I wasn’t going to post until after we got home, but I just couldn’t wait to show you how pretty it is out here … a gorgeous fall they are having in New England . . .
We got off the boat, and drove across Connecticut, following all the dotted roads on the map that indicate “Scenic.” When we got to the far west side of the state, we made a right, went north and now we are in a darling town called Great Barrington in MA.
Following the scenic routes was a good idea, because we have passed wonderful farms, with colorful farm stands full of pumpkins and apples . . . barns, fields, cows, little towns …
I just love picket fences with spiders and dew weaving their interconnected sparkle-magic . . .
We’ve stopped at many antique stores, and one of them had this amazing doll house! I’ll give you a full tour of it when we get home! But I couldn’t wait to show you . . . . isn’t it wonderful? Wait until you see the little fireplace . . . You would need an entire room devoted just to this doll house, it’s so big . . . but I’ll show you soon!
The trees aren’t in full color, they still have lots of green, which makes them even prettier! When we drive, the leaves whip up and swirl around us . . .
Took this from the window of the car as we’re speeding along . . . the houses are so charming, this one looks a lot like the doll house!
We pulled in here to turn around to go back and look for our hotel last night … just your basic lake scene!
So much more to show you! There was a turkey attack (caught on video)! We went through a covered bridge (also took a video of it so we can take you with us)! And Joe found the perfect thing for me to wear to booksignings when our book is done, have to show you that too . . . but I can’t do it now, because the sun is up, and all the leaves are calling me! (Or is that Joe?) XOXO
Beautiful pics! Can’t wait to see more. Isn’t this just the best time of year? A chill is coming tomorrow, finally, and we are going to go for a long walk and bake something apple-y. I’m tired of shorts and flip-flops! Words, I’m sure I’ll be eating, round about the end of January!
I know just what you mean!
I am so happy that fall is finally here. I love spring and summer, but there is something about autumn that brings out the nesting instinct. Guess it is like the squirrels gathering nuts for the coming winter. Love all of the beautiful colors in the trees and the harvest of pumpkins. What a gorgeous orange. Have a lovely time on the road.
xoxo Pam
Happy Autumn! Wow, such beauty! Especially the one you titled “just your basic lake scene” love your sense of humor! 🙂 Can’t wait to see the rest of your gorgeous pictures. Thanks for the sneak peak! Safe travels. ♥
Marie, your comment is even funnier to us in Minnesota where Susan’s comment “your basic lake scene”–a gorgeous lake surrounded with sugar maples turned brilliant red and poplars that have turned bright yellow–here in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”–IS rather commonplace… My husband is from California and he grew up never seeing the colorful leaves reflected on still lakes which look like a mirror, so I do understand your comment… 🙂
What beautiful pictures. A delightful start to my day. Enjoy yours with Joe.
How absolutely, stunningly beautiful! Can’t wait for the full tour. I’m going to look for Alice’s rabbit hole and see if I can’t shrink myself down and move into the doll house!
Weather here 53…..fog/mist. Now there’s somehing we don’t see often in West Texas! So I plan to enjoy the weather and Jim is up making a big batch (he’s the big batch cooker) of Green Chili Stew for the freezer. Have a great day girls! And continued safe travels for S & J.
Oh, what a pleasant surprise to find a new post filled with scrumptious pictures and teasing tidbits of upcoming stories to share! Tis a very foggy morning here in my part of Florida and it will probably be 10 before it burns away and all will be tropical green, but I will close my eyes and picture the trees around that lake. Bless you for sharing. I can’t wait to see the attacking turkeys!
Stacey,
What part of Florida are you from?I’m from the Tampa Bay area. We too had the fog this morning and you were right…just about 10 is was burnt off by the sun. It’s going to be another hot one today and storms like we’ve been having the past few days. Look me up on Facebook! FOSB 4~Ever! ~ Doreen ~
Hi Doreen, I love Tampa Bay my parents live in Venice and when we visited we took them to McDill AFB so they could get their medications…Dad is a 20 yr. AF retiree…..my daughter went to the Patel Conservatory in July for 2 weeks and just loved the whole experience. She was chosen for the lead in the production they put on for the community at the end of the camp and will always cherish her time in Tampa.
Hi Deborah! Yes, I know exactly where you are talking about. If your ever planning on coming down here, look me up on Facebook and leave me a message. Maybe we can meet up! I’d love it! FOSB 4~Ever! ~ Doreen ~
I will do that Doreen….have a wonderful Autumn.
Oh my! How gorgeous! We get nothing like that here. At least today it will be in the 50’s instead of 80’s. Much more fall-like. Once I was so desperate for fall color, I begged a friend to mail me a box full of leaves. I still have them! Thank you so much for sharing all the wonderful things you are seeing. Have fun!
I’ve sent leaves to my California friends too! 🙂
Ugh, we rake them up and put them in black garbage bags! LOL! (after the color has faded to brown, OF COURSE!) 🙂
But you have seashells and sea glass!
What?? no mulching and allowing all the nutrients to go back into the ground!!! just kidding…although that is what we all are suppose to do…..circle of the life cycle of a tree. I know….shut it!!!!
No, I wouldn’t tell you to “shut it”. Talk to the townhouse grounds crew here but don’t hold your breath… I agree, we should be using the leaves as mulch. But then we should be using rakes, too, not gas-operated leaf blowers that pollute the air and scare the birds and wildlife. We shouldn’t be putting so many chemicals on the grass–it isn’t necessary for anyone to have a lawn that looks like a golfcourse, in my book. But what can you do when you live in a townhouse? Another negative on townhouse living… 🙁
Lisa, I am outside of San Angelo and we have FOG & Mist…can you believe it?! I brought some Fall leaves back from Ohio with me this year! If you need some new ones I will get you some next year…let me know. Mine are on the breakfast hutch with the fall candles. So beautiful. Chris
Oh, how beautiful! I have been thinking so much of you and Joe too, Susan. You have so many beautiful sugar maples in NE. I really do not think that WNC can compete with your autumn colors.
You just reminded me that my dieting is going in the wrong direction to be at my best for the book signing!!! Well, really, fall is not the best time to try to rid oneself of fluffiness, is it? Your pumpkin lattes are to die for!!! I read in the WSJ that Starbucks is randomly running out of their Pumpkin Spice syrup. Look no further Girfriends ( and Guys) than the Autumn book. Simply scrumptious recipe is to be found there, and a healthy breakfast to boot! Also makes a terrific dessert!
Love to all,
Kathy
Ooh! Maybe all us WNCers can travel together to Susan’s book signing! Wouldn’t that be fun! Our leaves are getting there! We live in Fletcher!
Happy Fall!
Jeannie
Oh, Fletcher is so close, Jeannie! We live in Connestee Falls, SE of Brevard, almost to Cedar Mountain. I am usually a homebody but I have occasion to travel through Fletcher as Brevard is kind of off the beaten path as far as major shopping is concerned. It’s so nice to know you’re so close! xoxo to you!
try this to make your coffee taste and smell like the Fall, put a dash of pumpkin pie spice in with the coffee when you brew it. makes the house smell so warm and cozy and your coffee tastes so good. enjoy. hugs…. 🙂
Hi Pat, thanks for the suggestion! You reminded me that I used to put cinnamon in with the coffee grounds a few years ago—that was good too. xoxo
Hello travellers, my sister, Susan, used to live on Deer Isle, Maine and going thru little towns up there reminds me of what you are describing. New England is the place to be if possible! Thanks for the fotos and hope you find some fun antiques!
GORGEOUS!!! That is all that comes to mind!!! We are still awaiting the beauty in full bloom here in the midwest, but there are starting to be changes! Thanks for a glimpse Susan! Enjoy the rest of your trip! Safe journey and cozy memories!
…. Happy Saturday morning !!…what a sweet surprise !!…just stepped inside this morning..outside it’s in the 30’s and I can’t believe I saw a few snowflakes !!! OMG !!….thank you guys for this newest post.. you are so sweet and dear to always think of us and share so much with us…ENJOY!!!! (in joy !)…P.S. ..the colors are beautiful and the dollhouse is wonderful..I never did grow up and I love that !!…take care sweet Sue and dearJoe..have fun !!
Mary, where do you live that you had snow flakes? 87* here in Florida today!
Northwestern Minnesota had 12″ of wet snow last week…just nature’s way of reminding us to get out snowboots, jackets, etc., not to mention shovels… 🙂
You are so wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing the gorgeous scenery and houses with us! Can’t wait to see more! So inspiring! God bless!!!
Gorgeous! I miss seeing the color change that Autumn brings. I have a theory that those of us who live on the Gulf Coast decorate like crazy for Halloween because we don’t get the color change! That’s my story (excuse??) and I’m sticking to it!
Sounds good!
Snap,
I used to live right in the area that Susan & Joe are in. We moved to Florida several years ago and I so miss the change of seasons. I too decorate the house so it looks like your walking in the woods up in New England…..I just have to experience the color!!! FOSB 4~Ever! ~ Doreen ~
Wonderful pics! If you ever get the chance this fall, come up to Southern Maine. Our leaves are just starting to turn and pumpkins are everywhere. This is my favorite time of year and why I moved to Maine 30 years ago 🙂
Love Maine … usually we go that way … and up to Lake Winniepesaukee — also very gorgeous!
Hello Sue, when I was a very young child my Dad was stationed at Bangor Maine and we absolutely loved living there. What a beautiful State, and we would go fishing on weekends off of a bridge and go and look for bullfrogs at a local river…such wonderful memories.
What beautiful pictures! They have unleashed a yearning of my own to be in New England again in the fall!
I’m actually away myself for a series of UMW Committee meetings – about 3 hours away from home! I drove through some lovely scenery to reach this place, but was driving and unable to stop to take pictures.:-(
Enjoy your New England touring! Oh! How great it would be if a book-signing would be scheduled for my area. Wishful thinking, of course.
Have a great Saturday!
I know there are lots of homesick New Englanders out there, I thought this would be the best way to take you all “home!” I hope it makes happy, and not sad!
It’s bittersweet Sue! If I knew you were going to be up that way…I would have mailed you a copy of the key to my log cabin. (I mean that too!!) You and Joe would have loved it there. Sitting on the porch and looking over the mountains you are now in. Maybe next time. Enjoy and thank you for bringing a little bit of home to this homesick country girl! xo! FOSB 4~Ever! ~Doreen ~
Honey, looks just like MN too:)
LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thank you for a wonderful Saturday treat! Our leaves are turning quickly here in Chicagoland, and we had a freeze warning for last night, but since we’ve had such a dry summer, a lot of our trees and leaves aren’t all as pretty as you’ve seen. I love seeing all the New England houses. Love covered bridges, too, and will be looking forward to seeing the ones you enjoyed.
Will that dollhouse be staying with you or will it be a gift for someone? Can’t wait to see the inside of it. I am sure that what Joe found for you to wear is in your colors and will be just beautiful!
Have a fabulous fall flit through the countryside!
I didn’t get it … it’s huge, but I “captured” it, digitally, and now, it’s OURs — in a way!
Splendid…..just so wonderful that you are inviting us along. We were in New England last year at this time. One of my sweetest memories was going to Concord House and seeing Walden Pond. A lovely vacation that began at Cape Cod and then along the coast to Maine. It was glorious!!!! XXXX
Wow! Thanks for the little peek into your get-away!!! It’s just stunning!!!! My favorite season, for sure! I went down a little country road near my house yesterday – it is surrounded by trees, and the leaves were “dancing” in the road – I love that! But better yet, walking through a trail of leaves! I haven’t done that yet!!! Have a safe trip home….can’t wait to see that ghost in your window!
Hi Susan have a nice time. We just got back to Ohio doing what your’re doing in Martha’s Vineyard and area ..love the pictures , making our trip last a little longer
Thanks
Love
Pat
We’re heading to Ohio in two weeks to do the same thing, Pat. Off to Hocking Hills, to rent our favorite cabin in the woods on a high, high hill.
Beautiful pictures. Heard the Geese go over our house this a.m. Thank you
for the lovely start to our weekend. This is the best time of the year!
So beautiful! Thank you for taking us leaf-peeping with you! We drove up to Hope Valley (S. of Lake Tahoe) to see the Aspen yesterday! Weather is turning & we wanted to leaf-peep before the leaves fell off! It was gorgeous, not quite at full knock your socks off yellow, but gorgeous! The day was even my husband’s idea, whatta guy! Maybe he’ll suggest the East Coast next time?? Today 78 in Sacramento area, what a relief. Maybe our little maple will show a few red leaves, soon! Love your Twittering & Blogging, thank you Sue (& Joe) for inviting us along! Safe journey. xoxo
Beautiful! I know Great Barrington well – such a gorgeous part of the country. Have a great time!
xo
Claudia
Nothing like New England in the fall. I hope to make it back there some October for a visit. Here in Colorado we have the Aspen trees turning gold, but we don’t get quite as colorful as you do there. New kitty is still doing very well, eating lots of kitten formula and alternating between manic play and naps during the day. At night she settles in and sleeps until we get up – a real blessing. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the trip.
What a wonderful Saturday surprise! Love all the fall colors! We’re going to Claremont this morning – the area around the college with streets names after college (Harvard, Yale) to visit a few of our favorite places that will be decorated for fall! They have a wonderful pre-Halloween street festival every year complete with kiddie parade (that’s in a couple of weeks) so everyone will be getting ready for that! Getting in a fall mood SoCal style!
Having a box filled with fall leaves would be wonderful! Great treat for friends living in warmer areas!
Happy weekend to all!
Oh! Ahhhh! I Love that you allowed us this peep! Gorgeous, just so beautiful!
It has cooled down out here. Autumn has begun. Love thinking of you two off having fun! Thanks for the post Susan!
Thanks for the tour. The beauty is amazing. Can’t wait to see more. Here in Ca. my hydraegas are blooming, beauty comes in many forms in many different ways. Enjoy
Loved your fall photos…and I like the green too. Also, thank you Susan for sharing the charm bracelet idea! Yours is so lovely…and it’s like collecting antiques, which is one of my hobbies! I have some tiny things that I’ve been saving and never knew what to do with them. Now I do! I have my parent’s first wedding rings, a little crystal heart that was on a necklace that my grandmother gave me when I was a child, and some only “one” earrings, where the other was never found, and that I could never could toss away! You are the best artist I think!! Autumn blessings as you travel!
I have been priviledged to have been asked to babysit for my 10 week old grandson! Today we took a wonderful walk in Northern Ohio and started collecting leaves. My town is known as the “Maple City” and we have a large collection of red and yellow maple leaves that I am going to press in waxed paper and make a string for my window. Baby Drew enjoyed the colors, too!
I have inherited a large doll house from my late father-in-law. It does need it’s own room. I can’t wait to see the tour!
We stayed in Great Barrington several years ago. Wonderful place. We are going on a roadtrip through Tennessee later in the month and your pictures are getting me all excited about seeing all the beautiful foliage and scenery. Your blog is just picture candy for me and I eat it up every time I come here!
Gorgeous … a nostalgic reminder of our 9 years in New England. Had to look twice at one of the houses you posted on Twitter, as it was almost identical to our home in Rehoboth, MA! Wonderful memories …
Having recently moved from Kentucky, Fall is looking considerably different here on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. I’m loving the tropical setting surrounding the pumpkin and scarecrow displays – a whole new set of memories in the making!
Thanks, and enjoy!
Sharon in Alabama
I’ve always wanted to get to the New England states in the Fall for those beautiful colors as they turn. We have gorgeous trees here, too, but there is something about the New England area that calls me. What a lovely adventure you are having!
Gorgeous!!! We were in New England two weeks ago so we just missed the colors. Looking forward to your sharing. And the dollhouse! Can’t wait for the tour. I love all things miniature…fairy gardens and dioramas, oh my! I’ve always wanted an old fashioned dollhouse to furnish and decorate 🙂
Oh wow! What a beautiful country we live in! I’ve got to get to New England! Can’t wait to see the rest of the pictures. Thanks for the sneak peak!
“Dear God, Please watch over Susan & Joe on this beautiful, well-deserved gettaway.”
Thank you for sharing, i feel my heart calling, certainly bumps up my goal to move to the area that moves my heart!
melinda
proud mom of three beauties
Hi Susan and Joe
I’m sitting in front of our wood stove reading your post – so nice and cozy. The leaves on our maple trees are the same colours as the flames. Your pictures are glorious and very reminiscent of our leaf peeping tour yesterday. We went to a little town called Neustadt in southwestern Ontario, the birth place of one of our prime ministers. We visited a sweet little sweet shop and had coffee and scones, a wool shop with charming repro Christmas decorations, a used book store, an old mill filled with antiques and last, but not least, Grumpy’s, a year round garage sale. And yes, there really is a Grumpy and he isn’t grumpy at all! It is a one stop destination with everything I love in one beautiful little town. The doll house is enchanting and I’ve only seen the outside. It must have been hard to leave it behind. Monday is our Thanksgiving in Canada and I’m off to make cranberry sauce. I’m cooking a really big chicken as there are only four of us for dinner. I’m hoping people will think it is a small turkey lol. My treat after all the festivities are over and the dishes are done will be to open your calendar and savour every page.
Enjoy your trip. Isn’t it nice to travel in your own country – no limit but the size of your van to what you can bring home. I think it is so sweet that you referred to the English diary as “our” book. Happy hugs to you and Joe. Is Petey with you?
Wow, you sure described a wonderful leaf-peeping day, Elaine! Hope you had as good a time as you made it sound. PS – I didn’t know you Canadians traditionally have turkey on Thanksgiving too! Two countries… one terrific idea! Have a great Fall! :>)
Beautiful! I love the dollhouse and look forward to more pictures. Our neck of the woods are not as colorful yet. The days are cool and perfect for little walks. Hope that you have a lovely day.
Pass the Kleenex, please….tears of joy….We lived in Farmington, CT and I’ll never get over the autumn beauty I found in New England….come to think of it, every
season had its gift for one’s soul…Bless you Susan for sharing your autumnal discoveries with us….I see you have a penchant for doll houses like yours truly. That
one is a gem…looking forward to the interior. Now for some Pumpkin latte……Love you!
Thanks for the sneak peek. I was in MA last weekend and things were about to turn; looks like you have almost hit the peak. Can’t wait to see the dollhouse!
So thankful for you. My husband and I lived in Boston for 3 years after we were married and truly fell in love with New England. I was just dreaming of some Cabot sharp cheddar on a Common Cracker. Please partake in some for me as well a warm cider donut. Enjoy the scenes as they are so joy-filled!
Totally loved your “just your basic lake scene!”
BEAUTIFUL!
Love Leanne NZ
Thank you ♥ ♥ ♥ …………………..Just seeing all that beauty, those gorgeous leaves, trees, the lake…….brings back such happy memories.
Hope you and Joe have a wonderful day!
Hi Susan,
Just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed your latest posts! Autumn is my favorite season, so I loved all your decorating ideas, I was especially inspired by your narrative on lamps and lighting…I decided I need more pretty lamps!
Also loved seeing your charm bracelet, I do pick up unusual charms when I see them, but I never thought of mixing silver and gold, I love the look of the different metals.
Can’t wait to see the turkey attack! Have a great autumn-y weekend!
To Linda from Lancaster……………..
Thinking of you and knowing you must be excited, happy and beaming today as your son gets married!
Wishing your family lots of happiness as you celebrate! ♥
And Happy Birthday to YOU!
Deb
Beautiful 🙂 sounds like you’re having fun!
We were in New England about three weeks ago and I’d love to be back there now. Hoping to go to Rhinebeck for the Sheep & Wool Fest in a few weeks. (I’m pretty sure I was meant to live in the northeast, instead of the south!) You all have picked the perfect time to do some “peeping”. It’s probably not too crowded yet. Have a great get-away.
Sue,
I’m so happy you went to Great Barrington!!!! When I lived in NY, I lived right over the NY/MA border and would go over to Eden Hill which is right there in Great Barrington. Isn’t it just beautiful??? Did you stop at the Red Lion Inn and sit on the porch for a spell? ( You have to see how beautiful it looks at Christmas time) Did you go into the Pink Kitty?? How about the Lion’s Den….did you visit any of these spots? If not…you have to go back some day and do it. I lived about 10 minutes from that area and just loved it during the fall. You must admit…..it’s breathtaking!!!!! Thanks for sharing your pictures…It’s helping me with this homesick feeling I’m having about this time of year! FOSB 4~Ever! ~ Doreen ~
Just me again Sue! Just wanted to say that after thinking over what I said…I was incorrect! Eden Hill is in Stockbridge which is also where the Red Lion in is. Hopefully you drove around and went into Stockbridge and West Stockbridge right off the Mass Pike! I used to love to take the Mass. Pike to the Yankee Candle Factory….oh I could get lost of hours! Hope you are enjoying yourselves! FOSB 4~Ever! ~ Doreen ~
Forgive me for the mixup….I lost half my memory when menopause came and left with it. LOL!
Thank you for sharing and bring the fall season to me. Here in California we are still experiencing. 90-100 degree weather. I will enjoy the crisp morning air and the beautifully colorod landscape vicariously through you for now!
Hi, Sue ~
It was such a surprise to find another post from you today! I’m really amazed at your committment to this blog and to our friendship….such an awesome girlfriend you are! The photos are wonderful…absolute New England charm!
Nestled in the Fingerlakes, I’m enjoying the same thing you’re showing…isn’t it just the most beautiful countryside in Autumn? The air has such a crispness…a freshness about it. Makes me so grateful to live in this area. My husband has a couple of guys coming in for business this week from California and Mississippi and can’t wait for them to experience Autumn in NY.
Our local shopper’s guide had this quote this week which I’d like to share with everyone: “Oh, how we love pumpkin season. You did know this gourd-ish squash has its own season, right? Winter, Spring, Summer, Pumpkin…. We anxiously anticipate it every year.” ~Trader Joe’s Fearless Flyer, Oct. 2010.
Hope you’re filling your car with pumpkins and Fall treasures galore!
xoxoDebbie
hello, good morning susan, everyone!! ohhhhhh how lovely the leaves are, i love this time of year. i have always wanted to go to New England in the Fall. its all so beautiful. i do hope you hit Vermont and visited the Vermont country store. its chilly here this morning, and foggy..well the fog is lifting a bit now but it was downright cold and foggy earlier this morning, i know the chickens sure weren’t in any hurry to get out of their warm comfy nests and go out into the cold, same goes for the turkeys, why leave a nice warm bed in the hay and go out and get cold?? have to agree with them there. but since it was light and it was time to go out i opened up the barn and the henhouse and if they wanted to stay in or go out, that was their choice. i headed back in for a cup of warm coffee and some fried potatoes, scrambled eggs and bacon. had to get hubby a hot breakfast before he took off to go hunting in the hills, fixed him a thermos of hot coffee and a big hoagie sandwich for lunch. no big plans for me, except i may run to the local farmer’s market for some veggies to roast tonight for dinner, along with pork chops and apples. you all have a great day today, Happy Fall. hugs…… 🙂
Good morning Pat!
I just love to read your comments. It’s like watching a beautiful short movie!
Have a wonderful Sunday!!!
hello Tawni, thank you. it was a nice day yesterday, especially since now the squirrels are getting even not only with the ducks but with the chickens as well. i have to wonder what they all could have possibly done to the squirrels, guess they were clucking and quacking so much it got the squirrels out of their warm nests too early in the morning. its a frosty morning here today, and the chickens, ducks and turkeys were slow to leave those nice warm nests. with the mornings we are having we will be seeing color soon. see some already. i just love this time of year. you have a wonderful day Tawni, and everyone i hope you all have a wonderful day today. Happy Columbus Day everyone!!!! hugs…… 🙂
thank you Tawni, it was a good day yesterday and today is just as good..even better. today we had frost on the roof and the chickens, turkeys and ducks really didn’t want to go out again and leave their warm comfy nests. but the ducks wanted to go swimming so out they went, quacking and splashing. and when they splash everyone gets wet. seems like the squirrels are getting even with the ducks and the chickens, wonder what they did to the squirrels??? probably got them up out of their warm lil nests too early with all the racket they make first thing in the morning. you have a wonderful day today Tawni and everyone, and Happy Columbus Day everyone!!! hugs….. 🙂
Well-said, Tawni. And me too, Pat! I think there is an unusual concentration of very good commenters/writers here on “The Blog” – but then what can one expect when there’s Sue’s own excellent example for inspiration… :>)
Happy Autumn day to you, Susan~~~
Was so happily surprised to see your post this morning! The pictures of the trees, lake, houses, etc. are so neat!! I’m loving Autumn more and more. I’ve always enjoy the lovely trees changing their colors to show off though.
Looking forward to seeing that doll house!! When I first saw it, I thought it was another home that you had taken a picture of. I had noticed the pumpkin right off, but to have it be a ‘doll’ house…. well….
Looking forward to your next post. Have a great rest of your trip thru the leaves. When are you expecting to be back home?
Carol M
Stunning pictures!!!
Ohhhhhh, we are so THERE with you, Susan! S’splendiferous!
I often wonder if fall colours are at their best in the northern States than anywhere else in the world? I have no recollection of images or anything from other regions, but surely they must have some colour? I remember how the Skyline Drive in Virginia was a hot spot for viewing, and oh! how I miss this part of glorious autumn. So far, all I have done is sweep up dead, brown leaves that have given up the ghost (just in time for Hallowe’en maybe?) after our dreadful summer. On the plus side, although I have no leaves to stomp through, I will have much leaf mould in a year or so! Enjoy your visit, and I’m looking forward to more images, esp that sweet doll house . . the Hideaway Bears are peeking over my shoulder now . .
Gorgeous pictures! I like it, too, when the trees haven’t completely changed and you get the color contrast. Also, sometimes gray days show up the colors more, too, but love the brilliance of the sun on red or orange leaves, too. We have friends who made a large dollhouse replication of their old house for their granddaughter–they really had fun doing it. Just imagine how fun to furnish! Maybe that would be a good project in addition to a “House Notebook”–a dollhouse size “dream house”??? Looks like you are having fun–can’t wait for Wisconsin trip for us! (what, a “turkey attack”? See what I was talking about, being concerned with taking small dogs around them? LOL! 🙂
Hi Pat~
I sent you a report and a picture. Have you ever been to The Clearing?
It is a must see and it was absolutely beautiful!
Take care~
Lynn
Hi. Received your email and picture–thanks. I emailed you back. Yes, I’ve been to The Clearing. A friend asked me to co-teach a weaving class there years ago but I couldn’t get off my job at the time, so went on vacation to “check it out”. The setting is gorgeous and the whole concept of a school for the arts is wonderful. The story of Jens Jensen and his vision for the school is very interesting…Have you ever taken a class there or just “checked it out”, too?
Hi~
Just walked the grounds, went inside the open buildings and visited the gift shop.
I’d love to spend some real time there and take a class. There is a little one room stone building with a writing desk that sits almost on the beach~ it has a window that overlooks the lake. ~I could spend a week there ~writing!~ My hubby signed the guest book on the desk~ so if you go look for me!
We hope to go this Spring to see the wild flowers in bloom.
Enjoy your trip!!
I am in love with “the basic lake scene”. Fall on the east coast! Does it get any better????? from Leslie in CA who is missing MD Fall.
Oh Susan, once again I thank you! This was on my bucket list…and now I will be able to cross it off..smile… These photos are amazing and just know the others that you’ll post later will be fantastic! How blessed we are to have you to share this with us!!
Thank you!!
Gert
Oh Susan! A dollhouse with its own tiny pumpkin! How perfect! What a lovely time you are having. The colors are just breathtaking! Years ago while my husband was attending Cornell we took a weekend trip across MA during mid October. The drive was amazing. Along the way we passed a cozy farm house built in a valley surrounded by a mist of light fog and hills of colorful trees. There was smoke floating from each of the two chimneys….lovely memory.
We spent time in Western Mass, Concord and made a quick stop at Harvard. It was one of the best road trips we have ever taken.
Thank you so much for sharing your time with us!
XO,
Christy in Orange County, CA where Autumn has F I N A L L Y arrived! YAY! 🙂
PS I just bought a bunch of beautiful Honeycrisp apples this weekend, so crisp, sweet and juicy – tastes just like Fall! Have you tried Cortland apples? They were my favorite when I lived in NY. Wish we could get them here in CA 🙂
Fall here looks the same . so many vibrant colours . Lovely photos ! It is our Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada , the weather is windy and chilly . Celebrating thanks with our family . Have a good day !
Happy Thanksgiving!
Stunning leaves!
Would love to see more from the doll house its soooooooooooo Gorgeous..did you buy it????
I would love to live in a house like it…………..
Didn’t know that turkeys attack…love to see that..hope no one is hurt!
They tried to attack, but I used turkey ju-ju on them, stopped them in their tracks. 🙂 I didn’t buy that house, I kept thinking, which room should I give it — it’s HUGE, but I took enough photos so that, in a way, I now own it.
I used turkey ju-ju on them! Lol!
what is turkey ju-ju???? usually when folks come to our yard for a visit and the turkeys spot them, they come a running with wings spread and loads of racket to greet the visitors and to get their heads rubbed and petted. it does startle guests into thinking the birds are attacking but we tell to just pet the birdes on the head and rub their necks and chest and the birds will settle down. i guess we never should have started them on that, but its so funny to watch people when they run up to them.
I can picture the whole scene in my mind…now, whyever did I never think of doing that??? LOL! 🙂
what is turkey ju-ju????? when folks come into our yard, if the turkeys spot them they run up to the folks with wings spread and tons of racket. we always tell folks that they turkeys are just greeting them and want them to pat their heads, rub on their necks and chests and pat them on the back. the turkeys just love getting affection from us and from friends who come over. . i would have to admit it is a bit frightening, but they are just being friendly.
There were about 300 of them that ran up all at the same time, and I’m not quite as experienced with turkeys as you are Pat! 🙂 I took a video, will show you soon, but really, they were darling.
Why was I thinking I should mop my kitchen floor on such a beautiful fall day? I’m glad I saw your blog before I spent the whole day working. Now, I’m off on a little just-me fall adventure.
Love to hear this!
Wow – gorgeous pics! I LOVE autumn and really miss the extreme colors living in California. However, I am close to the ocean so really shouldn’t complain:) I can’t wait to see what else you share from your trip. By the way, if I lived closer I would be happy to Cat Sit for you anytime!
Book signing! Did you say book signing? I soooooo hope you will be in the NYC area. I want to meet you!!!!
Terry
I needed a little vacation…thanks for taking us along. Fall is my very favorite time of year. Your great pictures remond me of why….hope the kitties are having a fun time too!
Just gorgeous! Thanks for sharing! Such a beautiful time of the year 🙂
Kelly from Eastern PA
Thanks for sharing! Fall is the BEST! I’m trying to get up to New England this fall – and you’ve inspired me to get moving!
I can’t get enough pics of New England in the fall!!
It is beautiful!!! I was there last week. The trees are beautiful and all of the fall holiday decorations on the homes in the small communities were equally beautiful. We have wonderful colors here in Colorado, but nothing to compare to the reds of New England.
Kitty
There’s no place prettier in the world than New England, especially this time of year! I’m so fortunate to have been born here, and to live here!
It’s hard not to take a beautiful photo in the fall, isn’t it? Out here in the northwest (southwest Canada) the leaves are just beginning to turn. We’ve just had the driest September in 133 years – since they started keeping local weather records. The days have been simply divine here on the “wet” coast, like an endless summer barely drifting toward fall.
you’re an awesome New England tour guide!!!!!
Lovely…..
Oh Susan…can’t wait to see the inside of the doll house. I have a vintage one I bought a few years ago and haven’t refurbished the inside. So I can’t wait to see how this one is done…maybe I’ll get some ideas for mine. Have fun on your fall adventure!
THANKS!!!!!!! My FAVORITE time of the year………beautiful colors, crisp air, crisp leaves (when walking through them!), cider, fire in the fireplace…………perfect…………..
beautiful pictures Susan-there is nothing quite like NE-of course, you live in NE too! esp. in the fall-those mums are to die for.
So nice to see that you and Joe came almost over to my neck of the woods. Just a few more minutes and you would have. Love the doll house and the color of it is so wonderful. Remindes me of the one I had when I was small. Nothing like a doll house. Too bad it didn’t go home with you. Do I have to go house hunting now? 🙂 Have a safe great trip and enjoy all that the fall is giving to us. Yeah even the rain that can make those leaves on the road a little slick. Apples from this area are truly wonderful so I hope you got some.
If you ever read an old post you asked what my middle name was. It is May.
Have fun you two. Girlfriend Hugs ! Sue
Hey Sue,
Doreen (Caruso) Strain here! I used to live in the Spencertown/Chatham area. Moved down here to Florida seven years ago. I still own a log home up off of 203 in Chatham. Nice to see someone from “HOME” on here!
P.S. any chance you are related to Colleen Stewart that owned the Chatham Bakery from years past?
Hello Sue, I am happy that you mentioned leaves on a wet road….maybe this is the perfect time to remind everyone to be extra cautious when driving after a rain this time of year….the leaves are beautiful; but, after a rain they can become dangerous on a wet slick road!!! Drive safely when out “leaf peeping”!!!
Thanks for that reminder, Deborah–how true!
;Happy Autumn, Susan! Thanks for the dose of New England in this beautiful, magickal season! The lake photo is postcard-perfect.
The doll house is wonderful; you are going to have fun with that. And won’t Jack love trying to get inside (eek!)
Take care on your trip. Robin from Liverpool, NY where Autumn is in full swing too.
Autumn colors are just beginning to show here in the South. Thank you for the iconic New England autumn photos! So lovely. At least my dollhouse is all decked out for fall!
Oh, thanks so much for “wheting our whistles” so to speak! The pictures you took are just marvelous with all the colors you would expect for this time of the year!
I agree, I love the fact that some of the trees still have green in them that adds to their beauty. You and Joe as such fun loving people and I love your energy! It’s so much fun to know people like you. Such a zest for life! It would be so easy for you two to sit and enjoy your land and beautiful new kitchen and beautiful home, but no, there is much more to see and lets go see it……love it!
Thank you for sharing your lovely vacation.
We’re heading to Ohio in two weeks to do the same thing,Susan. Off to Hocking Hills, to rent our favorite cabin in the woods on a high, high hill. Thanks for sharing your beautiful finds with the girls!
On a more serious note: Please be careful when enjoying lighting candles in this beautiful time of year. We all do it, and it’s lovely, but I had a scare this morning and had to share: I made a little vignette on a shelf in my home with a pretty autumn cloth as a backdrop, some pretty figurines and some tealights lit. I went to do a few things around the house and heard a faint beepbeepbeep, repeating itself, but so softly I almost didn’t notice it. When it persisted, I went to the kitchen to find my arrangement on fire, the flames licking the bottom of the soffit high above the shelf. I think the cloth somehow fell onto my candle, and everything went up in flames, including my two “fake” battery operated candles flanking the arrangement. Those were the culprits, since they’re so full of flammable ingredients, and they are where the flames were highest and the wallpaper most scorched and charred. Now, hours later, the wax has been scraped off my kitchen tile floor, off of the wallpaper, where the melting wax dripped, off of the kitchen chair and my desk below the shelf, and I’ve scraped off the burned wallpaper and paint, and saw how close we came to our soffit being caught on fire. We’re thanking God bigtime today, for not letting this go further, especially as my little granddaughter was watching t.v. while this was going on, before I got back to the room. We’re blessed, and I wanted to share this as a precautionary note to all of you autumn-loving, candle-loving girlfriends out there. Be very careful, as you make things pretty and homey. I thought I was being safe, too! Barbzie
Ohhh no! Barbzie, how scarey for you. I’m glad you were able to quickly contain the damage and that you and your family are safe!!! I will certainly heed your warning, as I am always lighting candles!
XOXO,
Tawni in Lodi, Ca
Barbzie, so thankful the fire did not go any further and all of you are safe. I gave up lit candles years ago when I noticed my very young daughter who had hair down to her waist bend over to blow one of my candles out and her hair almost went across the flame!!! That was it for me and now I have kitties so I am content with a warmer and no it doesn’t give the ambiance of a dim room with a lit candle; but, safety is always first. Thank you for the safety reminder!! Blessings
We just bought some battery-operated candles from Costco last Friday. I love real candles but am afraid we might leave one going on the fireplace mantel some night. I like having a small candle going in the bathroom when we have company but never do as I don’t want a candle in there unattended. And we really can’t have real candles on our coffee table with curious miniature schnauzers with their long beards! So this way we can have the “ambience” and light in the evening if we are watching a movie without the danger…when you read the statistics on the numbers of house fires that are caused by unattended or forgotten candles, it is astounding–and really makes you think twice! 🙂 I’ve come a long way to think this way as I usually like the “real thing” but the risk is just not worth it!
Thank you Thank you! As a former New Englander you did bring me “home” for a moment. You captured the essence of fall beautifully. Enjoy the rest of your scenic journey and thank you so much for sharing.
What a pleasure to accompany you and Joe on yet another interesting journey. It is beginning to feel fallish here in So Cal, too. We are enjoying 80 degree weather instead of the 100 degrees that we had just one week ago. The leaves on the trees won’t turn until closer to Thanksgiving, but I can soak in beauty of your photos.
Your photos brought tears to my eyes. I grew up in New York and left to go to college in CA and never returned. So, I haven’t seen an east coast fall since 1968. It’s on my bucket list though. Thanks for sharing.
I see a long train ride in your future …. 🙂
GORGEOUS! Especially the “basic lake scene”! LOVE IT! Just returned from Sedona, Arizona – where it was beautiful, but still so hot. The red rocks against the fantastic green trees is so, so lovely…but not a change of leaves as yet…anywhere. Back to San Diego…no change here either. Still shorts and flip-flops. Soon, I hope.
Thank you for sharing all the lovely scenery of the East coast……we had our first foggy, grey, cool morning,of Fall, here in southern California …andthe air smelled like the salty sea…..this is my favorite season….because it feels like nature is breathing a sigh, and pausing to rest. Oh, want you to know the marigold sprinkles from your autumn cookbook are wonderful! I made 3 batches,and gave some to my daughters.
Aren’t they darling … such a different thing to do with them … thanks for letting me know!
What a nice surprise to find your new post this morning! ❤ I was all prepared to wait until your return from your Antiquing Adventure! Thank you! ❤ This is especially nice because I will be in Great Barrington in the next few weeks! Thank you for the gorgeous preview! ❤
Hi Susan-
Love your pictures of those huge colorful Maple trees and best of all the great old New England houses. Crazy, for things like that! We are also having a fantastic fall here in Wisconsin and like you the reds and oranges are extreme this year due to the drought. This is the time of the year when my family and I go across the lake to the apple orchards and pick bags and bags of apples. Just thinking about apples, I can smell the applesauce bubbling away on the back burner and the crisp baking in the oven….YUM! We also walk the pumpkin patches looking for those perfect pumpkins that will be carved into spooky Jack O Lanterns. I ask you, who doesnt like Fall ! So much to do and see and eating all those warm and homey things again. Outside of Christmas, this has got to be my favorite time of year. Thank you for sharing your neck of the woods because it is gorgeous! I can’t wait to see the doll house and new book signing outfit. How extra special that Joe found it for you, now that is romantic!
By the way I especially enjoyed reading about your charm bracelet because I thought that I was the only one that still wears one. I am wild about them and like you, could give a hoot if they are in style or not, in fact just by wearing them makes them timeless.
Fondly-
Jamie 🙂
We are having a Gray and rainy day. Not much color till I saw your post. How beautiful. I love when the trees are having their split personality. Wish I could send you the wonderful smell from my pear preserves. The fragrance of preparing these preserves bring back lots of fall memories. Looking forward to all the other surprises you are going to share when you get home. Happy Fall
Travels!
It is so beautiful this weekend. I went on an Artist Studio tour in the Monadnock (NH) area today — it was a perfect day to visit these creative souls! You described the weather perfectly — colors everywhere, wind blowing leaves so they swirl like mini tornadoes and the temps in the 70’s. Can’t wait to see the doll house. So sweet.
The lake photo is my favorite–like getting a double dose of fall color. Thanks for sharing. Makes me homesick for Princeton and all the beauty of fall. Used to drive west a few miles to Pennsylvania just to look at the fall color along the way and stop at a favorite pumpkin patch.
We’re having an unusually cool weekend, so I’ve been debating whether or not it’s too early to put out the mums, pumpkins and gourds on the front steps. A few neighbors have succumbed to the temptation. I learned my lesson the first year we moved to Austin and I filled the porches with colorful fall decorations in late September. My friends admired my enthusiasm, then laughed and asked if I knew they were going to rot before Halloween? (Halloween–I had assumed they’d be there until Thanksgiving!) And so they disintegrated before my eyes and I learned that there’s nothing nastier than scraping a rotten pumpkin off the porch step. I may be forced, like others fall enthusiast in Texas, to buy a few fake ones. :-0
So funny. Exactly the same thing happened to me 20 years ago, when I moved to Texas from Ohio. Now I use fake leaves, fake pumpkins…..I just try to create Fall anyway I can!
So dreamy! Can’t wait for more….
xoxoxo
~~So much fun and beauty~~Thank you for sharing.
Susan,
What a lovely surprise! Thank you for sharing the beauty that is autumn. We’ve been having temps in the 80s in NJ! Not at all your typical fall weather. I adore doll houses. My mother used to make them, complete with electricity. I had an entire storyline for the little family that resided within its walls. I look forward to seeing all of its details.
We have gangs of wild turkeys here. I love watching the Toms courting the females. They have a ritual that makes them look like they are doing a minuet. 🙂 Yesterday Scout and I came upon a beautiful red fox on our daily walk!
Enjoy the rest of your journey.
Your Friend,
Deborah
it’s cold here today – high of 48. had to bring all my little plants inside for the winter, geraniums, cacti, ivy, aloe, all the little guys who enjoy being outside all summer had to come inside today to winter over 🙂 they will be happy they were among the chosen few – some of their friends weren’t so lucky! I know what everyone means…love the nip in the air, loved putting on a thick hoodie sweatshirt to go to the farmers market today and get my veggies, although I had wished I wore gloves! needed them! it’s time for apple crisp and spaghetti squash and chili (not necessarily at the same time) and heating up the kitchen with yummy homemade goodies! I am glad you are enjoying your Color Tour Susan! so pretty.
Wonderful pictures; cannot wait to see the doll house.
Thanks for taking us with you on your adventures.
“Weekend in New England”…can’t wait to see the inside of the dollhouse! Thanks for the leaf-peeping tour. We’re having a beautiful autumn here also…my husband and I went to the last farmers’ market of the season this morning, we are now stocked up with homemade Hutterite bread and butter pickles and pickled beets.
So pretty, thanks for sharing New England in the Fall! Enjoy the rest of your trip, look forward to reading more about your adventures!
Passing farmstands with apples and pumpkins makes one want to stop and buy something – anything! I already have ten pumpkins of various shades and sizes on the porch steps, along the doors of the garage, but there is still one more, or maybe two, waiting for me somewhere. I just can’t help myself. It’s an addiction. Thank goodness, as much as I would love an “eternal autumn,” it only comes once a year. I’d go broke and have to create an new addiction program – Pumpkins Anonymous. “Hello, My name is Audrianne and I am a pumpkinaholic”
Now that’s a meeting I’d like to go to!
I think there are a lot of us out here who need to go to that kind of meeting, too! 🙂
Gives new meaning to the term “Falling off the wagon” LOL!!!
maybe wehould start our chapter right here. i am so addicted to the Fall, anything that has Autumn on it, i want it. what a lovely addiction. 🙂
All together, girls…. “Hi, Audrianne….” Can you hear all of us, Audrianne? I’ve been a collector of pumpkin everything-and-anything since junior high [many moons ago] so I feel your pain. :>)
I look forward each day to the possibility of you having a new blog. Each one is so unique and we are never disappointed in it’s content. Beautiful photos, love the one of the lake with the trees reflected in the water. New England cannot be beat for fall color. The dollhouse is darling. I had one for many years, and hubby put it together, and we enjoyed decorating each room, visiting all the minature shops and shows around, and making rugs, cakes and candies for the bake trays in the kitchen, etc. Alas, I gave it to my grandaughters to enjoy before one of our moves. They still have it on display at their Mom’s house since both have moved off to lives of their own. Enjoying the cooler weather in Central Kentucky.
My favorite time of year I never want the season to end. New England is the best to do leaf watching. I love the smells, sights, sounds and the gentle peace that comes with it all. I LOVE the pictures-you made my day.
Treese
Thanks for the lovely trip through New England colours. I lived in Maine as a child and can still remember the beautiful autumns there. Out here on the west coast (British Columbia) we just don’t get those brilliant reds and oranges – so it’s nice to see a New England fall again.