Autumn on Our Acreage

This time of year, I know we are truly blessed to live on such a beautiful acre in the center of the city. Backing onto a steep, wooded ravine with a small creek running through it, our slice of heaven provides all the texture, color and crunch autumn has to offer.

No other explanation necessary. Sit back and enjoy the view.

Make it a great day!

Linking to:

Tuesday Garden Party

Outdoor Wednesday
You're Gonna Love It Tuesday
Thursday Favorite Things

Melancholy November

How silently they tumble down
And come to rest upon the ground
To lay a carpet, rich and rare,
Beneath the trees without a care,
Content to sleep, their work well done,
Colors gleaming in the sun.

At other times, they wildly fly
Until they nearly reach the sky.
Twisting, turning through the air
Till all the trees stand stark and bare.
Exhausted, drop to earth below
To wait, like children, for the snow.

-   Elsie N. Brady, Leaves

Yesterday was a beautiful, sunny autumn day. The temperature here was 75 degrees--unusual for this time of year. By evening, it was raining and a cold front moved in. Today's high is predicted in the upper 30s.

So, here it is. Another November.  Melancholy November.

November makes me feel unsettled, caught between the teardown of Halloween and the anticipation of decorating for Christmas in the manner to which my family has become accustomed.

Do you feel it yet? That itch? That urge to pull out the Christmas boxes and get right to it?

No, no. Patience. Still nearly two weeks until Thanksgiving. Oh, if I can only hold on for another week! Yes. That would be better . . . 

Make it a great day!

Linking to:

Outdoor Wednesday

Sci Fi Sunday at the Pod Farm

The first weekend in October is the annual North Hills Pottery Tour here. A number of artists at four locations north of the city display their wonderful creations, serve up some great homemade soups, pizza, desserts and wine against a backdrop of local music and the gorgeous colors of autumn in the countryside.

We take part in this event nearly every year. The range of pottery styles on this tour is as diverse and colorful as the autumn landscape. The tour atmosphere is delightful, the artists accessible and friendly and the drive beautiful.

One of the more whimsical pottery collections draws guests' imaginations into the world of aliens and pod people.

Hope you enjoy this photographic tour of the Pod Farm.

Emerging from the Land of Pod, the view is distinctly more earthly. But just as wondrous.

Make it a great day!

Linking to:

Our World Tuesday
What's It Wednesday
Outdoor Wednesday

If Only It Could Last

I cried over beautiful things knowing no beautiful thing lasts.

Carl Sandburg, Autumn Movement

Oh, the colors of autumn! Is there anything else like them? 

Last weekend, the North Loup River in the Nebraska Sandhills was dressed in the first hints of gold and red. And, while many of the trees remained green, summer's end was clearly evident.

I'll just let the pictures tell the story.

A bald eagle scouts dinner in the corn fields along the river.

Make it a great day!

Linking to:

Rednesday at It's A Very Cherry World
Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop
Weekly Top Shot
Sweet Shot Tuesday

Turn Over a New Leaf

One of the things I've looked forward to the past few years is decorating with leaves in the fall. I know--kind of a well, duh, moment, isn't it?

There are some very nice artificial leaves and leaf garlands on the market today. In fact, I use some of those. But, I'm talking about also decorating with real leaves from the trees in my yard and neighborhood. You can see dozens of those leaves in my leaf box above.

I've only just begun my fall decorating, but I have incorporated dried and pressed leaves into a few of the spots I've worked on.

It's easy to create a collection of pressed leaves. I select the ones I want from the yard, place each on a sheet of wax paper that I fold over to cover both sides of the leaf. Then I place it in a heavy book and stack other books on top. Drying takes two to three weeks to ensure the leaves don't curl when removed from the press.

As you can see, this method even preserves much of the original color of the leaves. The Japanese maple and the aristocrat pear are most colorful in my yard. But, I like the sturdy shape and the steady nut brown of the bur oak. The color of the various types maple leaves runs the gamut. You can even preserve green leaves.

My other favorite leaves are those on my Franciscan Autumn stoneware. The colors are autumn-like with a touch of whimsy. The bluish leaves create a sense of fun. And, the windy flourishes sweep me away.

Can't wait to see what nature gives me to add to my collection this fall.

Make it a great day!

Linking to:

Fridays Unfolded at Stuff and Nonsense
Saturday Spotlight at Classy Clutter
Nifty Thrifty Sunday at Nifty Thrifty Things
Wildly Original Bewitching Fall Linky
Cure for the Common Monday at Lines Across
All-Star Block Party
You're Gonna Love It
Rednesday