Just another ordinary day around here …. MUSICA
Those shirts are bowing deeply! You can see our leaves really haven’t changed too much on those trees. I just wanted to say Hello this morning …. I think we should give the drawing a couple more days … so everyone has a chance to enter. ♥ I’ll get Vanna to do her magic on Monday Morning!
We’ve been busy this week …. Tomorrow my girlfriend Jaime is getting married! I have to sing, along with Jaime and our other BFF, Martha, a song, after dinner, to the groom! I am not a public singer, but this is what Jaime wants, so I’m doing it, which means I’ve been at Martha’s practicing! The song is I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight! Close your eyes, shut the door, you don’t have to worry, anymore . . . Martha and I are the back-up singers! This ➚ is Jaime’s wedding invitation, she asked me to take pictures, which I will love to do, because this is going to be one beautiful wedding . . . and I’ll see if there are any she might let me share with you. 🙂
Then, next Wednesday, four girlfriends come from California and fill up our guest rooms! So I’m having fun making it cute around here. So far, we only have a tinge of orange running along the treetops to give us a hint of what’s coming. But tonight, things might be changing.
The leaves in our kitchen are in full color! Pretty soon the big maple tree in the backyard will have just this same color. I’ve been calling around this week, trying to find a Honey Crisp Apple Tree on the island, we want to plant one in our garden.
While I’ve been spreading watercolors on our book and writing with my black ink pen, Joe hung the dried corn on the door and washed the porch ….
To decorate it with all the farm stand stuff we brought home from the trip — we’ve been walking in the windy woods too; there is a real chill in the air, the clean smell of the ocean, but the sky is clear blue and the sun is warm . . .
It’s beginning to feel a LOT like fall on Martha’s Vineyard! But the scary thing is that we have a hard frost warning for tonight . . . so this evening we have to throw old sheets over the mums and zinnias still blooming in the garden, to keep them from turning black, so they’ll still be pretty when the girls come–it’s a long time until Halloween! We aren’t ready to give up the garden yet!
I put a wreath on the door and Joe brought out the ladder to get the small pumpkins on the door ledge …. doing our part to cuten up the neighborhood.
And here’s the person who does his part to cuten up our house … it’s your Hello Kitty photo for the day … Jack, this time last year . . . He is just as cute now, but smarter and even more precious if this is possible.
When I went to the grocery store yesterday I picked up some big fat pork chops, which made me think of you …. thought you might like to do what we’re doing this weekend and make this defraptious recipe that’s perfect for this time of year — your family will melt all over the floor for the love of you for making it. Apples and sweet potatoes, raisins, cinnamon and stuffed pork chops? All baked in one pan? Who could ask for anything more! The sweet simple things of life!
Bye for now girls, have a WONDERFUL weekend. Don’t forget, if you don’t know yet, we have a wonderful giveaway going on here (scroll down to next post if you haven’t seen it) — you can leave as many comments as you want because Vanna knows to only count each one once …. so feel free! Let us know what you’re up to! ♥ I just called to say I love you! xoxo
It’s so nice that you can still hang clothes out to dry, mine would be frozen stiff after an hour…it is cooooold here! I bought mums yesterday, too. It breaks my heart that I can’t have pumpkins but the squirrels think I have set out a buffet for them! I love your little pumpkins above your door, so sweet and simple! You have really fallen at your home! ;-D
Have a wonderful time at the wedding! I’d love to see a video of you and the girls singing…hint, hint!
XO,
Jane From Chicago
That could get very iffy!
Good Morning Susan,
Your kitchen table and the various and sundry fall decorations are wonderful, warm and inviting! Love it!!
Good morning Susan! Beautiful pictures…My husband was “up north” last weekend so I headed to the library for some of your recommended movies. Oh my! I was taken away to Cranford, learned more about Beatrix Potter in “Miss Potter”, and would love to live at Starling with Mrs. Miniver! Such a pleasurable weekend with my knitting and new friends!
Just had to say hi Debbie. I grew up in MN, and have spent a lot of time in White Bear Lake. My brother owned a small house there for a while. I have had many pontoon rides on the lake. My BFF Pat Mofjeld and I have often spent an afternoon shopping White Bear and having lunch. Such a nice town..
Dear Debbie,
What does White Bear Lake, MN, look like? Such a neat name! Is it the name of your town?
Linda
We’re a suburb just north of Mpls/St. Paul. It is a beautiful little town…people used to take the train here from the cities in the early 20th century. Lots of sailing and there was an amusement park here too!
Hi Debbie, I left a comment earlier today, but it is still in moderation. I grew up in MN, and have spent time in White Bear. My brother owned a little house there for a while. My BFF Pat Mofjeld and I have spent many a day shopping and having lunch there, and I have had many pontoon rides on the lake. Such a pretty little town…
Hi Sandy! I grew up in St. Paul, got married 7 years ago and moved to WBL. My husband lived in Chisago so we split the difference! We love it here!
Hi Debbie! Sandy and I are BFF’s and, as she said, we have had many pleasant jaunts to White Bear Lake for shopping and lunch. Dawn from Minnesota, who is one of the “girlfriends” who writes comments here, and I met there for lunch this summer! My husband and I usually have seasons’ tickets to Lakeshore Players–we love the plays they put on! (Lakeshore Players is a local community theatre in White Bear Lake). We love the bookstore there, too, Lake Booksellers!
Heh, Susan–Lake Booksellers would be a PERFECT place to do a book-signing! They quite often have authors doing book-signings! Just saying… 🙂
Thank you Pat . . . I put it on my list of good bookstores to try to arrange booksignings with!
Thanks for the second chance at winning the drawing! Enjoying your drying shirts and autumn decorations … hoping the wedding is wonderful!
Good Morning Susan! Another wonderful post! Joe’s shirts did look like they were bowing, very funny. Your kitchen looks so beautiful with the fall leaves and the string of, what looks like, mini pumpkins, acorns, and leaves hanging on the window. Very cozy and inviting. Wow, a wedding and girlfriends visiting from California, exciting days ahead! We’ve decorated our home for fall and Halloween too. I do the inside and Michael does the outside. We both love this time of the year… Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas! Life is good. ♥
Good Morning to you. What a lovely way to start the day! Tomorrow is a full day of sewing seminar and Sunday we begin rehearsals for “Scrooge, the Musical”. I play Mrs. Fezziwigg, and Mrs. Dilber along with costuming the show. Oh yes, my friend is in a community theatre show which opens tonight, so we will be in the audience for her. Along with you, I am not a solo singer, very much a back-up or choir singer, but I will have to solo it for “Scrooge” during “December the Twenty-Fifth”. Almost stirkes terror in my heart except for the fact that I wouldn’t know stage fright if it stood up and bit me. You will be fine at your friends wedding. Have a great weekend.
You are lucky not to have stage fright! Especially considering what you’re about to do! 🙂
Good Morning Sunshine! Gorgeous day there – still dark here! Love the bowing shirts! Yesterday, GFs & I (Potted Ladies Garden Club) were hot glueing colorful leaves, etc., on varnished punkins & were discussing you! Were your ears ringing??? It was a delightful conversation full of wonderful words describing you and your amazing talents, we all feel blessed to “know” you! Hope your heart felt warm & fuzzy about 11am PST!!! Jaime’s invitation is precious, made my eyes sting! Can hardly wait to see the pics & hear the song!!
Your cuteing up of Branch Hall is working, your GFs will love it, as do I! Have a glorious day Sue & all! xoxo
Oh that’s where that came from! I was very happy all day yesterday! Thank you Joanie, please tell the girls I said HELLO the next time you see them! ♥
:), I will sweetie, thank you!!! xoxo
I just HAVE to ask… the Potted Ladies Garden Club? Sounds like we might have a hilarious story here… :>)
Well, the truth is, we actually borrowed the name from a darling garden shop that went out of business (& I don’t know why, maybe location, location, location! We’re quite a wild group of ladies – last week we hot glued leaves, etc., on the top of pumpkins coated with shellac! Then had a “pot” luck lunch!
How beautiful everything looks at your house. The colors are spectacular!
I’ve been to Martha’s Vineyard once and would love to go back. You know how to tempt us all!
Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us. Though I live along the east coast, we haven’t had a chance to take a drive to see the foliage.
Have a wonderful time at the wedding, and good luck with the singing.
Regards,
Gail
Thank you for the good luck wishes!
Ohh, Jack’s so cute! Have fun at the wedding tomorrow and with your guests next week. And I just discovered Honeycrisps a couple months ago and looooove them. ♥ Enjoy your sweet autumn home today. 🙂
Don’t you just love the fall season?
One of my favorites! Happy Fall!
Just have to leave hugs and kisses for your lovely post and encouragement, this morning! =]
xxooxxoo (lots of them! =])
I LOVE the video of the shirts doing their profound bows and dancing in the breeze. It made me think of the Shaker song Simple Gifts…Tis the gift to be simple, Tis the gift to be free…till, turning, turning, we come round right. What a simple joy to see laundry on a line and have a lift of the heart. Bless you, Susan. Have a wonderful weekend with your lovely, lucky girlfriends. I’ll be thinking of you singing at the wedding a la Goldie, Bette & Diane. 😉
Off to move my laundry to the dryer ( bummer…no clothes lines allowed where I live). Stacey
I love the placement of your table by the kitchen window and the lamp beside it (or on it). Looks so cozy with the lighting and the view.
It’s a very good spot for tea with girlfriends … if only that table could talk! 🙂
It’s probably good it doesn’t talk!! Your table is the perfect secret-keeper!
It’s very quiet! Probably writing a tell-all at night!
Good morning Susan!
What a cheerful post! I love Jamie’s invitation…without even knowing the bride or groom, that invite tells their story!❤
I made your corn pudding last Sunday, ummmm, I could eat that whole pan by myself! That is a marvelous recipe, a big hit with my family and one that is going to be a Urrutia family staple(even if we have to jog three miles after we devour it!) haha!
Thank you for all the joy you share with all of us.
XOXO,
Tawni in Lodi Ca
You can freeze it too Tawni … if there’s every any left over!
I tried to comment yesterday but don’t think it went through, so happy you are extending Vanna’s visit. Love the wedding invitation; have a ball at the wedding, I know your singing will be just great. We’re having a baby shower this weekend for our son and daughter-in-law. There will be more men than women! I’m going to love it. Enjoy the weekend girlfriends.
Your home is so charming inside and out. What sweet touches of autumn. (I shall be back to watch the foliage colors spread and deepen.) Hard freeze here tonight, too, so we shall see what the morrow brings. You are a dear friend to be so supportive of Jaime. (I love that name…it means “I Love,” doesn’t it? I had a student once with that name.)
It’s perfect for her, she’s the most romantic girl I ever met!
My sister’s name is Jamie~She was named after my dad James!
My Jaime has the I before the M … but it’s pronounced the same way!
Good Morning Susan! As usual you brighten my day, so i’m just commenting to say – ” I love you”!!!
We love you too Susan!! Have a wonderful time at Jaime’s wedding – we need to see your “performance”!! Her invitation is an inspiration!
Everyone will fall in love with Jack – what a cutie! Hoping that Girl Kitty is doing well also!
Enjoy your weekend! 😉
Sounds like you’re having a wonderful autumn day-pre-frost on the pumpkin. So jealous–it’s sooo humid and hot here in Austin this weekend, but yesterday I decided it was time for pumpkins and gourds on the front steps. After a week of cool weather, Mother Nature is back at it again with 90’s. Austin is overflowing with 70,000 visitors for ACL music festival, so the only thing to do is stay home and putter this weekend. Like August in MV for you…..
Best part of your video was “Joe just did the laundry”–he’s so much like my sweet brothers! They just don’t make them like that anymore do they?
Hi~
When I read your comment about frost on the pumpkin I thought of one of my favorite~ if not~ my favorite James Taylor songs ~Walking Man~ what a great song for this time of year!
Good morning wonderful post, our trees still have green on them too in the mountains of western nc but it was 39 degrees in my neck of the woods wed night and the mums were covered and I saved my nasturtiums that were in pots moving them into my basement(my dogs favorite snack). I feel the change coming no more 80s till next year. Thanks for the recipe I have all the
ingredients from my trip to the farmers market. Have a jolly time this weekend
making glorious memories.
Susan, always love your posts, every one of them. But, these Autumn ones lately have been especially lovely. So lovely in fact that Nat King Cole singing “Tis Autumn” starts playing in my head. 🙂 Thank you for sharing some of the simple joys of life. “…la de da de da de dum, tis Autumn…”
Good Morning Susan,
It is a very crispy (cold) 43 degrees here this morning and breezy, the leaves are flying past the kitchen window as I write this. We have had several hard freezes in the past 2 weeks. The farmers are busy taking off the corn and beans and at the moment are planting wheat across the road from our house.
I love seeing your home all prettified for Fall I have been putting my decorations around our house too. I made a really cute pumpkin out of old rusty canning jar rings there was a tutorial on the internet and it was so easy peasy to do. Maybe you have seen this.
I love the purple asters on your front steps. I saw some yesterday and may have to go back and purchase some!! The recipe sounds YuMMy! I did make the Corn Chowder and we loved it! Thank you for sharing your ordinary day with us!!
I am in suspense for the drawing on Monday!, Go Vanna!!
Have a terrific weekend!
Warmest regards,
Candice in OhiO
Everything looks so beautiful,and so invigorating, makes you want to be outside all the time. I had a wonderful day with my girlfriend yesterday. We went to visit her Mom so she could do her hair ( my girlfriend is the best hair dresser ever) ! And then we went vintage shopping and guess what we found ? Well, I just couldn’t pass the whole set up because I love them and I just have plan white dishes. You guessed it Rose Chintz, a whole set of 8 servings, in beautiful condition with creamer and sugar and a beautiful platter. The price was so unbelievable just couldn’t leave them there to collect more dust. So they have a new home and I can’t wait to wash them up and find a place for them. My mind is already reorganizing !
I love the shirts on the line and that Joe did his own laundry, what a MAN ! You live such a wonderful harmonious life, what a beautiful example you are to us girlfriends! Thank you for ” Another Ordin-ary Day” I just love you !!!!!!!! 🙂
Oooo, fabulous Wendy Louise!!! Good find!! I’m dreaming of a Pink Christmas!
Wendy Louise,
You could mix your rose chintz with your white dishes! Oooh! I get excited thinking about it!
Linda
Yes, indeed. That “Rose Chintz” pattern is SO pretty and has been around for such a long time – it’s a classic! You’ll be able to set the most beautiful tables, Wendy – have fun! :>)
Hi Linda,
Hoping you can share your favorite memories from your son’s wedding. Hope your whole weekend was wonderful from beginning to end!
♡Dawn
Dear Dawn,
Thanks for asking! It was a wonderful weekend, beginning with the rehearsal dinner. I had it at my home. It was so much fun decorating with fall things–pumpkins, mums, zinnias from my garden, lanterns. I was hoping for mild weather–and it was–so I had two tables out on the patio and several seating arrangements inside. I loved watching everyone connecting, having fun, talking about things they did in the past.
And the wedding was just perfect. My son took me down the aisle to be seated. He is so tall and handsome. Both of their faces just radiated joy and happiness. She has four other sisters and one of them is married to my youngest son! How about that??
They return on Sunday and as you can imagine, I can’t wait to see them! They had their honeymoon at Hilton Head, SC and it sounds like they had good weather.
Dawn, you are a sweet girlfriend to remember about this very special day and ask me!
Lots of Love,
Linda
Yes I can mix them and it looks fantastic! I found room in the dining area of the kitchen in our hutch. I am having so much fun cleaning them and making them all sparkly. I can’t believe my luck! Thanks for letting me share my excitement!!!
Your home is always so cozy and sweet…… must be cold on your island this morning !
Chilly! We are on our way out the door, and will be bundling up!
Another perfect Autumn day here in Pa. Hubby & I both hang wash. I will be doing sheets today. Nothing better then sheets dried on the line in the fresh air. We will sunggle down tonight in the delight of them.
Your kitchen looks really cozzy! Thanks for the photo of Jack.Wish I could be a neighbor, you could bring both Jack & Girl kitty over for stays when you go on your trips. They would love Miss Betty’s house, there are no off limits. Me Casa-Su Casa……..^-^ “Get the ball Jack” 🙂
That’s it … with Jack you get new muscles in your arm!
Yep!!
You always get me in a fall kind of frenzy, lol! Love seeing your pictures and your kitchen looks beautiful. Hope mine will turn out half as nice. We haven’t got much color yet either but I’m enjoying the anticipation of what is to come.
Have a lovely weekend. Jack is a doll. Give Girl kitty a pat or cuddle for me. My new kitty is doing great and is about the size Jack was last year. He likes a soft ball and carries it around the house. Kittens are so much fun!!!
So lucky Sandra. If the world worked just right, I would get a kitten a year! 🙂
A kitten a year! Now isn’t that a precious idea! Hmmm….I’ve never had more than two cats at one time, but I could do three! As we say in Italian class, “Buona giornata!” (Have a good day.)
Maybe there should be a kitty library, where you can check them in and out, have three for a while, then only two, and if guests come, you can get one for them.
There used to be a hotel in Wabasha, MN (I think it was called The Anderson Hotel) that had a “cat room”–a room with little kitty beds all over and it was filled with kitties that you could rent one with a room!!! They had a very good restaurant that we stopped and ate at once when we were out on a jaunt and then we toured it and peeked in the window of the “cat room”. (Gulp, the very thing of my nightmares!!!) LOL!! 🙂
Love these autumn days …crisp air, bursting color, the light hitting in such a different way and the fun evenings cooking fall recipes with yummy smells coming out of the kitchen! …Happy days to you!
Hi Linda,
Where is Gardnerville, NV? Just curious? Tricia B. from Brazil, IN.
hello Tricia let me see, its been a long time since i have been there, but i thinks its close to Nellis AFB, and the town of Minden. i know its easy to get to from South Tahoe, but quite a distance. hope that helps.
Susan, this is why we love being around you so much. You take delight in the ordinary, opening our eyes and ♡s to our own ordinary that’s right here before us. And then you inspire us to embellish our ordinary with nature’s beauty to add that spice to life. And as soon as I can get to the grocery store that pork chop recipe is going on my menu for the week!
Thank you for remembering to include Jack at the end! 🙂 If you need me to hold your feet to the fire about something else, just let me know! I’m a good taskmaster when it comes to anyone but myself!
Somebody has to do it! Otherwise where would we be?
I am going to buy a leaf garland to go in my kitchen!
Enjoy the wedding and I love the invitation,best wishes to your friends.
Thank you for the recipe…..sounds perfect for a crisp, sunny, fall day! Have a wonderful, wonderful wedding! Hope to see video….;-)
Everything looks gorgeous! I need to put up a clothes line outside! I miss hanging my clothes and sheets out! Have a wonderful time at the wedding! Praying it’s perfect!!!
Love you back!
I love laundry on the line. I always think of my Grandmother when I am hanging sheets. Making sure the ends are lined up, everything even! LOL Pillowcases first then the sheets. She has been gone for a long time, but lives in me, and all her grandchildren for that matter, forever.
Also love the invitation. Hope over experience!
Weather has cooled a little, I need to buy some pumpkins. As long as you don’t cut them, they last longer. Looking like rain again….bring it on!
Good luck with your new gig as a back up singer. “You can do it!”, as my granddaughter used to say. XXOO
And, Chris, did you learn to hang your underwear in between the sheets so they were hidden from view??
Linda
LOL…..I hadn’t heard that one!! And don’t remember that. I will have to ask my mother! But what a great idea!
My Grandparents, both sets, lived in Somerset County. Still have family there, Aunts and cousins. So I always look for your posts and Betty Marie’s, since Pennsylvania is in my genes.
How did the wedding go? Will they be living nearby?
Chris
Good morning Linda!
I’m right there with Chris, how was your son’s wedding?
I hope is was MAGIC!❤❤❤
XOXO,
Tawni in Lodi Ca
Dear Tawni,
It WAS magic! I like your words! If you scroll up a little bit, you can read what I told Dawn about the wedding. (Hope you don’t mind doing that!)
A year before this, they were in my youngest son’s wedding, going down the aisle together. Then they just started to “hang out”–no romantic feelings at all (although, as you can imagine, as a mom I had a lot of hopes!) but several months later they announced they were dating! It is definitely a good match and I am so happy for them!
Love,
Linda
Dear Chris,
Oops! I didn’t mean to leave you out of the note about my son’s wedding, Chris. At first I only saw Tawni’s comment. Once I posted mine, I scrolled up only to see that you had asked about it also!!
How sweet you are to remember! Feel free to read my note to Dawn a couple of comments above this one and you can find out all about what happened.
So did you ever live in PA? Just so you know, we had our first frost last night, but today was sunny, crisp and mild. Leaves haven’t changed color too much yet, but I can tell it will be soon!
Love,
Linda
Hi Linda, Glad the wedding went well. Love the story about your son and his “prospective” bride going down the aisle together a year earlier and not knowing where the future would take them! Fate. You sound very pleased with your daughters-in-law and that is always so nice. I’m crazy about my daughter-in-law also. With only one child, it’s been a lovely addition for me.
That frost should bring on some color! Enjoy it. We only go from green, to yellow and brown! But we have been getting much needed rain. I would love to think we are coming out of this drought.
Chris
Only you, Susan, can put JOY into doing Laundry! You also inspired me to pull out my Fall/Holloween decorations, makes my house Smile 😉 Orange and green leaves on the fireplace, orange cloth pumpkins by my front door, even put a quilt (yard sale find of $5!) on my couch. Getting ready to ‘snuggle down’ for the cooler nights.
May the sun shine on the Bride and Groom this weekend!
So right, Ro! To me it’s not officially Fall until the first night climbing into a completely top-and-bottom-sheet, comforter-cover-flannel bed! :>)
~ Good Morning~
It is very Fall ~ like here in Wisconsin. Door County was absolutely beautiful last weekend!
I am in~ between Fall and Halloween with the decorating here. My granddaughters want Nonny~ Nana to put up the Halloween decorations today!~ I too have to amp up the cuteness for the girls ( and boy) ~ hubby always says you do it for yourself too! ~Yes I do!!~
I am in complete pumpkin ~ overload mode~ pumpkin cookies, tea, creamer, bread and even cream cheese! I decided today to make Chocolate Eclair Cake instead of another spice cake~ overload on that too! Listening to Autumn in New York radio on Pandora.
Congrats to Jaime!
~ Happy Day~
Lynn
my little grandson Joshua fell in love with Jack today! It’s the little things…
I just came in from sweeping leaves off the deck. We’ve had several hard frosts this week and wind during the days so most of the leaves from the ash tree seem to have deposited themselves on our deck. Rain is predicted tomorrow so I decided I’d better get the leaves off the deck before the rain! 🙂 Most of our leaves are gone already with the high winds we’ve had. We put cornstalks with pumpkins on the deck and the front steps so I’m thinking we will drive to our friend’s farm sometime this weekend and bring back some cornstalks. Fanny and Betti will be assigned “squirrel watcher duty” as last year the squirrels discovered the corn and pumpkins–I didn’t know that squirrels ate pumpkins! You have a good weekend, too, and I’ll look forward to seeing photos of the wedding–I hope Jamie will okay you sharing some.
pat try spraying your pumpkins with vinegar, they don’t like that. or believe it or not try windex they don’t l;ike the ammonia either. hope it helps. we do this and they leave our pumpkins alone.
Thanks, I’ll try it! 🙂
I usually have pumpkins around the yard for the fall and get rid of them before Christmas decorating. Last year, it was still so mild when holiday time arrived, it seemed a shame to toss out perfectly fine pumpkins. So I decided to mix a few small ones in with my pine boughs and cones on the back porch and left a big pumpkin out all winter in the garden. We had so much fun watching the squirrels eat the pumpkin that I’ve decided to do it again. They chewed a big enough hole near the top and then actually disappear into the pumpkin to get the seeds! Eventually, they devoured the whole pumpkin. It was a Christmas present for the squirrels and they, in turn, provided us with free entertainment all winter! We’ve spent years trying to get rid of the squirrels but finally discovered that life is so much easier if we just tolerate their antics.
Well, the squirrels weren’t that tidy eating our pumpkins on the deck and front step–there were pieces of it all over which created a real mess and it kind of looked like the pumpkins had exploded! Then they started in on the gourds. We took what was left and placed it down by the pond in the park in front of our townhouse for the deer to finish off. Two days later we got a call from a neighbor who saw the deer eating it. He said, “Well, I don’t know if those pumpkins the deer are eating are yours but they sure look like the ones from your deck and I have to tell you that it is illegal to feed the deer here in Shoreview!” Norm and I joked that next he would be reporting us for feeding the birds! 🙂
Hello, Pat – in my neighborhood the squirrels climb up and eat all the kernels off the Indian corn “bouquet” I have on my front door! Every Fall I have to buy a minimum of 2 bunches for the limber little fellows! Just put the second one up and it seems early for that – I think they’re telling their friends! :>)
they are, i know they are and they sit up in the trees all summer long and plot revenge for the Autumn when they can bomb you with acorns…LOL!!!
pat, try spraying them with vinegar or ammonia, works for us and the squirrels hate the taste in their mouths. of course if it rains, you will have to spray them again, but its worth it to keep the squirrels away. good luck..hugs…. 🙂
Dear Susan,
I must have sent my comment a moment too soon b/c your new posting came out and I sent my note to the old one! Ah, well, you can read that when you get around to it.
I always dread those early frosts, especially when the two weeks or so after that, we may have beautiful weather. I will hope for the best for you. Last night the report threatened with, “spotty frost!”–a new one to me. Our home sits on a hill overlooking countryside so we are usually the last to get frost.
I loved the picture of Jack and missed him in the past blog or two, (just saying).heh,heh
Your kitchen is looking beautiful–and that blue paint gives your room a nice polished look. Very good choice, I must say, all of us girlfriends made!!
So much fun ahead for you–the wedding, your girlfriends coming! Enjoy it all!
Lots of love,
Linda
Good morning Susan. Love the fall and all that goes with it! Reading your blog and having a piece of apple pie I made yesterday. Used a variety of different apples that were locally grown. My husband said it was the best pie ever. Think he’s looking for “brownie” points. We planted a honey crisp tree this summer. They are the best apples. The deer got into the fence we have around it and ate some of the leaves off. Think it will be ok. You’ll have to tell us all about the wedding! This weekend is exciting for us. Our daughter is expecting a little boy anytime so we will head to Wyoming as soon as she calls. You have a great and blessed weekend.
congratulations Linda, i hope its a healthy baby.
We all love you too! Thanks for all you share with us – – it is immeasurable!
Have a great day and wonderful weekend.
Love you too!!! It is always my great pleasure to read your blog!!
Love the fall pictures, we have such a different fall in So.Cal but rain yesterday and much cooler temperatures, finally!!!
After some 80 days of sunshine & warmth, we are now getting rain here in the PNW. I am thinking that pork chop recipe would be a wonderful way to soothe our sadness over the end of blue, bright skies. . . And I am still in love with your kitchen, especially the table right by the window. It looks so cozy and comfy!
Barbara….I know how you feel about the sadness! Isnt it difficult to switch back into the rain and dark clouds? It has been so gorgeous here for so many consecutive days! I think the pork chop recipe also sounds wonderful for overcoming this weather. Have a wonderful weekend!
As always, you inspire me to get cracking with some autumn decorating around here. Seeing Jack helps me keep the faith as we endure the transition of our “shelter kitty” to our home. Almost a week now, and she is still spending the day in a tiny cubby hole in the gas fireplace (very ingenious hiding spot) and coming out at night to eat and do her business (thankfully she is civilized in that way!). Hopefully we just need to give her time to adjust. Anyway, great to hang out on your blog and find things to lift my spirits. Your friend’s wedding sounds wonderful and unique. Love the invitation! As for your singing performance, break a leg!
OK! Thank you!
Good morning, Susan and everyone! It IS a chilly day here in Chicagoland… but the sun is out and shining and the air is crisp and invigorating… too windy for leaf raking, but so pretty. We have been covering our tomatoes and herbs off and on the last few weeks… trying to prolong the harvest. I will bring some of the herbs indoors; in the midst of getting them ready for that, too.
Susan, have a lovely and wonderful time at Jaime’s wedding tomorrow. Singing WITH the bride to the groom has got to be so very special. I hope we get to see that if at all possible. Please pass along all or our best wishes for a lifetime of joy and happiness to Jaime and her sweetheart.
Love all your fall touches… and the lamp on the kitchen table is so lovely. I have several small lamps in our kitchen to add to the warmth during the fall and winter; having more light when it gets dark so early is wonderful, and adds such a nice glow to the kitchen.
Does Jack miss his ladder? Has he found another high up perch? How is Girl Kitty doing? Does she still tend to leave when Jack enters??
I am sure you will have a wonderful day tomorrow, and then when your girlfriends come… another round of great memories to be made. Enjoy each and every moment! All the best to all of you…
Jack just came down the front stairs batting his ball like a soccer player right into my studio! He doesn’t have a ladder, but he has the top of the fridge!
I just KNEW that Jack would find some place from which to survey the world. Good for him!
We had a cat named just Kitty who adopted us when I was in sixth grade… just showed up one morning and stayed. She used to love to tease our dog… she’d perch on the back of a chair in the living room that the dog liked to sleep under. She’d wait til Heidi was asleep, lean over the edge, and tap the dog on the back. The dog would awaken, very startled, and sit up and bark. The cat, meanwhile, would draw back in the chair so the dog (who was a short wonderful little mutt) couldn’t see her. She did this multiple times a day until the dog would move to a different spot. Cats are VERY clever and resourceful!
Sending wishes for a wonderful wedding day for Jaime and her sweetheart!
All of your decorations looks so darling! Very festive! I wish you the very best of luck with singing at your friend’s wedding….I hope you arent too nervous. I admire that you are doing this….and taking pictures. I hope you have a lot of fun, and congratulations to your friend on her marriage! 🙂
It sounds like so much fun for you with the wedding, and out of town friends visiting, and getting the house prepared! You dont have to answer, but I have wondered if JOE does all of the housecleaning? lol. You are so busy and you have such a lovely clean house ….if he does, he is a GEM!
Jack is definitely the cutest part of the house ….and GK when she appears! He is definitely the baby of your family….you can tell he believes that he is…and he loves being pampered and doted on. Have a wonderful weekend and visit with some of your other “girlfriends”!!! 🙂
Joe and I split things up; but he loves home too, cooks like a dream and makes the bed too!
What an unexpected gift to see that you’d posted anew this morning! Loved those shirts! Bowing? … or doing their morning stretches?? Seeing your kitchen table, so cozy and so lived upon (you’re always so real and down to earth!) warms the heart. Ongoing gratitude to you for being the treasure that you are. The front of Jaime’s wedding invitation is wonderful, and speaks of a delightful union, as does her choice of song for you girls to sing. Can’t wait to hear about the wedding, as well as the visit with your CA GF’s! xoxo
Hugs to Jaimie! Love her invitations–our daughter was 36 when she got married, 6 years ago last Sunday–an October bride, as well. She waited till her soul mate came along–kissed a lot of frogs, had her share of heartbreak before our now dear son-in-law came into her life, at the exact time he was supposed to do. The universe truly does unfold the way it should, if we’re patient enough to let it. Good luck with the back-up singing gig! I would probably still be sobbing from the bride’s entrance to Ashokan Farewell, but that’s just me 🙂
No, it’s not just you! I will be a puddle!
Hi Susan,
I too am busy tending to the Fairfield House making things extra special for company we will be having this weekend. We too have a frost warning tonight so I will be cutting the last blooms of summer and bringing my hanging and potted plants into my studio. Your garden looks beautiful with the pops of autumn added. Have fun at the wedding! {Psst…two words…lip sync} 😀
Will be making those stuffed pork chops next week!
Your Friend,
Deborah
hello, good morning susan and everyone. its is chilly here this morning, and frosty at 42 degrees. we do have storm moving in from the coast so rain by tonight. the squirrels are in the oak tree by the barnyard, bombing G.W., our big old rooster, he’s been crowing and making racket and i guess they are letting him know their opinion of that, also its their vantage point to bombing the ducks when they go swimming every morning in their duck pool, splashing and quacking. one can only hope they run out of acorns soon…LOL!!! i love the fall decorations, we have our pumpkins out on the porch, brought thm in last night as we had a frost warning, may again tonight as its going to be frosty tonight as well. the cats are busy sniffing and examining the pumpkins, never saw such busy noses before..hehehe!!! well as mu husband says have fun at the hen party with the girlfirends, and have fun at the wedding, good luck with the singing. try some tea with lemon and honey just before singing, makes the voice sweeter. uh oh the turkeys have a squirrel treed, better get out there and rescue the lil furball before they decide to get even for the bombings. have to get out there anyway and feed them. its definitely Fall here. have a great day today everyone, and a great weekend. Happy Fall everyone. hugs…. 🙂
rainy day today, good day for baking bread and gives me time to get the quilt clean and ready for the quilt festival next weekend. we have one every year, this year we are doing it at the senior center in town. have to go rescue another furball, the turkeys are busy picking on the squirrels when they are on the ground. payback for bombing them i guess. hugs….. 🙂
Loved reading about the turkeys and the squirrels and ducks! Sounds like a wonderful place to live, except cold! Thanks for a fun post!
thank you Victoria, cave junction is a wonderful place to live, there is alot of history around the area, and alot of wonderful people that don’t mind giving you a hand when you need it or that just stop and talk and pass the time with you. the ducks and turkeys are settling in for their morning naps right now, the squirrels ar getting fueled up for more mischief, i leave some peanuts and sunflower seeds out for them on a stump and they love it. i does get cold around here, we do get snow in the winter, and lots of rain. right the town is gearing up for Halloween, this next weekend is the Quilt show, and the local Haunted Graveyard tours are starting up. we have some places that have corn mazes and pumpkin patches for everyone and come Halloween there is a big carnival for the kids over at the local park. its a great place to live, always something going on. have a great day today, Happy Fall!!! hugs…. 🙂
Good Afternoon Sweet Sue! I L♥ve You Too! 🙂 Breezy Clean Laundry on The Line! Heavenly! Sue…You CAN Sing! You have a Beautiful Voice! So Congratz to Jaime The Bride! & I Know The Bride & Martha & You…Singing….to The Groom…it will Be Magical!…Have Fun! & Then Next Week… 4 California Girl~Friends Filling Up Your Guest~Rooms!….Jack will Be Wild with Excitement(Meow!) …All The Laughter & Joy in The House! Yay! Your Autumn Decorations are Gorgeous! I Love those Little Pumpkins Up on The Ledge! & All The Pumpkins & Gourds You Brought Home from Your Autumn~Adventure! My New Saying for “Fall”…& Halloween~Time Is … Ready…? “Thank~Boo”! 😉 Get it? Instead of “Thank~You” lol I’ve Gone Autumn~Crazy! 😉 Wishing You Sweet Sue & Joe & Girl~Kitty & Jack…a Glorious Autumn Weekend…Stay Warm & Cozy My Friends! Love & Autumn~Pixie~Dust…Everywhere! xoxo Poof! 🙂 ♥ ♥ ♥ & “Thank~Boo” for Everything! 😉 ♥
P.S. Hey Sweet Sue…When do You Put That Ghosty~Boy in Your Window? I Love Him! lol xoxo Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! ♥
Not long from now, about a week and a half before Halloween probably. Happy day Angie!!
Booooooooooooooootiful! I Just Love That Ghosty~Boy Up in The Window….Spooky Yet so Cute! 😉 xoxo Poof!
I sort of picture the groom sliding off his chair and under the table during this song ! But it will be fun! Thank-Boo back to yoo!
lol 😉 Tooo Funny Sweet Sue…The Groom Will Love You Singing Girlies! Just Have Fun! I Know You Will! “Thank~Boo” to Yooooooooooo Tooooooooooo! (Perfection!) 🙂 xoxo Poof!
If he does, get a pic!
No photo … He maintained his self-composure!
… what a nice surprise… the little four year old that I take care of just asked to see “Jack the Cat” again… and wow, you posted again for us , as busy as you are !!….dear Jamie couldn’t have found a better photographer ( and dearest friend ) to be at her wedding !!….you and Martha and Jamie singing together at her wedding will be just magical….and quite memorable as well… as for the freezing temps. …well, we’ve already experienced unusually cold weather for this time of year also…. all we can do is work with it and enjoy…have a wonderful weekend celebration !! …take care and with love…
Susan, Thank you for the beautiful pictures, I loved them!!! Fall is such a beautiful time….I hung my fall flag this morning and my husband mowed (maybe for the last time, we’ll see) and I worked on flowers, porches and the deck, cleaning and putting away the summer things. I love the bright orange of the pumpkins and brilliant yellow of the mums around at my house. I can smell the cinnamon cooking and taste the crisp, sweet apples. Love it, love it!!!!!
I have a question…..I need a bed skirt, could you recommend a few places maybe have worked for you, if you have one? I’ve been looking on line, just thought you might have a great suggestion. Thank you so much. 🙂
Have a beautiful weekend with your friends. We are celebrating our only grandson’s 6th birthday!!!! Happy Birthday sweet Zack!!!!!
Thanks again for helping make all of our lives sweet and bright!!!!
Bobbie
xxxxxxx
Happy Birthday to Zack!!
Hi Bobbi Ann,
I have had great luck with bed skirts at Ballard designs. They have a terrific web site and catalog. Best wishes!
❤Tawni from Lodi Ca
Hey Susan,
I am at the Outer Banks in NC on the last day of our vacation. We – (my son and his family and my daughter and her family and my wonderful husband) have really enjoyed the ocean air. We live in the central part of North Carolina so this is a real treat for us to enjoy the ocean. The last day is always filled with saddness and joy. Reading your post today has me excited to go home and decorate my home for fall. Now it seems a little easier to pack the bags and head for home even though this week has been the best!
Before I go I wanted to let you know that we went to a few antique stores here on the island and I found not one but two little sailor men that I feel sure were just like Pete. It was such a surprise to see them sitting there on the shelf.
Well out to the ocean I go. Can’t wait until the next post from you. They so keep me motivated and inspired to really enjoy my “eveyday”. Love to you!
Have fun back home Cindy! It’s getting awfully pretty out there!
Susan,
I just wanted to compliment you on your picture taking. They look so nice, they radiate the fall theme! I love them.
Thank you Kim xo
After seeing your decoration for fall season, I am off to the Farm to pick
up my pumpkins! Have a cement goose on the porch that gets a change of
outfit for every holiday and season. Has a devil outfit on now and will have
Pilgrim outfit for Thanksgiving.
Loved the embroidered towel, I have embroidered two sets of pillow cases
in the last couple months, but haven’t been able to find towels with the old
embroidery work or stamped ones either to work.
We did have frost on the pumpkins last night!
A goose in a devil outfit! 🙂
wonder if they have a devil suit big enough to fit turkeys?????
Could be very cute!
it would be cute, and a devil of a job getting them into the outfit. i don’t think they would agree to wearing a pilgrim outfit though…LOL!!!!
Hi Dearest Susan!! Love the post! Thanks again for always sharing your lovely life with us. I think we should get to see you sing…that would be wonderful!! 🙂
Your home looks wonderful for the season- so inviting and charming and you take such care to bring out each detail!! 🙂 Love it!! I hope you have a fabulous weekend. If we can’t hear you sing..maybe a picture or two? Thanks for the recipe too….you are truly a blessing!! GOD Bless you, Joe, Girl Kitty and Jack!!! 🙂
Love and Hugs, Tricia B. 🙂 XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Hi, Sue, the super-blogger~
I so enjoy the way you weave your blog together, drawing us in from the start and after twists and turns to delightful detours, you bring us back home. I guess it must be true: practice makes perfect.
I just love the “shelf” above your door ~ just right for the little munchkin pumpkins! And I have one question this time: What in the world is that lovely green pot? I’ve never seen something like that? Can you tell us about it?
Well, the weather prediction for my neighborhood is for a hard frost tonight – down to 26 degrees! So I’ll be out this afternoon covering my mums and my herbs….after I pick some parsley, basil and rosemary for the pot of minestrone I’m making today. The high school homecoming football game is tonight and we’ll be going to watch my nephew play. It will be so good to have the hot soup to keep us warm! It’s supposed to go up to 70 by Sunday, though, so there will be much more gardening ahead before I tuck them to bed for a winter nap.
Looking forward to your wedding post…just so much JOY to be able to share this special time with friends and family!
Love you back…
xoxoDebbie
Hahahahaha!
“…when I went to the grocery store yesterday I picked up some big fat pork chops, which made me think of you …” I know what you mean, but at first glance, I took this COMPLETELY another way. And THANK YOU for another terrific belly-laugh! No kidding – have not been able to wipe the smile off my face for more than an hour! This one is right on up there with “Richard the snoring foghorn…” :>) :>)
Have lots of fun at Jaime’s wedding! I thought that was coming up soon. Your song will be great. If you can, keep a thermos of hot tea [no milk] with you. Apparently great for keeping throats warmed up according to one of my college suitemates, a voice major. I can’t picture a more beautiful setting for an October wedding than Martha’s Vineyard. Hope Jaime gets to ‘relax’ and just be the Bride. Or is she going to cater the wedding as well? A friend of a friend attended some kind of party on the Island that Jaime’s firm catered – a fundraiser maybe, back in the late 90s I think, and still talks about how glorious the food was! His word – glorious. :>)
Thanks for sharing your beautiful fall! Your blogs are a very bright spot in my day! I think I will try your pork chop recipe soon. Sounds great!
Enjoy a wonderful weekend.
Wahoo Susan!
I just came in the house from the market with a nice pack of center cut pork chops ………how is that for good timing? Put them in the frig and came in to check my mail and your blog and voila, there was your recipe for stuffed poke chops……..guess you know what I will be baking tomorrow, right? Oooo thanks so much. Have fun at the wedding! It is such a perfect time of year for one!
There is a little bite in the air for sure though. Stay warm!
Hello Susan. I have enjoyed your pictures of your leaf peeping trip. Our leaf color starts next month. So to kick off our fall we go on an apple hunt. We have a local apple hill which does have delicious aPples, but we like the hunt and more variety so we go up to Philo Ca to get some of the heritage apples—Just to name a few Connell Red, Winter Banana , Cox Orange Pippen , and Pink Pearl. (The flesh is pink and the cider is pink. So cute as well as delicious). I hope you can find a Honey Crisp tree They are so good! Enjoy your autumn!!
Hi Susan,
The house looks great. You are making me get in gear and decorate too. BTW—Love the Wedding invite–it is so real. Thanks for the frost warning I feel like I run a plant orphanage around here, I will be moving my potted beauties in and tucking in the infants for the evening,
Mary
oh my, did i miss a drawing? put my name in please……it is almost my 6something birthday and winning something may soffen the blow! i am in love with the doll houses you posted. if men can build train rooms,why not doll house rooms? doll houses are magical. i have wanted one since i was little. many years ago i found two very sweet tiny house shaped tins in a tea shop and when you opened them the insides were beautiful embossed insides of a home. they have been with me ever since…kinda my ‘mini mini’ doll house. they were made in England. anyway, Miss Susan, thankyou for the dreams.
xoxo Barbara!
Your kitchen table area looks so cozy! I’m trying to figure out how to put a lamp on my table now… but it sits in the middle of the room. Your clothes line full of wash reminds me to get busy here — haha. Don’t you just love getting things ready for company? Me too!
I really do! I have the cleanest kitchen, and now the rest of it will match! The guest rooms are at the two far ends of the house, and our room, and sewing room is in the middle. So the four girls will be running back and forth upstairs, which means, oh yes, all must be organized!
Oh! A wedding! Don’t we all LOVE weddings?!? I’m sure your vocal rendition will be very special, too, Susan.
Yum! Wish I hadn’t done my marketing! Now I’m hungry for “your” pork chops! I will have to add that to next week’s list.
We’ve had no frost here, though there were warnings a couple of nights. I think outlying areas may have had their first-of-the-season frost. My husband just commented that we needed one to take care of those pesky little worms that are eating up our planting of fall greens! The greens actually come through frost all right.
What fun you will have preparing for your company! I know they will enjoy every minute they are on Martha’s Vineyard!
Sending happy week-end wishes!
xo Nellie
I love you, too, Susan. You have added so much joy to my life through the sharing of your own. Sunday I made the Kale Soup from your Heart of the Home, using fresh corn rather than garbanzo beans and sweet potatoes rather than plain. It is so delicious. I cook the sausage separately, so I can have a couple of meatless meals with it, with just salad. Perfect because, finally, Fall has come to SoCal. Yesterday I went out, went into the library, came out and it had rained and there was a huge rainbow! Love the Stevie Wonder today. A friend had the chance to meet him, and I have a photo of the two of them. He has his arm around her and she is outshining any Christmas tree! Was delighted to learn you are going to sing Be My Baby Tonight for your friend’s wedding. We keep learning more wonderful things about you! And I used to sing and play that years ago, you inspire me to pull it out again. Love your flowers and pumpkins, and Joe reminded me to get my corn out and hang it (of course, metaphorically, I do that quite often). The purples and oranges and deep greens are so wonderful! And the shirts on the line. My family was from Massachusetts, although I, the very youngest, was reared in Lakewood, Ohio, and we just visited back east. The family is gone, but you keep me in touch with this rich part of my heritage, Susan, and I’m deeply grateful. Just remember, when you perform, just Sing for the Song, and your friends. I hope someone records this performance and you post it here. Music is such a wonderful way for friends to share. Also cats. Thanks for the Jack for the day. Best wishes to all the Girlfriends! (I’m just aglow here lately!)
Loved your whole comment ….. especially your girlfriend “outshining any Christmas tree!” ♥
…for Halloween, I can just put my chin on the windowsill….
Enjoyed all your fall colors and decorations. We just returned from a trip to New England with 5 days in Vermont, where the colors were striking, even in the rain. Saw the wonderful movie “The real Maria” , a documentary shown daily at the Von Trapp Family Ski Lodge, Stowe, Vt, on Maria’s memories as she travels back to Austria, before she died. Very uplifting and inspiring. We didn’t stay there (as it is quite expensive) but the view is gorgeous. Also saw the tiny, beautiful new Tasha Tudor museum in Brattleboro, Vt with a display of 1830 dresses, some of which she made. There is a documentary on her on PBS. She lived and dressed as if she was still in 1830, as well as writing and illustrating about 100 books. Talk about imagination! Love Autumn!
Have a great day.
t
Hi Susan
I just love to follow along with you on your adventures and love all the autumn pics you take. I live in the desert so we don’t really have a change of seasons. I really want to some day get there and see for myself how beautiful it is. Till then I will dream through you! Thanks so much for cheering me up each time I read your blog. I check every day to see if you have posted anything new. Hope to win the drawing this time! Love it!
Everything looks so “fall” around your home. The leaves around your kitchen window are a wonderful touch, as well as the pumpkins over your front door, so cute. Wish I was there to smell those bright, white bouncing shirts. It must be gorgeous. No laundry hanging here on the west coast of Vancouver Island as it is raining today, and looks like it will be from now until April. We really need it though, everything is so brown and dried out. The cats like to get outside to eat the grass every now and then, but there have been pretty slim pickin’s lately. Has Jack been allowed outside yet? I bet he would love to play in the leaves. Have a wonderful weekend, and enjoy your friends wedding. It sounds like a lot of fun will be had.
No, Jack hasn’t been out. Another one of my girlfriends lost a kitty to traffic the other day. 🙁 Jack seems to be fine being inside, he never races for the door; I would just have a fit if something happened to him. He has such focus, for instance when he sees a fly, or a bird on the feeders …. he would chase a butterfly up the side of a wall and into the street without a thought of danger in his little head.
Our sweet Shadow (14-years old) never goes out “intentionally”. I just couldn’t bear losing him and decided long ago that he was an inside kitty. He occasionally sneaks out though to roll in the rose bed mulch right next to the bird feeder, but puppy Newton quickly lets me know “the cat’s out….” and never leaves his side until he saunters back into the kitchen-quite annoyed that he has been found out. Newt is definitely our kitty’s watch dog, which is very cute. He’s follows commands like a dog though–when I tell him “come back inside kitty”, he puts his tail up and strolls back to the door. I swear he’s part human. 🙂
He sounds wonderful! I love it when mine do what they’re told, but I know for sure they don’t do it for ME!
So glad you’ve decided to keep Jack inside. Cats, cars and roadways do not mix. We have a pixie bob cat and she is slightly overweight. She goes out into our yard, but doesn’t bother to jump over the fence or climb up the trees. Seems quite content to wander around the yard sniffing into the grass and shrubbery. She doesn’t stay out long, seems to prefer our company and loves to nestle in when we’re sleeping. I, also would have a fit, if something should happen to her.
our cats are all indoor cats, roads, fast cars and cats are a dangerous mix here. and since we live on highway, the cats are definitely indoor cats. plus with the critters out here, raccoons, possums, foxes, bears and big cats..along with deer and squirrels and wild turkeys its really not a safe or smart to let your cat out. my heart would be broken if something happened to my babies.
I’m not quite sure what to think of that…..”picked up some nice fat pork chops”…”and thought of you” ….. Hahahaha! Well, I AM a little pudgy, so I guess that is why! LOL Thanks for a lovely post, especially precious Jack! Love him!
Not exactly what I was saying! LOL, didn’t come out just right!
Hi Susan! I remember my mom always hanging wash out on the line no matter what season it was. My sisters and I had frozen sweaters in the Winter!!! I loved seeing your video. And thanks so much for sharing your home with us. Love all of the photos.
Have a BLAST singing at the wedding tomorrow. You are a woman of many talents!!!! Best wishes to the soon-to-be bride and groom, too!
Have you decided to forgo the valances in your kitchen? Or are you still deciding what you want to put up there. The leaves look so pretty. There are wonderful garlands for each season. I intertwine Christmas lights in mind in the livingroom to help light the room up.
Kinda want something new…but not sure, because natural light is so wonderful too. And garlands!
Hi~
I have a small double hung window in my kitchen (south facing) and what I like to is tie a vintage apron across the top~ I have a curtain rod hung there that I tie the ends to.
For each holiday or season I change the apron~ right now I have a black gingham checked one~ my sort of everyday one but soon I will be putting up my Halloween one. I have also used cute, vintage type dish towels and hankies tied together.
My old house windows are all custom sizes so I had to improvise!
To do!
Cute idea Lynn!
Have a great wedding party tomorrow and good luck with the singing. Your friend has chosen the right person to take photos, you have a good eye for detail. A big pretty please to Jaime to let you share some pictures of the wedding with us.
Always love your comments and thoroughly enjoyed the video of the “bowing shirts”. The colors here in MI are gorgeous and will, I’m sure, be coming your way soon as yesterday we already had some snow flakes flying.
Our weather has been a bit cooler than our usual but I do love the coolness of the air. Our trees are well on their way – many past their prime. 🙁 I’ve been working in the garden – digging compost into it and spading the soil. Also have been working on washing the windows – I just love it when the sunshine comes in and makes them sparkle. Today, I’ve been doing the down-and-dirty cleaning of our bedroom. Washing all the bedding, the pillows, scrubbing the floor and cleaning every exposed surface (and a few only I can see). Just love the feeling of accomplishment when I can get things back into shape. Happy Fall!!!
Thank you Susan for the great photos, videos, musica and letting us share a little in your world. You are inspirational…
This time of year makes me feel SO alive:) Thank you for all of the fall pictures!
By the way . . .every night I go through a couple of magazines out of a huge stack I have kept over the years. Last night it was, “Country Living Gardener” June 1997 (I subscribed to that one:) – in case other readers want to check it out – featuring “A Vineyard Haven” – of course your house! Just wonderful pictures – and of course that cozy kitchen window . . . .but does it seem 15 years ago?? I hope you had a whole lot of fun having CL visiting!
Thank heavens I’m not the only one to keep magazines past their expiration date:) I truly enjoy revisiting old magazines; like seeing a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Loved the Country Living Gardener and Mary Englebrite’s magazines….(sigh)
Here in Illinois we have full color or no leaves at all on the trees. Fall is definitely here. Some parts of the Chicago area have had frost but I have not. Today is bring and sunny and 52 degrees right now. I have to go out and harvest the seeds off of my zinnias tomorrow and then it is time to get rid of them as they are turning ugly but I have loved every cut flower I have had in my house and also enjoyed looking out my kitchen window at them. The birds also like them and the zinnias are tall enough that the birds can sit in my dwarf tree and eat the seeds. Tomorrow rain is expected. Your recipe sounds delicious and I have written it down to pick up the ingredients for it. I will cut the recipe in half since it is only for me. Now that you have made me hungry, it is time for a snack. Enjoy your day and your company that is due soon. Good luck with the singing.
Hello from Arizona…no autumn colors here yet, but maybe in the mountains.
Please put my name in for the drawing. Love you blog.
hello again susan, you are lucky to be able to enjoy your cl;othesline now, i have had to pack mine away for the season and won’t see it until late spring/summer. i’ll miss it, saves me money each summer as i don’t use the dryer during the summer, too much heat in the house. i love all the lil pumpkins you put up on the house, so Fall-ish. i do have a question with the pork chops, you put green apples in the recipe, can you use honeycrisps in place of the grren apples or is it better to just use the green apples???? thanks. hugs…. 🙂
I haven’t cooked with Honey Crisp, but both Joe and I think they might be a little too juicy for cooking … I’ll try it someday, but now, I would play it safe with the green apples, which cook like a dream.
hmmmm okay. thank you!!! 🙂
we did the pork chops with the honey crisp apples and they turned out fine, just cut them a little thicker and they hold up well. of course i sauteed them with onions in the pan. thanks for the recipe. hugs… 🙂
I’m joining the chorus here with loving you too! ♥♥♥ Susan, your newly freshened kitchen is just warm and beautiful and so cheerful! Just love Jaime’s wedding invitation, and I’m certain that you will do just fine with your singing. A very happy day it will be! This Stevie Wonder song is one of my favorites as well.
it is chilly here in Tidewater Virginia – a real Autumn weekend coming up, and I’m soooo happy even if my real southern friends aren’t. My little pumpkins just went up over my front door, and I will finish decorating when I get home from work today – inside is all done, but Noah, the big black cat, says no to collars or costumes 😉 – he’s just pure blackness and green eyed mischief! Noah – 4, collars 0 – so far =:-O
Have a wonderful, wonderful weekend at the wedding – she sounds like a very special friend! My birthday is coming up on the 17th, so my BFF here and I celebrate with our loved ones this weekend – her bday was yesterday, 10/11/12!
Have fun, and thanks for this wonderful post ♥♥♥
dear Susan…have a great weekend!!…and a great time at the wedding…what fun! Loved you post and all your Fall decorations! What is that green pot on your porch steps?…has sea shells on top? It’s nice! I am taking another shot at winning your Heart of the Home book…I would love to have it!! And the old-fashioned cup with pear candle!
Enjoy the Fall weather!
Hi Susan, Every time I see your clothes flapping in the wind, I wish for my old clothesline. That is the one thing I hate about living here, clotheslines are not allowed. What a shame that is with all the beautiful sunshine! Yes, the shirts look like they are bowing……..cute! Hope you all have a wonderful time at the wedding while singing your heart out. Then having your 4 girlfriends come will be great fun too! The pork chops sound so yummy…………..your kitchen looks so cute and inviting………love your fallish decorations outside and inside too. Well, having company for dinner tonight so I better get busy. Hugs and luv, Gail Buss, Bev. Hills, Fl XXOO
Hi Sue,
Your kitchen table looks so inviting but I’m not sure I would want it to talk…it might repeat some of the “girl” talk it hears!!! LOL! Jack looks cute with his little ball. I must tell you that our kitty has a binky…yes….he walks around with a pacifier in his mouth. It just cracks us all up. When my grandson Aidin was little around 10 years ago, he would walk around holding it in his hand. One day Kitty got a hold of it and just loved it so we let him have it. He would throw it up in the air and run after it and just have a ball. He loves us to throw it for him so he can go get it and bring it back. You just gotta see how funny he looks walking around with this binky in his mouth. People who come over and see if for the first time just about die laughing. Every once in awhile I have to buy him an new one and he just loves it. Well, enjoy Jaime’s wedding and have fun making memories that you all can share in the years to come as you all grow old together! FOSB 4~Ever! ~ Doreen ~
I’m dying laughing right now. Kitty with a Binky! Too too cute!
A blustery day here with a bit of rain. Your autumn decor is so pretty … festive and ready for a celebration! Would love to hear your rendition (with the girls) of “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” … one of my favorite songs! Know you said you are not a public singer so I understand but imagine it will be pretty cute! We’re all singers when there are “oldies” involved … lol. Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the wedding. I can almost smell the pork chops! Thanks for sharing.
XO
Jackie
Love the leaves above you kitchen windows! I put some in my front dining room windows because it’s at the front of the house but now I going to do the kitchen where we can enjoy it everyday. Thanks for the idea!!!
Thank you for the musica! It is a favorite of mine! It has come to symbolize my
love for my daughter who has chosen not to be a part of my life any more. But in
my heart I will love her forever… that love grew there and nothing can take it away. And oh how I would love to smell your ocean air!!! Happy fall everyone!
Very sad to hear that … she doesn’t know what she’s missing! But someday she will, and you have the perfect attitude. As long as we are alive, the good news and the bad, is that othing ever remains the same.
Very sad to hear that … she doesn’t know what she’s missing! But someday she will, and you have the perfect attitude. As long as we are alive, the good news and the bad, is that nothing ever remains the same.
Georgeann,
Do not lose hope. Just be there with open arms. It could take years, but I know that some day she will be back. You are in my prayers. But please keep the faith.
Chris
Looks like the perfect recipe for a cool fall day. Can’t wait to have some friends over and serve this. Thanks for sharing it! Love those cute pumpkins across the top of your front door…adorable! Almost as adorable as Jack…but not quite. 🙂
Love the laundry blowing in the breeze! Your house looks beautiful decorated for fall…I have been decorating too, putting out all my primitive candles and bowls inside, getting ‘all cozied up!’ Outside, I’ve putting out my pumpkins and planting pansies. Your girlfriends from California are in for a real treat, know they will enjoy their visit.
Hey! In the video you said, “Joe just did his laundry”. ??? My honey Joe does his own laundry too! Hooray for men’s liberation! I put a load of bedding laundry outside to dry this morning. My Mom showed me how to hang clothes on the line when I was very young. I remember that moment every time I hang the laundry outside. What a warm, fuzzy for me. Newsflash: I remember being at the Vermont Country Store a couple of years ago and learning about their campaign, ‘The Right to Dry’. I learned that some cities and towns have zoning laws that make it illegal to have a clothesline or hang laundry in your yard! Go figure? Let’s buy more electricity! Noses up!! Moving on … I keep a copy of this sweet book in the room adjacent to where my clothesline is: “The Clothesline” by Andrea vanSteenhouse. amazon.com/Clothesline-Andrea-VanSteenhouse/dp/B000F6Z6LM/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1350070580&sr=1-2&keywords=clotheslines. What on earth is ‘defraptious’! Does it mean when your laundry falls off the clothesline because of too much frapping in the wind? Maybe you need some of these clothespins! : vermontcountrystore.com/store/jump/productDetail/For_The_Home/Household_Solutions/Laundry_&_Storage/Right_To_Dry_Clothespins/54382 … or maybe these … etsy.com/search?includes%5B%5D=tags&q=Pretty+Clothespins. Your kitchen looks cozy and oh so homey. ♥♥♥ and a tra la la to you, Carol
Defraptious is the way my mom says delicious!
A perfect Mom invention. Your recipes are all defraptious…always, always, always.
I think I should have married a guy named “Joe” 🙂
Michaels are pretty wonderful too!!!
The pork chop recipe sounds wonderful and, may I add, your California friends may want to extend their stay at your home. So inviting!
-Karen
It seems natural that we want to make our “nests” comfy and cozy for the coming seasons. Many of us will be spending more time inside soon! Thanks for sharing yours.
Hi Everyone! Love reading all the good things you girlfriends are doing~~~inspiration everywhere:0) ! We are having a very chilly fall day here in Chino Valley, AZ. with big poufy clouds & just a little overcast. Made a batch of cranberry orange scones & lit a cinnamon scented candle. Pure heaven this season is to me. Thank you Susan for the post today~~~Joe doing his laundry~~~Wow! I won’t let my guy touch the laundry, you should see how he hangs up & folds things!! Good thing he’s cute:0). My favorite thing you do outside for decorations at this time of year is the little pumpkins on the ledge. That is just too adorable. Have a lovely weekend~~~enjoy the wedding & should we be watching for a new girl group anytime soon?
XO, Linda
Oh I love seeing the seasonal changes all over the US. Out here in California it is just starting to get nippy at night and had our first rain for a long, long time. It’s time for Vanna to choose me for the drawing please.
Happy October, everyone!
I love your posts.
Isn’t it nice to have friends that like to come and visit! And then there is the royal cat.
Even though I was enjoying the fall colors at our lake house near the Canadian border, the North Wind blew me to Arizona. No, there are no evergreens; there is no lake outside the door. Nevertheless, the warmth is worth the cost of missing autumn and winter.
Since my birthday is Monday and I discovered how expensive watercolor supplies are, I have seen many mysterious boxes from mail order art stores come through our front door. I have a suspicion everything I asked for will be in my less than artistic hands soon. Thanks for the recommendations.
Hi Susan…autumn is my most favorite time of year…I loved the doll house…and the beautiful New England countryside…thank you.
I think it went through…another, just in case…I’ve had trouble finding this spot…my friend, Helen began my discovery of you….and I thank her and YOU!
Welcome Joan! xo
Snow flurries here today. Yikes! Not ready for that.
We planted a honeycrisp apple tree for our daughter when she was born 13 years ago. We chose it for the name, never having tasted the fruit before, but it turned out to be a good choice. Lovely apples!
Does it flower beautifully in the spring? Do you get lots of apples? I just love them — I never had such a juicy crisp apple before.
We have a small orchard of fruit trees (apple, pear, and plum) and the honeycrisp apple is my favorite of the eating apples. We don’t get a lot of apples yet because it’s only been bearing a few years. (Cold climate…trees grow slowly.) In fact, we didn’t get any fruit at all this year except for a few sad, misshapen apples and pears because of an early frost. I can’t remember if it blossoms especially beautifully or not, but the whole orchard is always quite lovely in the springtime.
“The triumph of hope over experience.” I’m sure there’s a good story in there somewhere. 🙂 What a wonderful invitation.
Fall has come to Virginia! Our trees are turning, and we are under that frost warning for tonight, too! We’re making lasagna tonight, and stopped by the bakery on the way home from school and got some fresh baked bread to go with it. It was still warm in the wrapper, and made the car smell great. We might have eaten a bite or two on the drive home. Allegedly. 🙂
Allegedly shamedgedly. You did it. Because you are one of the normal ones … 🙂 Was it fabulous? I just love hot bread.
It was beyond fabulous. This particular bread has a bit of sweetness to it. It’s not a sweet bread, but it smells faintly like a cake donut. I just can’t describe it. I might just have to ship you some. 🙂
Cake donut works for me 🙂