Hello out there! I have taken time off and it's just been far too long I think. Have you enjoyed the beginnings of fall??  I love it!  I guess it depends on your outlook as to whether you enjoy it all or not. Some of you probably get all 'bah-humbug' because it means the holidays are near. Now now Scrooges!

Since I can remember, I just get child-like happy. Maybe because it takes me back to great memories growing up.  A good many of you may not have good memories and for those of you I send a big 'ole bear hug, as tight as you can imagine, and say to you, make your own memories and your own excitement! Start this year!

With the change in the air and the leaves turning and letting go, the cool breeze sending them off in a frenzy, and then the smell of smoke from burning fires... well it just puts me in a good place. I feel like I am always "getting ready" for something. Considering we have one big holiday each month around this time, I guess we are busy. By the time the weather changes, it's Halloween and time to get a few pumpkins. Of course you need some extras for Thanksgiving. My husband makes a big deal out of getting my pumpkins, although he tries not to show it he really gets excited about it. Seriously! This picture shows my pumpkin shopping, I ran across them pretty early and I couldn't resist. My husband will bring home a truck load full of all sizes and shapes and then grinning from ear-to-ear, he jams his fists on his hips, chest out, and his cape whips through the air!! Well OK not really but that's how I see it. He's my hero!  Christmas tree hunting is even better, but that's for another day. Too much joy in one post might cause sheer overload.

With Mr. Winter coming on, I look forward to getting our load of fire wood and stocking the breezeway full. Building a nice hot fire in the stove to cozy up with a mug of coffee is my piece of heaven.  Which brings me to my next favorite thing... SNOW!  Yes I said it.  Well I do love it. When it's falling, it's beautiful. When it blankets everything, it's beautiful. Yes it's cold but enjoy the beauty of it all! Everything is so still, so quiet. We have a lot of trees around our yard, big oaks and pines. It's so peaceful. I love how the birds get all puffed up and flit around packing their bellies. Around here in North Carolina, the snow doesn't usually last very long. It ends up getting messy but then it disappears in a few days. Rarely do we have long drawn out snow days. When it's a good snow, it's a sight.  Here's one from a few years back, best we've had in awhile.  I am hoping for a good one this year. Yes I am! So - get out there, go enjoy life.