This week

Some works in progress here and there. One side of the kitchen: getting closer!
The other side: not even close.

A new veggie garden fence:
Not much visible happening yet...but the peas are up, the asparagus, potatoes, onions, carrots, lettuce, kale, and herbs are in. The weeds aren't even out of control yet!

A picnic lunch:
Under a perfect blue sky.

Hope your week is lovely!

Changes

I think I was kidding myself when I said we were "just a little overwhelmed" by our house projects. Actually, I'd say we're closer to a lot overwhelmed since every room will need to be addressed in some way sooner or later.  But I'm really trying to settle into the fact that it's not all going to be done tomorrow, next month or even next year. We will definitely be living amongst chaos for a time as we check off things bit by bit.

But while we were waiting for the closing we did go ahead and tackle a few of the projects we were anxious to finish before cold set in. A new little patio from large slate stones salvaged from around the house. Some of those stones were dangerously heavy. Yikes, I don't see us doing this again soon. (don't ask me why we felt inspired to finish just before winter...) Taking down- a bit regretfully- a beautiful old white pine that was right in the front of the house. The tree's shape and proximity to the house had us concerned. We feared one of those large forked branches would eventually smash down through the roof. After examining the tree once it was cut and seeing a fairly large section of rot, I felt at ease with our decision to take it down before a storm did. The next day a portable sawmill came and milled much of the wood into usable lengths. Now the wood is curing in the barn waiting for future projects.Replacing the fifty+ year old furnace with an efficient one and taking the winter off from wood heat has left us almost giddy. Warmth with the flip of a switch? What a novel and luxurious idea!

And leaves...well this is not a project we'll ever really complete...but this is the first year that we've really had to deal with the brunt of leaf collecting. Wow- there are a lot of leaves. And more to come each year.
And lastly here's a glamor shot of me utilizing our high tech leaf removal system. My dad once complained that I don't post any pictures of me on the blog...well this might explain it! This is probably the best of any recent photos I have of myself...oh well.

Where the wild things are

Right now, this little wild thing is softly snoozing in bed. But very soon, she'll be roaring and ready to greet the day. At two, she is full of ideas concerning all aspects of her day. From picking her daily attire to choosing her next meal, she wants in on decision making. And Halloween was no exception: she had her mind made up about what costume she'd wear.
A "hobo monster" was her choice. Never mind that I had my own ideas: I envisioned us being a cuddly kitty cat pair as mama cat and baby cat. But this adorable costume got handed down to us from a friend. Though a teeny bit small and wearing thin at the at the seams, Lilla fell in love with this suit. And who wouldn't with all those fun details?

The only unfortunate result of our trick-or-treating foray was that this little miss has fine tuned her taste for a sweet treat. Umm, I don't think it is a good idea to give into toddler pleas for candy at 9Am. Oh wise Lynn could you please tell that Sugar Sprite to have a swing by our place?

Apples and more

Living in apple country, we're usually over-loaded with apples at this time of year. But a visit to the apple farm proved this season to be a little different. I'm not sure why....maybe the late spring frosts and the cooler, damp summer took their toll. This year apple picking was more like treasure hunting. From afar the trees looked perfect, but upon closer inspection we saw a lot of bad apples: spotted, small, misshapen, not terribly tasty...a little disappointing I must admit. But with some careful hunting, there were apples to find and carefully tuck into our bags to savor later. And with less, I think we end up appreciating them all the more.
And there were other treasures to discover at the farm. Freshly cooked apple cider donuts that disappeared without photo evidence, hidden huts in the surrounding woods and a circular lilac hedge. A perfect little hideaway with the sinking sun lighting it up. Now if only I can remember to come here when the lilacs are in bloom...what a heavenly scented place that will be.

Bits of fall

The evidence is all around: in the changing colors, the slanting, warm afternoon light, the nodding sunflowers and the last of summertime veggies. And if that weren't enough, the calendar assures us that autumn has arrived. Though bidding summer farewell often seems a bittersweet event, I can't help but be astounded by fall's abundance. It's funny...it happens to me every year. The scarlet leaves, the burnished fields, the graceful silhouette of a tree all take me by surprise.

As the landscape unfolds into its varied hues I feel all the more grateful for each lovely day we are gifted, knowing that soon we will be called back indoors to sip tea and cozy up to the fire. I want to gather up all the beauty, soak in the sun's rays and store it all to carry me through once the days grow short and crisp.

Creekside

Come warm weather, these are the spots I love to escape to. Following woodsy trails and coming up upon little hidden spots by the creek to find some calm, quiet and cool. The kids and I could spend hours here- climbing, splashing around (when it's not too cool), skipping stones, and just being mesmerized by the ever rushing water and the ancient crumbly stone walls.

These are the places- so abundant here- that I know I will miss deeply if the time comes for us to move away.  For now, I'll just keep soaking in this place I love to call home.

May Day

Our violets are back. These simple lovelies spread through the yard in a most irresistible way- looking a bit like misty purple clouds among the grass. Almost enchanted.  Somehow their arrival always surprises me and leaves me with the happy assurance of Summer.  Ahh... looking forward to more days of warmth and sunshine.  

Indoors

A little green:
And a little yellow:

Ah...that's better. Outdoors a mass of gray and swirling white greets me. Still. But my head is beginning to buzz with Springtime possibilities and dreaming about that seed catalog.

Ski with me

Yesterday was a snow day. Canceled plans, school called off and the flakes piled up some more. I don't think we've seen bare ground since November. But, no matter, I was not unhappy to delve in a bit- just tiny bit- into those cozy winter activities where pajamas are the required attire. And yesterday's snowy gift combined with mild weather (whoa, heating up beyond 30ºF!) sent us out today to take in the scene by foot and by ski. The pace of cross country skiing is just right for me, I'm not one for speedy downhill adventures. And now, I believe I have a very willing ski companion.

Apple goodness

My weekend wishes were fulfilled: apple picking and a festival (more on that tomorrow).
This year the crop was so good that the farm was practically giving them away. We filled up two half bushel bags in no time. Rowan made me laugh as he just had to use the stool and the grabber pole to aid with his picking. There was plenty of fruit hanging low and heavy on the branches, but he just needed the added challenge of reaching up to the tippy top of the tree.
Some of the apples have been put to immediate good use. While I was at work the other night Ava whipped up an apple crisp for the rest of the family. She's quite the baker these days and is especially motivated when sweets are involved. I returned home to find just a bit left- and stole a few delicious bites.
Today Rowan put his chopping skills to work helping prep fruit for applesauce. After simmering and letting the apple-y fragrance fill the kitchen, we sat down to share our snack with a favorite friend.
And the dishes were scraped clean.