The Look of Fall

I added some fall touches to the terrarium in our den.  This style of terrarium is known as a Wardian Case, and you can read what I wrote about them Here.  I haven't tried real plants in mine, because I don't think they would survive; this corner of the den gets almost no sunlight.  I just substitute other things for live plants -- do I know how to have fun, or what?  :-D

The Fall Roses

The leaves are turning beautiful autumn russets and golds and starting to fall faster now.  The grass looks like green velvet around them.  There's a definite nip in the air, and we have freeze warnings in our area through tonight.  Yet, there's one sweet reminder of past spring days beside our front porch --

Return To Mitford

Hi folks!  I've been missing in action again; I've decided this is going to be the norm for me the rest of this year.  At least it feels that way.  Part of the reason for this is my husband has some extra vacation days to take this year, and when he's home, I like to spend time with him.  My posting will probably be sporadic, and my visits too, but I promise I will visit you.  :)

We seem to stay pretty busy when Mr. Forest Manor is home, but I hope I'll have some house and home things to share with you before too much longer.  Those are the things we're really interested in, right?  In the meantime, this is what I have to share at the moment.

This and That

**UPDATE TO PREVIOUS POST**  I found out late Wednesday night that author Jan Karon mentioned my Mitford posts on her Facebook page (September 2, 2015) and linked to my blog.  I was so honored to receive a shout-out from her!  For those of you who are fans, she has a new book out now.  You can find out more about it on the Jan Karon Facebook page.

Happy October everyone!  

Picture from October 2014

End of September and Finding Mitford

Hi everyone!  Can you believe it's the last day of September?!!  It felt like a quick month to me, but it feels like that all the time anymore.

First Day of Fall

Hello Dear Readers -- I'm so glad you're here!  It's the first (official) day of fall -- the most glorious season of the year!  I've been reading your blog posts this morning, and it seems that everyone is happy to see fall arrive.  In addition to the cooler air and blue skies, I love all the harvest celebrations.  There was an Apple Fest at a nearby community over the weekend, but I didn't get a chance to go.  It sounded like a lot of fun -- apples for sale and apple pies, too.  I need to put this on my calendar for next year.  ;)

Two weekends ago, we took some pictures along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina; those of you who read here regularly know that's one of our favorite things to do.  The trees hadn't really started turning yet, but we still found some nice color here and there.

Spectacular Zinnias

Well, it's Monday again -- what a quick weekend!  Did you all have a good one?  Friday, September 18th, was my birthday, and I have to tell you it was one of the best birthdays I've had in years.  I officially joined the senior citizens club (the big 55) and though in some ways it's hard to get older, I'm just very happy to be here.  As George Burns famously said, "It's better than the alternative."  ;)

I went to my parents' house for a visit and lunch.  My mom made homemade chicken salad and the most delicious homemade chocolate pie with fresh whipped cream.  Yum!!!  My sweet neighbor, Nancy, sent me a Jacquie Lawson birthday e-card and so did my dear friend, Kitty, who blogs at Kitty's Kozy Kitchen.  I also had a long-distance birthday message from my in-laws, who are traveling right now.  My husband came home from work with 18 red roses for me, and our son played a dedication song for me on his Friday night jazz radio program (didn't expect that at all!)  Yes indeed, I have a lot to be thankful for.

Today, Hal and I drove to the mountains, with Duncan in tow, and Hal took some pictures of these roadside flower beds.  This is a very common site in North Carolina alongside highways and interstates, thanks to the N.C. Department of Transportation Wildflower Program.