Fall

Fall is my favorite season of all!

The long, hot days of summer finally give way 

to cool, crisp morning air.

Once green and waving gently in the summer breeze... leaves transform into colors of red, orange, brown, and gold.

They twirl and dance as the autumn wind catches them falling from off the limb.

Fall is the time for harvest on our farm.

The harvesting of fruits and vegetables 

before autumn's end. 

I can't wait to bite into a large, sweet, crisp Honeycrisp apple!

And just thinking about the smell of grapes, ripening on the vine, is so intoxicating.

There's nothing more exciting than harvest's end.

Fall is the time for gathering at our home.

We gather to celebrate harvest's end. 

We have parties, make scarecrows, carve jack-o-lanterns, and eat the bounties of our harvest.

Bonfires beckon an evening gathering

of family and friends. 

We roast smores, tell stories, and bask in the light and warmth of the fire. 

My favorite thing about fall is the way it makes me feel.

Life's pace seems to slow down a little. 

A settling of sorts. 

I love to wear sweaters and sit by the fire...

reading a book or simply dream.

Fall is a great time to reflect on life's blessings and to give thanks for all we have. 

Thanksgiving is the perfect ending to fall's end.

The kitchen comes alive with delightful smells... 

of spices and herbs and potpourri. 

Fall soups, breads and cookies... yumm! 

Comfort foods are high on the list of things I love to make in the fall.

My birthday usually falls on the first day of fall. Taking a drive up a nearby canyon, 

soaking in the beauty of the leaves turning colors, 

and being with the people I love...  

is my piece of heaven on earth.

I'm ready for Fall! Are you?

A Fall drive... Midway to Park City

Playing in the leaves

Honeycrisp Apples

Bringing in the harvest

Comfort foods

Smores

Halloween Party

Jack-o-lanterns

Pumpkin Head stands watch

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop

A Day in Pictures

I was awakened by the doorbell. It's "cold season" at our house and last night I needed some relief from headache, nose sniffles, and sore throat. I took some NyQuil and it knocked me out! The sound of the doorbell was not what I wanted to hear first thing in the morning, but... I was glad to greet my visitors.

...Visiting teachers from church. They came by and brought me a birthday gift (it was on Sep 21). These ladies are so sweet and thoughtful and have become some of my best friends. I love the glass leaves and tea lights. Perfect for Autumn time!

10:00 a.m. - Breakfast. Raisin Bran is a favorite and is full of fiber. 

Dishes from last night and this morning.

The day's are not complete without a call from my daughters. I like that!

Hot shower. Ohhhh... felt so good!

Afternoon - Watered flowers. My Zinnia's have been so beautiful. They are State Fair quality for sure!

I picked up some dried purple leaves to put in my "Magic Spells" potion bottle for Halloween. I'm keeping my eye out for natural remedies.

As you can guess, I've been on Pinterest! Looking for Halloween party and decor ideas. I've found some real good ones.

Beware the ghasty green witch! I can't wait to make her.

4:00 p.m. - The Mr. and I went to a movie. Even though we have an amazing theater room, we still like to support our local theater. Once a week, on cheap nights, we choose a movie to see. Tonight we went to The Magnificent Seven. If you are in the mood to see a wild west show, this is the one for you!

Evening - Dinner at home and Survivor (love DVR!)

Life is good!

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop

Six Word Fridays: leaves

Yellow leaves fall softly down -- whirling,

twirling round and round, making a

carpet on the ground. Raking leaves...

into a pile, makes a bed

for jumping in. Yellow leaves on

the ground, crunching softly under foot.

leaves

First of Fall

I'm a farmer, so undoubtedly, I spend a lot of time on the farm. With the hubs gone, it has been all up to me to manage. For health reasons, I hadn't been too involved in the farming for a couple of years, but it didn't take long for me to get into the groove of it again. I actually like it. That is... I like it when I am in charge! The first of Fall is always a signal for the end of harvest. It is the best time of the year for a farmer. Much needed rest and relaxation is finally in sight!

The last order of peaches were picked up and I took advantage of having the orchard all to myself. I armed myself with a camera, put a basket on the 4 wheeler, and headed off to the orchard first thing in the morning... 8:30 a.m.  I live underneath the looming peaks of the Wasatch Mountains, which is located just east of our home and orchard, and the sun doesn't make its way over the top until then. The air was crisp, cool. You could smell the change in the air. Just like Fall weather should be like. I was loving it! It was the first time I wore a jacket. Given how hot it was this year, I was pleasantly surprised that the change in season, the first of Fall, signaled an immediate change in temperature and weather conditions. It was like welcoming an old friend.

As I drove up and down the rows, I took my time... because... I love the stillness and quiet of the mornings. Especially in the orchard. Most of the birds are well on their way to warmer places. No sound of chatter. The honey bees are bedded down in their hives. No buzzing sounds. I saw a squirrel now and again, scurry across the ground, snatch a nut or piece of fruit off the ground, and scourer up a tree. The leaves are changing colors. Brown, red, orange, yellow. So awe inspiring! It was like I was enveloped in a Nature Sermon, soaking up every detail the farm had to show and tell me. I can't even imagine who would ever NOT believe that the world, is indeed, a classroom! 

A farm girl's best friend... 4 wheeler

An empty bird nest

First of leaves changing colors

I didn't have to pick for someone else today. I picked for myself. Peaches, plums, pears, apples, Asian pears. I took them in the house and conveniently arranged the fresh picked fruit, in some wooden bowls, and placed them on the kitchen table. It will be easy to snatch a piece every time I feel a fruit attack coming on. And, the kiddos will love it when they come to visit grandma.

What was your first of Fall like?

Writing prompt #1: The first day of Fall was Sept. 22nd, share something fall related you did!

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Fall

Six things I look forward to this Fall...

1. Birthdays

My sister and I have our birthdays one week apart. We usually go out for lunch.

My daughter was born two days before my birthday... she was a perfect gift!

Love, love, love these two women in my life!

2. End of Farm Season 

Can't wait to sell the last of the peaches and put the baskets and tractor away for the season. 

I am ready for a much needed rest!

3. Bon Fires

Who doesn't love a Smore! I am looking forward to cooler weather, sweatshirts, and sitting in front of the fire roasting marshmallows and eating smores' with the family.

4. Fall Leaves

Every year for my birthday, the kids and I hike a near-by canyon, picnic, and eat cake. The best part... watching the grandkids play in the leaves!  The bottom right picture is of our orchard (last fall).

5. Baking and Cooking

I can't wait to mix up a batch of pumpkin chocolate cookies! I love the smell that the harvest brings... spices, harvest soups, and fresh baked bread. Mmmmmm! And Grandma's home-made Chicken Noodle Soup is begging to be made. It warms both the tummy and the soul. So comforting!

6. Europe Trip

I'll be flying to Europe, after farm season is over, where I'll meet the hubs. It's my second time to visit Europe. I am looking forward to seeing new places, experiencing new customs, and spending time with the Col.

And did I mention that Fall is my favorite time of year! 

Writing prompt #3:  Six things you look forward to this Fall

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