Almost A Total Autumn Fail...

No Halloween costume and very few decorations around here this year. I'm not really into it which is strange because it is a favorite of mine. I also did not make it to the apple orchard, the pumpkin patch or to the park to see the pretty trees. I did however buy a few apples for pies, a couple of pumpkins for the porch and if the rain doesn't beat all the leaves off the trees today I may still make it to the park this weekend. I've turned The Halloween Party station on Pandora, filled the treat bowls and am hoping the rain subsides so that the trick or treaters will be out tonight. I DO NOT need all this candy sitting around! IYKWIM

Happy Halloween
Susi

Autumn Bucket List...

1. Crochet a Chevron Blanket...in progress at this time.
2. Participate in a CAL.
3. Paint and scatter some painted rocks.
4. Take an awesome Autumn photo. Maybe at a park. Its been awhile since I've used the D80.
5. Organize craft room now that I've sold/donated lots of items.
6. Spend some time at the gun range. We went a couple of weeks ago for the first time in two years. I cannot wait to go again.
7. Shoot a rifle.
8. Start tossing and deleting photos that are no longer needed. This will most likely take me into Spring. Shame on me for keeping everything.
9. Do a wine tasting.
10. Enjoy the Season!

That's it for now. I hope you are enjoying the season whatever it may be.

Susi

Photo Friday...

I came home from work on Wednesday feeling fine, tidied the house a bit, made the husband and I our usual WW Wednesday dinner and some garlic toast. A few hours later I was not feeling so great, I think I may have gotten a touch of food poisoning. I had a headache and a queasy stomach Wednesday evening and most of the day on Thursday. I will most likely stop our WWW dinners for awhile, I'll worry that it might happen again, do you ever do that? I ate light on Thursday and today I'm feeling a little better. : )
Our new little tree that we the husband planted a couple of months ago seems to be doing great and the leaves are the prettiest red/orange color. Now I know why they call it an "Autumn Blaze Maple Tree".

 

I'm off to the salon for a cut and color today.

After that, lunch with a sister.

The husband wants to put the

Christmas lights on the house this weekend.

I'm so not ready!

Enjoy your weekend.

Home Alarms And Personal Safety...

Our home alarm system has alarmed us twice in the last few months. Both times it has been the alarm in our detached garage and both times it was early morning hours. The first time they tried to steal a leaf blower but the alarm sounded so they ran and left it out beside the garage. The husband picked it up the next morning. The second time our overhead door was up, the husband thinks that some signal just made the door go up. Me, I don't know or care what made it happen but I do not like it...one bit! I will have to say that I am happy the husband suggested getting an alarm system and that it works very well. Good idea on his part!
We live in a decent neighborhood and have for 28 years, we've never had problems and up until the first incident I was fine but now I'm not sleeping well. And while I never though I'd ever want a gun in the house I told the husband that I wanted to purchase a gun, go to a shooting range and learn to shoot. I've only shot one other time but it was years ago. Soon after our talk we purchased a gun, went to a shooting range and signed up for a class which we will be taking soon. He doesn't need it, I do so he's going along with me. In the meantime I've been learning all I can about this gun before shooting it. Now it may sound as if I'm going a little overboard but with all the crazy going on here and in the world today I want and need to be able to protect myself.
Yesterday we had the opportunity to go into the woods to shoot a few rounds. After some instruction from my husband and my brother-in-law I got to shoot four different guns. One was a little to big but I hit the target with it a couple of times, the other three fit me fine and I think I've found a favorite! Yes, I was a little nervous at first but it didn't take me long to get comfortable shooting at the target. Both my husband and my brother-in-law were surprised at how many time I hit said target and honestly, I was to but I was also proud of myself for doing so well on my first time shooting at a target. I think that this is not only going to make me feel more comfortable in my own home or while out and about but that it is also something I will enjoy learning. I loved the time we spent shooting in the woods and I plan to practice in the woods or at the range often. Practice makes perfect...RIGHT!!!

 

 

I know that a lot of people have issues with guns, so

I wonder, would you or would you

not use a gun for your own personal safety? 

Photo Friday And Moments Of The Week...

A little road trip to Nashville, IN led us to a chainsaw carving shop. The carver is new at carving but we thought this guy was pretty awesome.

 

 

 



This Is Not Exactly What I Had In Mind Moment...
The trip that led us to the above was supposed to be a trip to Brown County to take pictures of the trees at the park during what was supposed to be the peak weekend this Autumn. I guess the husband had other ideas. Instead we walked around Nashville, IN  and had lunch at our favorite sandwich place. Not exactly what I had in mind, but its all good!

There was still plenty of green left on the trees so maybe I'll get

 another chance at some pictures this weekend.

I hope you all have a good one.

A Trip To The Dairy Farm/Pumpkin Patch...

Sorry, picture heavy post.

 

Our usual Pumpkin Patch hasn't been so good the last couple of years. So this year we visited a Dairy Farm/Pumpkin Patch. This place had plenty of things for the kids to do, they also had hayrides and pumpkins but they didn't have an actual Pumpkin Patch. The kids (young and old) all enjoyed climbing on and jumping off the hay bale stacks. And our Grand-daughter did a pretty good job at leading us through the corn maze. When we were leaving we asked the kids how they liked the new place and they both said that they missed taking the hayride out to the patch to pick out their own pumpkins. So while the adults in the group enjoyed it, we have decided they we should let the kids pick where we go next year, after all it is for them.

 

 

 

We got to take a tour through the milking barn but it was a quick one because the cows get nervous when there are lots of people around.This Dairy sells it milk to Dean's, so if you drink Dean's milk there is a chance that it could have came from Kelsay Farms.
They also had a couple of two week old Holstein calves in a little pen for petting. They were so cute and one of them kept chewing on the other ones ear. I love that they had them but I felt bad for them.

 

 

And here's our Grand-daughter with the pumpkins.

She really did have fun! I think!!!

 

 

 



Fall Break Pie Baking...

My sister and I went to an orchard about a week ago to pick up apples for pie making, I also purchased some gourds, and acorn squash and a caramel apple. Man was that caramel apple good, the husband and I shared it.
So for the last week I've been trying to find time to make some French Apple pies, I make a few every year and share them with some family members. Last week I had the pleasure of spending a day with my Grandson while he is on Fall break. I ask him if he wanted to help me make pies, not only was he willing to help but he also wanted to make a Pecan pie all by himself. He has always loved helping me in the kitchen, I cherish this recipe card that he wrote for me a few years ago.
We spent the entire afternoon in the kitchen baking pies, five in all. My kitchen looked like a bomb had exploded by the time we were finished, flour on the floor, sticky apple juice...everywhere mixed with sugar and spices. Good messy baking fun, I love it, especially when I get to bake with my Grandbabies.
He made his Pecan pie first, I just got all the ingredients together for him. He kept reminding me that he wanted to make it...all by himself!

 

We cut it while it was piping hot, he couldn't wait to try a slice topped with ice cream...of course!

 

 

Next we got busy making 4 French Apple pies. He helped me the entire time. I use a recipe from a Betty Crocker cookbook that I've had for years. As you can see from all the splatters on the page, its a well used recipe. No passed down recipes, my Mom was not a baker! :(

 

 

 

We cored, sliced, and peeled the apples, added spices and mixed up the filling, one pie at a time. He spooned the apple filling into the shells. I love the tongue, he's really concentrating here. 

 

 

It look good just like this

 

But we still need to add the French topping. I mixed it up, he took the picture.

 

 

Fresh from the oven, French Apple pies.

 

 

We always top our slice with a bit of ice cream but I've

heard that cheese in good on Apple pie. Probably not

French Apple but regular Apple pie.

Have you ever tried it?

 

Riley Days And A Rainy Weekend...

My sister and I headed out early Saturday morning for Riley Days, hoping to beat the rain. When we arrived some of the booths were opening and it wasn't busy at all. I think a lot of people stayed away because of the rain forecast. But we timed it perfect and left just minutes before it started to rain.

This is the statue of James Whitcomb Riley that
sits in front of the Courthouse.

 





My sister and I with the very busy, mixed up sign.
 

 

I had the best homemade noodles served over mashed potatoes for lunch.
The were even nice enough to serve me before they added chicken.
And YES! I ate every bite!

 

The leaves are just beginning to change but I
did find this pretty tree.

And this is what it did off and on for the remainder of the weekend.
 Mostly ON!
 

 

 Are you a fan of rainy weather? Me, not so much!



Acorn Cookies...

Recently my Granddaughter found some acorns at a neighbors house. She picked some up, took them to her Mom and they drew mustaches on them. I'm not exactly sure what acorns and mustaches have in common but they (my Daughter and Granddaughter) do silly things like that....often!
Last week while browsing the web, I came across some cute but easy acorns cookies and thought of my Granddaughter. We had a sleepover planned for the weekend so I picked up the items needed to make the cookies. After dinner, I asked her if she would like to make acorn cookies and of course she said "YES" I told her that she would be making them to take home and share with her friends. I also told her that I would only be putting the glue on for her. She looked at me and said "YUCK! glue on cookies." I guess I should of explained to her that the glue was really melted chocolate that might be a little warm for her. We made a couple of dozen, each of us ate one, she took the rest home and I hear her friends loved them. If you are not going to be eating them right away, I do recommend putting them in the refrigerator. I also recommend eating only one, they are very rich!

"Making Acorn Cookies"

Acorn Cookies
 

 





A Walk In The Woods...

While at a family get together, my sister and I decided to take a short walk through the woods. I dusted off the Rebel, set it on auto and hoped to see some signs of Autumn. Its still a bit early but we did find a few. We also loved the texture on the broken post, the little toad frog, the heart shaped plant and the tall tree that looked like a web of sorts up top. The weather was perfect and what started out as a short walk ended up being 2.5 miles. 

 

 

 

 

 

Autumn is my favorite season. Do you have a favorite?



A Funny and Some Fudge...

A couple of months ago our other Grandson whom we get to spend very little time with (we'll call him N and he is 10 years old) stayed overnight with us. The next afternoon N and I were waiting around the for the husband to get home so that we could take N out for Lobster (which was quite interesting by the way). N walked into my craft room and noticed my crocheting basket. He looked at me and said "if you have some yarn and some straws I can make you a belt."I said "OK,what kind of yarn and how much do you need". He said "I need that kind of yarn that smells like pig". I had no idea what kind of yarn this was so while trying to catch my breath from laughing so hard I showed him some different kinds of yarn and asked if any of them would work for the belt. He said "no those will not work, I need the kind that smells like pig." I told him that I had no idea what kind of yarn he was talking about but that we would try to figure it out. He also showed me how to measure for this belt. I did not get a picture of him showing me how to measure for it because honestly I was laughing so hard that I could not have held a camera still enough to take one. I still laugh everytime I tell this story. I'm laughing right now as I type this...maybe you had to be there but everyone I've told this story to has LOL.
My daughter brings this story up often and so the other day she kindly volunteered to let me take a picture of her showing how to measure for the belt. Note: you measure like this and double the yarn that smells like pig. I'm have no idea why she's making that face.

 

 

By the way, while at Wally World later that day he showed me the pig smelling yarn he needs to make the belt. It is...........have you guessed already?.......TWINE. I had to smell it but I didn't really notice a pig scent but then again I've really never smelled a pig. You know your going to smell some twine now to see if it smells like pig.....aren't you. : ) I still have not got him the pig smelling yarn/twine or the straws to make this belt but I plan to because now I really want this belt. I'll share pictures once I get it.

Moving on... 

I think I've talked about pinterest on here before and how I pin so much stuff that I'll never have time to make. Well, I finally made something I pinned. All it took was 3 ingredients (I already had on hand), 5 minutes to mix and about 15 minutes to chill. The husband liked it so I took it to work to share and it was gone just about as quick as it was made.

 

                                                                               source

We're heading into my favorite of all seasons here in the US. There's already a chill in the air and I'm hoping that the drought over the summer hasn't ruined our chance for some of the lovely Autumn colors. I already have plans for a couple of festivals and a Halloween party for the kiddos. : ) Later, I'm heading home to clear out the craft room and maybe have a drink or two.

Have A Great Weekend,
Love & Hugs,
Susi

 

 

 

 

Remember...

When I told you all how much I love Autumn/Fall. Well, I'm singing a different tune now. The husband and I along with a little help from our Grandson have been busy raking and bagging leaves.
SEVENTY-SIX BAGS OF THEM!

And can you believe that we still have a bit more raking and bagging to do. I think I will let the husband finish up by himself. You see, it has turned cold and wet outside and I really, really dislike being cold. Oh and I'm pretty sure I used some muscles that I didn't even know I had. LOL I really need to think about exercising more often and getting myself in better shape. One should not be so sore from raking and  bagging up leaves.

Next up... SNOW! : ( 



Done...Finally!!!

For most of the month we have been raking up leaves. Yesterday we finished the job. Altogether we raked up over sixty-40 gallon bags of leaves and my body is sure feeling it. Here are the last of them. There are somewhere between 35 - 40 bags in the picture. The rest have already been hauled away.  Next up----SNOW shoveling....NO...I DID NOT JUST SAY THAT!  So far though the weather has been great and I haven't had to pull out the winter coat. : )  but I'm sure its just a matter of time.

Slow Going...

I started a photography class this month with Katrina Kennedy here. I'm a bit behind as I've been nursing tennis elbow in my right elbow and I've also been outside helping the husband with the leaves which isn't really helping the tennis elbow much. We have way to many trees in my opinion and for some reason he keeps planting more. This is just the beginning of alot of raking. : (

I Love This Tree...

Especially all the colors it produces in the fall.

Pumpkin Carving 2010...

The husband and our Grandson's spent last evening carving pumpkins. We had them both overnight last night and I can't remember the last time I was this tired.  I guess it may have something to do with running around non-stop, staying up late with two energetic boys and sleeping on the couch. We did enjoy our time with them and plan to do it again someday but not until after we rest up awhile. : )



And this is what happened over night thanks to this little guy.

Zoo Boo 2010...

Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Werewolf....



Blogger is giving me fits today...trouble uploading pics.

Pumpkin Patch 2010...

Today we visited the Pumpkin Patch for a couple of hours. It seemed as if no one was really into it this year...maybe it was the weather (upper 80's) everyone was hot including me, maybe it was the place...tons of people and not alot to do. I think we may have to find a new place to visit next year. We did take a hayride out to gather up a few pumpkins to bring home. Here are the little pumpkin inspectors at work.