October Beauty

We are relishing the gorgeous autumn weather in New England. The days have been 60s-70s, sunny and dry (that may not be a good thing with water shortages). The leaves are turning slowly, peak not expected in these parts for another week, a little later than usual. We still have not had a killing frost, so flower gardens still look good. The growing season is over so the vegetable gardens certainly show their age. We have butternut squash ripening on the vines, and I should be taking them in in a couple of days to finish their 'sugaring' process. Morning walks are a joy. Crisp leaves crunching beneath feet, wafts of ripening wild grapes and apples, rising mist from the warmer waters of the lakes and ponds, honking geese overhead as they practice for their flights, even flocks of wild turkeys munching in the fields. The only drawback is the honking horns of impatient commuters on their way to work.

Another grandchild's birthday celebrated this week, Adriana is now 7. Where did these years go???? I gave her an outfitted sewing box, her very own. In it are pincushion, pins, needles, thimble, tape measure, sewing scissors, and a length of fabric that she had picked out awhile ago. She thinks she'll make pjs from it.That should prove interesting.

With Hallween just around the corner, I've completed some treat sacks for the neighbor kids that are supposed to be witches' brooms, an idea I picked up from a recent Martha Stewart magazine. I filled them with peanuts in shells. I had passed out sacks of peanuts in years past, for probably about 4-5 years in a row. Then, last year I decided to give out something different. The response from the trick or treaters' were growns of disappointment. "No peanuts?" I was on to something special and didn't recognize it, so back to peanuts.

The cafe construction is progressing nicely. Raised seating areas are nearly completed, with railings being installed this week. Tile has been installed, plumbing and electrical is nearly finished, with only minor touch-ups to do. David is still looking at about 3-4 weeks til the big move. This picture shows the area to the left of the entrance, looking at the windows that face Rt 44.