!  Thankfully I'm married to a wonderful Chiropractor who has all his equipment here since he retired. ( He still sees a few patients here at the house).   The hospital asked if I could work this Thursday and hopefully I'll be OK to do that.  I'm decorating for fall and will be slowly putting the Halloween things up also.  Here's a pic of a couple of friends that I got for next year's family reunion here at the Pines.  There was a video of them, but I couldn't get it to load:

They talk and say a lot of things, and I think they will be fun.  But putting them together took a bit of time. Taking them apart and getting back in the box probably will too! So, for now they are residing in my living room! 

Saturday Jack and the boys worked on our back deck that had some loose and rotting boards.

Good job guys! Nice and strong. I have to wait until next year to paint them but since we're having a party here next year, that will work out good. Thanks so much Phil and Jackie for your help! Another project done.  

The trees are turning colors fast since it's so dry.  Our oak tree is sporting a few yellow goodies.

The creepy woods is having it's own fashion show.  I know many are sad that summer is almost gone but fall is my love language so I'm smiling at the changes.  One final pic is a photo my sister found of my Mom.

She was such a beauty! Those eyes, those lips, those eyebrows! Maybe Greek goddess is a good term here.  Miss you Mom!  I would say you probably drove the boys "batty" in your day!

The Ber Months!

 Howdy September! I hope everyone had a great Labor Day and said a goodbye to summer. I know, I know, we still have 3 weeks until it's officially autumn. But the sun's slant is different.  We have trees here starting to turn colors. Our weather has even been in the 40's on a few nights. Halloween decorations are lining the shelves along with candy corn.  The wooley bears are out too. They are suppose to predict how winter will be by their color. Brown means mild, black means make sure the snowblower is working! So I saw 2 this week. 

   Wooley bear #1...mild.

Wooley bear #2...bad winter. Seems like they have the same track record as the TV weather guys!  On a final note for today, I spied this at Walmart:

Do I need this??? (Please say yes!) No, I didn't buy it. I guess I'll ask what the wooley bears think! Have a good start to the ber months!