Fall Fog

I had to go to DMV a couple weeks ago to take care of car stuff, and there is a DMV down the mountain, but also one up the mountain that is closer, so I decided to go to that one.  It was a nice chilly morning, and while driving up the highway, I saw fog in the distance surrounding the mountains ahead of me.  I thought to myself, "oh no, I hope I don't get trapped in that fog."  Sure enough, I was right in the thick of it all, and at one point, I could barely see in front of me.  Now, I've always loved foggy mornings, but driving up a twisty mountain road engulfed in it is something else.  Well, I made it to town, whispering prayers the whole way, and took care of my business at the DMV.  It took some time, as they needed not only one document, but five, but M. was so helpful, and carried me through the process.  When I got in my car, I was so relieved, so I drove over to this little coffee shop that I go to sometime and ordered a pumpkin spice latte and a bagel with cream cheese.  Then, I headed over to the lake to find peace and calm, to just sit and enjoy my coffee.

This lavender was in a store parking lot, and it was growing so wildly and pretty.

I went over to the nursery to see if there were any flowers still blooming, and they have a quaint store at the nursery that I always visit as well.  There was a couple red roses there just waiting for me.

Loved this little barn birdhouse.

The purple pansies were flawless.

I found another little coffee shop that I will visit next time.  This one is so charming with an outdoor area and picnic tables.

I wanted to visit the museum, but it wasn't open for another hour or so, and I didn't want to wait, but I did see the little schoolhouse.  This schoolhouse was originally built in 1884 in a nearby town, and it was moved to its location at the museum when it was 100 years old.  It is one of the historic exhibits there now.

Foggy days have always brought a sense of calm to me, and I feel a very strong connection with nature when fog is present, but driving up a twisty mountain highway with fog in the midst can feel mysterious and a little eerie.

Here are a few October pics this week.  There is a tree in my neighborhood that has turned color, and it almost looks like a painting, it's that pretty.  I made some pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting.  The deer have been hanging out in my yard; I am wondering if they are drawn to the orange pumpkins on my porch.  Nel made an apple pie, and oh, her apple pies always look incredible.

I have been watching Lea at Little House on the Mountain.  There is so much hype in the world today, and she slows things down a bit.  She talks about ways to make a house cozy and comfortable, homemade teas and soups, her dogs and chickens, creative decorating ideas, and so much more.  She has a calming voice, and I have enjoyed watching her autumn and winter videos.  Lovely woman.  This is a quote she shared on one of her videos that I loved.

"I believe that a Godly home is a foretaste of heaven.  Our homes, imperfect as they are, must be a haven from the chaos outside.  They should be a reflection of our eternal home, where troubled souls find peace, weary hearts find rest, hungry bodies find refreshment, lonely pilgrims find communion, and wounded spirits find compassion."

~Jani Ortlund

I got a landscaper out here to do some sprucing up before the winter months arrive.  He raked and mowed and weedeated and gathered and hauled away.  He does an excellent job every time; thank you, T.

I went to K's Bouqique and looked around this weekend for some warm winter clothes.  Talked with K. for a long time, and I found a flannel in autumn colors.  Some of her things are pricey, but everything I've ever bought there has been good quality, and I still have.

We've had a few foggy days, and it rained all last week!  It always makes my heart glad when I hear the rain come down on my roof.  Have a splendid October week.