'Two Sweaters' Weather

It's cold now in the mountains, really cold.  It was 23 degrees when I got in my car one morning last week, and there was frost on my car.  It's time to cover the pipes so they don't freeze.  It's not just sweater weather, as the old saying goes, I'm bundling up with two sweaters now.  I'm thankful every year for the heaters, which keep me warm, and I baked some cookies, which also warmed me up.

I went to the home shop and looked around and talked with the owner, a, for about an hour and a half.  She showed me pictures of her house and all the home improvements she's done.  She is originally from San Francisco area, which is not far from my hometown, so we have that in common.  This lady has good taste, and that is apparent the minute you walk in.  whenever you buy something, you get what you pay for, as she has some really nice items.  In her kitchen section, there were some oval serving platters with blue flowers.  I looked on the bottom of the plate, and the collection was English Chippendale.  Are you familiar with that pattern?  I believe they were first made in 1935.  I bought one.  I have gotten to know a. since I moved here, and she's not just the shop owner, she is a friend.

I'm not big on buying shoes, but you need a good pair of boots when living up here, and there is really only a couple places to buy shoes here.  One place is a boutique on main street, but she tends to sell western boots.  No thank you.  So I ordered some classic brown boots, and they should be delivered this week.

Some more Fall color

The pioneer wagon on main street.  I wanted to get a picture before they decorate it for Christmas.

  I went to the church, and talked with P, one of the workers there.  She opened up the church and gave me some Holy water, which was so nice of her.  While I was there on the grounds, I noticed the most radiant rose still blooming.

There was a pretty pink one too.

I know it's super early, but I can never resist these when I see them at the store.

Well, I thought espresso roast was my favorite, but my favorite still remains the French roast.  There's just something about it.

And a casual picture of my French Canadian mother with pigtails.

Isn't this a neat album? - I found it years ago, and I put all my old photos in here.

My last meal at McDonald's for awhile haha.  I'm really bummed out cause they are closing the drive-through up here.  But I've heard of a couple good eateries that might replace it.

"I want to have a little house with sunlight on the floor, a chimney with a rosy hearth, and lilac by the door."

~Nancy Bird Turner

Well, that's about it for this week.  The holiday season for me starts in November, so it should be fun to decorate soon.  Happy November days.

~Sheri

Pumpkin House And Corn On The Cob

It has been a tradition in my family to visit the pumpkin patch every Autumn.  As long as I can remember, I took my own kids on a trip during the brisk Fall season.  Now, the girls carry on the tradition and take their kids to the pumpkin patch every year.  Some years I'm not able to make it, but this year I was fortunate to come along, and we had the best time.  This Fall festival is near Jess' house, and it's a fun one filled with so many wonderful things for the kids to see.

We went on the traditional train ride,

which led us to the corn maze.  It was intriguing and fun walking through the corn stalks that were taller than us!

The kids rode the horses.  They were pretty high, which made it a struggle when getting on, but they were determined to get on their horse all by themselves.....and they did.

It was time to find the perfect pumpkin to take home.  Afterwards, we went to the painting booth and they got another small pumpkin to paint their own creative design.

Jess has always been fascinated with the grey pumpkins.

There was strange looking pumpkins too.

It was so cute to see the kids feeding the ducklings.  They came right up to them and ate from their hands.

Jess carried the baby carefully and comfortably in her baby carrier.

Every year, Jess always has to stop at the pumpkin house.

We were hungry, so we got a bite to eat and sat at the picnic tables for awhile.  We laughed when Jess ordered the corn on the cob.  It was huge, with the corn husks still on.

Before we left, we browsed through the country store.  Nel bought the kids miniature cranberry velvet pumpkins, and I couldn't resist the mini orange one for Charlotte.

And I found the most wonderful pumpkin at the pumpkin patch to take home with me.

~Sheri

An Autumn Drive

Well, it's already mid October, and we are starting to see the Fall foliage here in the mountains of northern California.  I enjoy seeing Autumn every year on my friends' blogs in the different states they live in.  It seems we get the golds first, then later comes the oranges and reds.  We had some rain Tuesday, which is always nice.  I was driving down the  highway one day, and noticed a deer on the side of the road.  I imagine it got hit crossing the street, and it made me sad, as I have become partial to the deer since living up here.  After it happened, they put the SpeedChecks up, which I was glad about.  I put my book out every Autumn, Crow Call, which is about a young girl who reconnects with her father after the war, a hunting trip, a big bulky plaid shirt, and cherry pie.  I didn't realize how much this book would mean to me when my sister gave it to me years ago, as I used to go hunting with my dad as well.  I made some oatmeal cookies, and they weren't as good as grandpa's - he used to put raisins in them too, and I was out of raisins, but they were still good.  My son brings me different blends of coffee, and this time it was Starbucks Espresso Roast.  I think it's my favorite so far.  I bought a wallet when I was in So Cal, and I'm pretty picky when choosing a wallet, but I really liked the sage color, which is in right now.  I washed all my heavy blankets this weekend, and my favorite is the soft grey one that keeps me warm during the cold Winters up here.  Although nature pictures may look better with filters, I seldom use them because nature is perfect and doesn't need make-up.  So, come along with me on my drive in town, and see some of the Fall foliage.  Only a couple pics I made brighter cause they were in the shade, but the rest are the real thing.  But first, I have to drive through and get a coffee.

*Mary Engelbreit

It's hunting season now, and as I read the book, Crow Call, I remember how much I enjoyed those hunting trips with my own dad.

me, my oldest brother, and nephew on a camping trip.

~Sheri