Happy Harvest Home

While my pot of chili was simmering away this afternoon, I was busy adding a few fall touches to the family room.  In my mind I had a little theme going on . . .

 So, with that theme in mind . . .

I summoned my favorite farmhand (he works for chili :) and we rolled up our sleeves and got busy.  We started by filling up his wheelbarrow with a load of fall bounty.

 

Then we headed out to the garden to harvest the last of the pumpkins.  We grow them "sugar coated" around here ;-).

 

We wrestled the squirrels for a few acorns and proclaimed it a . . .

 

We're having a little bit of Fall fun over here ~ hope you are too!

Welcoming Fall

And so it was . . .

the first day of FaLL 2012.

 

Knowing that it won't be too much longer until the boat will be put away for the season, we decided to take advantage of the nice weather and go for a little cruise.

 

The mild temperatures and light breeze were ideal for the sailboats.  They were out in full force.

We tended to chug along the shore today looking for signs of fall color.  It's still early for that in these parts, but we did see little hints here and there.

My ulterior motive for shore hugging is getting the chance to check out the houses and gardens of those who live along the shores.  This pretty house caught my eye today.

When we spotted this tree we knew it was time to drop the anchor.

We stayed there talking and basking in the gentle breezes and sunny blue skies until the sun began to set and then we made our way home.

Home again, dinner eaten and hubby is watching the yelling at the football game on TV.  Aaah, fall . . .

welcome back. : -).

We have missed you.

 

Cozy Days

  Hello out there dear blog friends.

I've been doing a bit of fall nesting around here.

A gray and rainy day provided the perfect backdrop for a cozy day spent puttering around bringing little touches of autumnal beauty to my home sweet home.

 

 A little pumpkin here. . .

A few snips from the nandina bushes there.

A pair of pumpkins here and . . .

plenty of candles sprinkled throughout.

The candles are a must on a gray day like this.

They boost the cozy factor up several notches ;-).

A handful of acorns in a pretty bowl.

Which, by the way, was a recent thrift shop find.

I'm often amazed at what I find there.

I'm keeping my fall decor kind of simple this year.

A few old treasures paired with a few treasures from Mother Nature.  She is so generous to us at this time of year.  I enjoy taking little walks with my snippers and a basket collecting leaves and berries, acorns and autumn hued hydrangeas.  The good thing about that kind of decorating is when it's time to bring out the jolly jingle bells, Mother Nature's gifts can be banished to the compost pile.  Dear Mother won't be offended because they will soon be nourishment for her next growing season.  It's a win-win situation.

Wishing you happy, cozy days in this beautiful season.

Linking to:  Tweak it Tuesday

Gathering Fall Inspiration

 

It's been fun to see the little hints of Fall popping up in the blog world.  Some of you are jumping in with both feet when it comes to decorating.  As for me ... just sticking my toe in and thinking about it at this point.  I usually need to feel a nip in the air before I'm ready to bring out all the Fall decor and it's still a bit warm here.  But, it's coming ... I can feel it.

All of this made me remember a mug I found while out thrifting one day last spring.  

;;

 

 

After a little search through the mug cupboard, I found it.



Recently I placed an order with Keurig for my coffee.

I thought the order arrived in a timely fashion, but Keurig sent me an e-mail saying they'd had some delays in shipping and wanted to offer me a free box.  All I had to do was choose it and it was on it's way... free of charge and free shipping. 

I'm not one to turn down an offer like that.

It didn't take me long to decide on Pumpkin Spice.



 

 

While I'm dipping my toe into the fall decor waters, it seemed like a good time to marry my new mug with my Pumpkin Spice coffee.

I do believe the smell alone is enough to make me want to stick both feet in.

 

That lovely, spicy scent as it filled the air is making the anticipation grow.  

 

A new magazine to go along with my coffee  and now the inspiration is kicking in.

Looks like I might not need to wait for that nip in the air after all.



Are you cozying up your nest for fall yet?

 

 



Pretty and Oh So Peaceful

 ~ Tiger Swallowtail ~

 

Quietly floating along, they add such a beautiful, graceful note to the garden.  In the early morning hours as I tend to my flowers I take great pleasure in watching them glide in for a gentle landing on the butterfly bushes.  

~ Monarch ~

Watching them perched on the flowers I can't help but marvel at the beauty and fragility of these remarkable beings.  In their own understated way, they remind me to relax, slow down and be present.   Which at that moment means setting down the trowel and stopping for a few moments to absorb the peacefulness these amazing creatures offer as they float through the air.  To me it is so calming. 

~ Spicebush Swallowtail ~

This time of year the butterflies are putting on quite a show.
With butterfly bushes on either side of my patio, sitting on the patio now puts us in the direct flight pattern.  A most delightful place to be :D.

~ Kim