Tis the season we come together with those we love and give thanks. I tend to work the day that America appoints for that, so I gathered friends together early for a good meal and just hanging out. I hate the pressure of putting on a big spread, and am thankful that my friends can appreicate a laid back day.

The convenience of fast food. Without going into the nutritional value at all, there is something remarkable about being able to swing through a parking lot, grab a bucket of fried chicken and enough sides to feed an army, and never have to break a sweat (or heat hot oil).

October finally turned cold, bringing back the season where nothing feels better than curling up under flannel sheets and a wool quilt. And if an overweight cat decides to share the bed, so much the better!

We've had an unreal stretch of nice weather. The leaves stayed ON the trees for maybe 2-3 weeks. Just a few days ago, we got our first breezy day, and down came half my leaves. Then a couple days later, almost all the rest fell.

Walking to my mailbox just got interesting. I'm crunching through a good feet of leaves on my way to the corner and back. :)

It's that one fall week where it's cool, but not too cool, hot, but not too hot, blue skies all week and some awesome colors. Taking the coffee on the deck on mornings such as this makes me wonder why I worry about anything at all.

Weather has been odd this year, which is probably why it's on our minds so much, but this is lovely: We're having a stretch of those fall days where the trees are half turned so you have great colors, but it's gray and raining. Totally curl up with a book and get all cozy weather.

Getting away can be a marvelous thing. Sitting on the porch at the cabin, hearing the waves slap against the shore, miles away from anything.

And I spent most of my getaway reading a book and drinking wine. Funny how some things aren’t situational.

Grief in an odd, odd thing. I can't even begin to explain what I'm going through right now.

It's a blessing to have a place I can go to and whine, complain, cry, vent, and all I get in response is caring, supportive love. Thanks, ladies.

After a summer of 90 degrees and humidity, the weather dropped yesterday to 60's and windy. While many people may complain about this, I'm ready for a nice, cool MN fall! Plus, we'll still have plenty of nice days before the snow flies. :)

State Fair!!

FYI, the Minnesota State Fair is insane. It's held in St Paul, it's crowded, everyone walks into everyone, and the food is expensive. Once a year is enough (but you may want to go more than once in the 12-day period). And the rest of the year - why yes, we do dream of Fair!

My favs: cheese curds, fresh lemonade, bacon-on-a-stick, fried Twinkie. Huge vegetables, the grandstand (people selling stuff), international village, and wandering through the barns for that real fair experience.