DRIVING HOME THE OTHER DAY...

these are trees that I pass all the time. I have watched a few turn color and these were particularly beautiful. I missed the most glorious part with the sun shining directly on them.  But I am happy that I got these photos before they lost all their leaves.

"Love the trees until their leaves fall off, then encourage them to try again next year."

~Chad Sugg~

"Two sounds of autumn are unmistakable...the hurrying rustle of crisp leaves blown along the street...by a gusty wind, and the gabble of a flock of migrating geese."

~Hal Borland~

"There is something incredibly nostalgic and significant about the annual cascade of autumn leaves."

~Joe L. Wheeler~

I made the above into a painting on my ArtCard App.  I haven't done one in a while.

Next are scenes from Halloween.  Some families are starting to put up a few decorations.  These very tall scary looking figures have started appearing this year.  I have seen them in other areas.

Another painting on ArtCard...

and in monochrome.

There was this one also.  I am hoping to drive around to take photos at night before the spooky season is over.  Decorations look even more effective when lit up in the dark.

I found the cartoon and decided to end my post with it, not exactly anything to do with Halloween.  I winced for the poor dog and smiled at the same time, followed by an "awwww".  I haven't seen any porcupines around here, so the dogs appear to be safe from them at least.  I wonder if the cartoonist is taking something out of his own dog's life experience?  A little humor but with a point, no pun intended.

That's all for today.  

I always appreciate your visit.  

Thanks you and whatever your plans are, I hope you enjoy them.

NEW DECK - PART 3 - LAST POST OF THE BUILD

It's now completed and am writing this on 10-4-23.  It's been a few days since the hammers were put away.  

I thought I would add this, a comment made from Linda at A View from Squirrel Ridge in my previous deck post.  She told me that Trex is made in Winchester, (the same town where we visited the Lego Exhibit a little while ago).  They, Trex, make these decks from wood scraps and recycled plastic bags.  She says some of the nonprofits in that area have conducted plastic bag drives with Trex, and have given them a free bench for reaching a certain goal.  

Thank you for letting me know Linda.  I was a little concerned as I tend to be very much a traditionalist, not really wanting to go away from wood.  Now I feel much better that we made the decision to use Trex. 

There are eight of these lights around the deck.  The middle photo was me taking an angle from below the light looking up.

Regarding outdoor furniture, our hope is to put two lounge chairs in this corner with a table between them.  I also thought planters with trailing flowers would be lovely.  We don't get a lot of sunlight in this corner.  If any of you have good ideas what to put there, please let me know.  I am trying to get as much information before purchasing anything.  

It's at the end of the year of course, so all our plans will be on hold until springtime.  We are making a trip to the garden center as I thought it would be nice to have a few pots of mums around the place for the Fall.

I saw all the shadows on the deck so with camera in hand....

In this area we are thinking a round table with chairs and an umbrella,

My dear other half has been out here with the leaf blower several times.  At the moment we think it is a losing battle, because the leaves are now in the rainfall mode.  It doesn't stop him from trying though and he's out there at the end of the day doing his best, a task which I do believe he is enjoying.

 There is a bird station which is a must. Still pondering about that.

The last of my photos were taken at the side of the house.

We also have an idea to do a little landscaping around the bottom of the trellis work.

With all that said, we know plans can change. We might not get it all done for the springtime, but it's nice to look ahead, to have a goal in mind.  We will see what happens.

Thanks for looking at our deck-build.  Family and friends have been asking for details and this seems the easiest way to get it out there. 

Enjoy your day!

ONE MORE COLLECTIBLE TO THE FALL COLLECTION

 You may have seen my previous post where I added George to the Fall family. Here is Sophie Squirrel looking very chique in her sun hat, and holding a big acorn which she brought with her. The bird behind her is waiting for a mere morsel. You know how squirrels are but she is new to the family and does not understand what it is to share yet.  With a little coaxing she will learn.  In the meantime she is settling in nicely. 

I normally add only one fall collectible each season, but couldn’t resist Sophie.  She called out to me and before I knew it, she was in her new home.  George was happy he had her company.

Happy Sunday Everyone, 

And thank you for stopping by.

YESTERDAY THE BUNNY ARRIVED…

I haven’t put any Fall decorations out just yet and he is the first as it is still a bit early.  However, I felt like welcoming in the cooler weather, not that it’s that cool right now.  It was in the mid 80s but the low is going to be 56 degrees Fahrenheit, so out he stays.  

Each year I get an item to make the place a bit festive for the season, and when I saw him, I knew he was going to find a place on the hearth.  I think I will call him George.  

George and I wish you all a very happy Sunday, and thank you for stopping by.