Hocu Pocus

 No, I'm not talking about the movie.  We saw the Hocus Pocus house when we were in Salem, Mass this past Summer.  Believe it or not that movie isn't a favorite of mine. 

Hello Hocus Pocus house!  So why the title of this post?  Well, yesterday we had the family over for our annual Halloween/Fall gathering.  I mentioned before that our Chicago group would not be here, but it was still fun with just our gang.  The weather was fabulous and I'm praying that God will keep this weather in his YaYa files for next year when we have a family reunion here in October.  So here are some familiar faces of the day:

Our son Phil and his girls, Alexis and Rae.  Yes, dear Phil is our grayest haired kiddo...our silver fox! Ha! His girls are getting so old now too! Lexi, 19, Rae 17.

Jordan and Phil.

Jordan and is girlfriend, Britteny watching the Ohio State game...which Ohio State won.

Jack, Jackie, Cameron, and Anthony and who's the witch with the green face? No, not me but our good friend Bryn! She had another party to go to but we were glad she was able to come here first.

This little vampire is our little Hazel.  She's my daughter-in-law's daughter's daughter...huh? Well, I could say our son's step granddaughter and our step great granddaughter.  But I really don't like the step part..they are all our grands!  Great and really great! Ha! And we just found out our oldest granddaughter, Driana and her hubby Jonathan, are expecting their first baby!  They've been trying for a long time, so everyone is super excited for them.  They couldn't make it yesterday so hopefully we will see them in November. 

Our son, Jack, with Hazel's little sister, Tatem.  Or Tato as we call her. She's enjoying her finger sucker!

Daughter-in-law, Evelyn with the girls and of course, grand dog Kip. 

Anthony and Cameron throwing the football around.  The weather couldn't have been more perfect with cool and dry and so comfy out!

I had a few little crafty things for the littles to play with. Hazel was coloring her masterpiece!

This is Lexi's boyfriend John with Rae on the other side for a photo moment.

We had a table set up in the living room so whoever wanted to watch the game could also eat and enjoy it. Worked out great! Britteny liked it! She's a big Ohio State fan!

Everyone eventually made it outdoors and enjoyed playing with the littles,

Catching a football,

Eating on the deck,

The gang made it up to the fence to pet the neighbor's alpaca, Beano. This was Hazel's first alpaca pet and she thought he was sooooo soft!  The day was fun, and the food turned out pretty good if I do say so myself!  We had my special Greek chicken, sloppy joes, pasta salad, mac n' cheese, witches' fingers..aka bread sticks, fruit salad, chips, chocolate cake that turned out so cute, but I forgot to take a pic of, apple dessert, and then some brains for good measure:

Pumpkin brains anyone? (actually, orange Jello, not pumpkin but it was tasty anyway!) So that's a wrap for this year.  We still have a half of a month left and plenty of time for more fun.  Our trees haven't reached peak color because of our earlier warm temps and the drought that still holds us hostage.  I was sure that having an event here at the Pines would break the no rain time since it usually does when I try to have an outdoor activity.  Well, I'm grateful for it being so nice.  I hope everyone has a good week. Go out and crunch in some leaves, carve a pumpkin, see something spooky, and get that candy ready for trick or treat! We don't get trick or treaters out here in the country so I'm going to Chicago in a few weeks to spend it with Midge. We have some treats and a few tricks that hopefully will be blog worthy.  Might have something to do with a golf cart and a couple of witches....stay tuned! 

And The Rains Came Down..Finally!

 We got rain!  It started in the early hours this morning and it's just for today but holy cow, I'm so glad to see it.  What a dry spell we've had.  The summer temps that have bled into October are supposed to go also.  Again, I'm so glad!  Now, I'm not wanting snow or anything, but a cool 60de during the day will be welcome.  We still have a couple of outdoor projects to finish before it gets too cold.  We did start to gather some wood for the furnace that hopefully won't be needed for a bit yet.  We don't usually burn wood until it's below 30de.  The electric furnace does a good job until then. 

We order the wood from the city, and they bring the dump trucks full. It's $85 a load and well worth it. The blue tarp behind it has wood too that some friends gave us. Last year we went through 6 loads. This is 3 loads here and depending on how the cold gods blow, we'll probably need more. The splitter gets a workout as well as us!  In the vein of October fun, this past Saturday we took a little ride to Butler, Ohio to go to the Prairie Peddler

festival.  The weather was warm, so we went as early as possible, but it was really jammed packed with folks like us just wanting a nice fall adventure.  It was a little overwhelming with the crowds and there are over 200 vendors!  I didn't even take one photo.  Shame on me!  It's a cute and fun time but I wasn't feeling super good that day.  But we did enjoy seeing all the crafts and things people have created.  The food is usually good too, but we didn't even try that.  Just too hot and Jack and I weren't that hungry.  I did manage to buy one thing though.  Did I need it? Well, probably not, but anticipating our family reunion next October I caved in and bought it.  Jack agreed it was a nice purchase.

It looks cute here and its metal and will last long and it's flat so hanging it in the garage for storing will be easy.  (I hope!)  This Saturday we're going to have the family over for our annual fall get together. This year my sister and her family aren't coming.  We'll miss them but hopefully we'll have a fun time with just us.  So much going on and not enough days to do it all! (Even a long month like October!)  Finally, I'll end with the fullish moon from last night. Getting a moon shot is hard but I'm trying to learn how to capture a good one!

Zeroed in on just the moon.

But the rain clouds were just moving in and the sky looked more like this.  Have a good week and even though I'm a few days late, Welcome October!

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!

Oooo...so cool! Yes!

I know all the folks who love summer will be sad with this cool weather we've been having.  If I still had my pool, I would also be a little bummed.  But I'm an autumn gal and being able to go out and enjoy a sweater day or sweatshirt walk in the woods makes me happy.   It's been a hot and humid summer and because of that our apples seem to be a bit earlier than usual.  I've been picking them this week, and I've froze some and will make applesauce this weekend from what we picked today.  One more pick trip will probably finish it off.  But after picking we took a stroll to the Creepy Woods to see what branches came down and how much we need to saw up and move.  Annabelle loves to walk up there.

While we were picking, she was looking longingly up at the woods.

Please YaYa, can't we go now?

First we pick, then we walk!

We got a good bounty this year.

What's this you ask? Oh, just the ground hornet nest I stumbled upon and got stung from last week! Ouch, it hurt! This dude is dead and hopefully the group of them down there are gone too.  They are not pollinators so I don't feel bad about their demise.  My knee that swelled up and my ankle that hurt like the dickens didn't feel bad about that either.  If you zoom in, his face looks demonic! Gives me the chills! But then we hiked up and made Annabelle's day.

 

Man and his dog...or really my dog but she loves Jack too!

This big stump is hollow and I imagine animals might live it.

Can't beat the beauty of the morning in the woods.  But soon we had to hike back and finish out our day.

Back home and then I'll have the apple task!  But in the winter, we'll really enjoy the applesauce and the memory of a cool morning harvesting and hiking!  

The Yummy Summy

 August brings happy days if you're fond of the heat and humidity of Ohio.  I can't say its on my favorite things list but I can say I love the fruits of the season. The tomatoes are ripening and biting into one fresh from the vines brings a yummy to the lips and memories of being a kid with a big ripe tomato, a salt shaker, and a shady spot to enjoy it! Jack and I headed to the orchard today and came home with donut peaches, sweet cherries, and early premium honey crisp apples. Jack threw in a few Amish fry pies just for more yum factor. Have you had a fry pie?  So many flavors, so delish!                     

The donut peaches are shaped like little donuts and have a wonderful flavor!

Fry pies are a treat and easy to eat!  This heat is keeping me indoors so cleaning is on my to do list. We got our 2nd shingles shot on Saturday and its had a few side effects that made us a little under the weather yesterday.  Feeling a little better today. If you've had that vaccine did it bother you? We didn't think of taking it until my brother got a horrible case of shingles in the Spring.  I can put up with a little discomfort instead of what he had to deal with! Anyways,  all's good this summer day and we have some good yummy stuff to enjoy! Carry on August!

         

And The Summer Rolls On

 August came in with cool breezes and low humidity.  It's been a hot summer with many 90 degree days and I'm sure those with pools aren't complaining. However, it's been nice to have windows open at night no need for A/C during the day for the past week.  That will change by the weekend with the hot and humid returning and the hazy days from the wildfires making it not so pretty out.  Last week I wasn't needed at the hospital and enjoyed the days and it has me thinking that I'm about ready to call it quits with working.  I'm putting in 3 days this week and the next few weeks look busier than this summer has been.  So, we'll see when I finally say enough is enough.  For the time being I'll just buzz along and try and enjoy the end of this summer season.   Last Friday we went to camp/picnic night at one of the members of our church who hosts this campout for the church each summer.  

They have a nice area for camping, or you can "camp" out in the cabin that they use for an air B&B. 

We didn't camp, just came to participate in the dinner portion and enjoy sitting around the fire and socializing with our friends.  Everyone brings a side dish and dessert, and our host provided the hot dogs and hamburgers and fixings.  It was a really pretty night and even cool enough for a sweatshirt! My kind of weather!

Tents here and there and a pop-up camper too.  We're over the overnight, sleep on the ground days, but glad young families came and enjoyed the event.  

Speaking of enjoying the event....Annabelle enjoyed taking a walk with me through the trails in the woods.  New smells and sounds for her!  It wasn't even buggy.  Good time!  In other news, my Granddaughter, Katie, graduated from BYU Idaho.  

Congratulations Peanut! She's back in Oregon with family and I'm sure will be job hunting soon! We love you, Katie!   Other news from the Pines involves a new ride!  No, not a car but a new ride never-the-less:

Does having a golf cart make us old?  Good thing it isn't really mine then!  My neighbor across the road was having a garage sale and had 2 golf carts.  My niece's hubby had been saying they would like to get one to use in their neighborhood.  They live in the same neighborhood as my sister.  So, I texted Midge and sent a pic of the 2 carts and asked if they would want to buy one.  Well, she bought one instead! She decided on the electric one because it has more seating and is quieter.  I'm sure the family out there will use it for going back and forth between homes and Midge can use it in her business too.  Anyway, my nephew will be coming out in a couple of weeks with his trailer to pick it up.  In the meantime, I will just have to keep trying it out to make sure it's a good ride!  Time to hit the hay as tomorrow is a get up early day.  It should be a short work time though and then Jack and I will have lunch with his high school group that gets together once a month.  Have a good rest of the week everyone!

Just Because

Just because the morning in the Summer can be so lovely.

Just because I never knew cactus can grow in my yard. (In Ohio)

                                        Just because even weeds can be beautiful.

                                           Just because fog can be magical.

                                            Just because a walk down a country road is the road to home.

                                 Just because beauty at the end of the day gives hope for a better tomorrow.