I LOVE October!

Hi to all...I'm running behind in posting, as usual lately. I've been in a fall frenzy to clean and sort and plan before winter comes. But know I've been visiting your posts, and I've loved seeing all that you're doing on these beautiful October days.

As for me, well, here's what I've been up to:

I've been adding fall touches here and there...I think I've mentioned it before, but the variety Hot Chocolate is the most wonderful pumpkin for holding onto. This one is from last fall! I just put them in the basement on a table after Thanksgiving, and they stay spot on perfect until the next fall. I usually get at least two seasons before they begin to get soft. 

Not Hot Chocolate, but just a bit of fall that makes an easy centerpiece. 

Outside, a simple mask transforms a pumpkin for Halloween. I'll slip it off in November and the porch will already prepped for Thanksgiving.

While I love getting inspiration from all the fun Halloween decorations out there, it's just me...I always come back to prim or old-fashioned looks. This was at a local antique shop; just a scrubbed clean, vintage metal gas can that has been given a pumpkin face with a torch. I tucked a string of battery-operated lights inside, and now he's hanging out in the kitchen. 

My son made a surprise visit home over the weekend...happy dance! We carved pumpkins, binged movies, took him to dinner, and of course the "Mom thing" - grocery shopping. After college graduation in May, he now has his first "real" job, car, and apartment with a college buddy. I know, I know, it's how it's supposed to be...still, I cried watching him pull out of the driveway. 

The dahlias are really putting on a show this year...lovely colors, and so many blooms.

My daughter is now off the crutches, out of the boot and brace after breaking her ankle in April. She's still in PT, but making great progress! While she's not cleared for ballet yet, she's leading rehearsals for The Nutcracker which have been in full swing since August. Last week we had a picnic and took a walk along a nearby reservoir...it was lovely.

Hoping for a great antique show, I headed north a few weeks ago...the farm was oh-so pretty; the antiques? Not so much. Lots of crafty items, and not what I thought it would be.

However; this spoke to me. 

blue - my favorite color

a pagoda-style top - yes!

16 ribs inside - sturdy

and a horn handle

I'm guessing 1940's?? 

Ladies, what do you think - vintage?

Yes, it came home with me!

                                          

Then, it was time for the last county fair of the season. I always share a bloomin' onion with my daughter!

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NO FILTER...the sky at sunset was unbelievable.

Hmmm, new-to-me foods that we didn't try.

And so, as the saying goes, that's what's been happening in my neck of the woods. I promised myself that during my favorite month, I would do all that I could to enjoy these picture-perfect days.

Truly, thanks again for all of your posts...they keep me inspired and make me smile; like visiting with friends.