Mother Nature in her fall-winter beauty

I got 8 piles of leaves raked up but didn't pick them up because of some chronic back and hip pain I've had for several months.  Of course this evening the snow arrived and the piles are still there...

Tomorrow is a busy day.  I miss my Fridays off!

A Perfect Fall Day

The snowball bushes are just turning.

I love this maple tree and the colors are so pretty in my back yard. Such a nice time of year.
I'm not crazy about quakies in landscaping, but I do appreciate having trees.
My front yard
Across the back fence

This 'n That

When showing Chris's house the other day a lady said she had seen fall iris blooms. Maybe I've never had any on the south side before but these are gorgeous. Short-lived, since winter is coming early this year, but very nice!
And this is what fall is supposed to look like. My snowball bushes. The grandkids love to play inside; thus the "doorway" and stepping stones. They have a little playhouse inside. I have a fun backyard where they love to come.
Aubrey has been busy working full-time. The family is taking shifts with the boys and helping her get to work and back since Steve has their car. Hopefully he will be here by Christmas. Meanwhile it's a challenge for her to find a place to live that allows dogs. There are plenty of dog-lovers, but they aren't landlords. She's also keeping her eye out for a better-paying job. Who isn't, right? In some cases - just looking for a job!

Chris's house is incredible. If you want to see updated photos go to www.sodensha.com
A mechanic, builder, or tinkerer would love his garage with almost 1000 sq. ft. air lines for power tools, furnace, storage, etc. Cross your fingers. His family is getting anxious for his arrival.

Countdown to Christmas

Thanksgiving at Krista & Justin's & celebrating Ashlie and Chris' birthdays. With all the photographers in the family you'd think we would have gotten a few shots of the crowd. Well we caught the two celebrating birthdays. Notice Antje's famous pumpkin cookies.

Thanksgiving was nice. We met at Justin and Krista's house. All of my children, their spouses and my grandchildren were there except Fred (still in San Diego), Aubrey, Steve, Josh, and Asher (in Kansas but coming here on Dec. 9). Antje also joined us (our friend who lives next door). We hope everyone will be well during the Christmas holidays so we can get a portrait taken. Jon is doing these right now for anyone who may be interested. Check his website at www.sunbeamphotography.com

Yesterday we turned on the Christmas lights. Natalie and Jennifer went shopping at 4:00 AM. I watched kids - it's easier. We were able to get all the leaves up off the ground and it looks so nice! I've enjoyed the nicer weather but it is very cold at night even without snow on the ground yet. The skiers are probably getting anxious but it's OK with me.

We didn't do any candy making this year, though it has been fun in the past. We're all kind of watching the calories and just decided to pass on it. We might try to get some cookies made though.

It's always exciting to think about Christmas. Kids get so excited. I love the lights and just about all of it! So, it's a month to enjoy.

Leaves!

Elizabeth
Josh and friend burying themselves in the leaves
We've all been busy raking leaves. Love the trees, but lots of work!

Liz in the Fall

It's a tradition for Jon to photograph Liz in the fall.

With Karla

Autumn Day

My snowball bushes in the fall - somehow the reds just didn't come out right in the photo
Today was a beautiful fall day, perfect for walking. There were leaves on the ground but sunshine too. Gotta love it. Life is good!

Gardner Village

Gardner Village
Look close for the little witches
Fun Witches
This week I am attending the annual Utah Perinatal Association Conference at Gardner Village's The Gathering Place. It's two days, always held during the witches exhibit. It's a fun place to be in the fall.

I am enjoying lots of attention and thinking I need to slow things down a bit, think and ponder before making any rash moves, so that's what I'm doing. I'll spend some time doing something for myself. With winter practically here, I'll probably feel more grounded anyway.

So, happy autumn!

Birthday Week

Today is my son, Justin's birthday. Friday, the 12th was my daughter Natalie's 30th. I'm afraid nobody got the fanfare and attention they deserved - much less the gifts. But, I love my kids immensely and most of them were born in the fall so I have lots of memories of delivery rooms in the fall and birthday parties, etc. We have a few grandchildren with birthdays too. Kenlee turned nine on the first and Asher turned two on Sept. 27. This year we also had Steve's birthday to celebrate on the ninth. If I record these here, maybe I'll remember them better in the future when my memory fails!

So, happy fall day to you all where ever you are!

September 21

This is a solemn day because on this day in 1979 my sister, Wendy died at the tender age of 21. It was a beautiful fall equinox much like today, but it will never feel the same to any of us again. While we know she is in a good place and that she will always be beautiful, never aging, graying or sagging, we miss her terribly.

I would love to get a digital copy of a photo to post here. I will add it if I am able.

Where can I turn for peace?
Where is my solace
When other sources cease to make me whole?
When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice,
I draw myself apart,
Searching my soul.

Where, when my aching grows,
Where, when I languish,
Where, in my need to know, where can I run?
Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?
Who, who can understand?
He, only one.

He answers privately,
Reaches my reaching
In my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend.
Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching.
Constant He is and kind,
Love without end.

-Hymns # 129
Emma Lou Thayne