Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

We took a little road trip down to the Bruder Bear Resort for a few days and had a most wonderful time relaxing and visiting with John and Karen.  We drove as far as McCall the first day and enjoyed a night at the Hunt Lodge and dinner at Lardo's.  Lardo's is such a funky place, but the food is always delicious.

We got up the next morning, enjoyed a yummy breakfast at the Lodge and hit the trail for Boise and parts east.  Have I ever mentioned how I hate driving on interstates?  I used to love them, but now they are so clogged with huge trucks that it's a nightmare.  It was my turn to drive, so I clenched the wheel and hit the gas pedal.  I was so thankful when we rolled into Bruder Bear's driveway!  And he was actually standing there waiting to greet us!

The views from their deck are incredible.  The water was like glass when I caught this photo.

Their house is right on the Snake River facing northeast and the weather was perfect the whole time we were there, so the deck was used every day, well into the evening. Amazing weather for the middle of October. We ate several meals out there and as usual, Karen spoiled us with her cooking.  

We loved our time with them and look forward to seeing them again soon.  Thanks, Bruder Bear!  ♥

This Is NOT a Mirage!

Yeah, yeah, I know I've been absent.  Sometimes the words are just not there, for whatever reason. Maybe just so I won't bore you!  :-)

And now, it's October and fall is here.  Love it!  The poplars are laying down a carpet of gold on the grass in the backyard, the box elders are turning their usual stunning red, and the days are blue and gold.  Here where I live, fall is our shining time.  Gorgeous!

I've decorated the house and added a few new pieces. I've need a centerpiece for the dining room table and back in August I took advantage of some coupons at JoAnn's and bought three large fall picks and one flower pick that had about five chrysanthemums on it in varying colors.  Two weeks ago I finally got brave (Who has to get brave to make a centerpiece??  Apparently I do.) and decided to see what I could do.  I had a lovely white casserole/soup tureen in the cupboard and I used it for the vase.  I simply bent the stems of the fall picks in a 45 degree angle and placed them in the dish.  Then I had Dan cut the flower pick apart (I tried, but my fingers didn't have enough umph...) and placed them among the leaves.  

I am inordinately pleased with the results!

I got a new catalog in the mail and found these cute little pilgrims who begged to be added to our home. They are a Williraye design.  Aren't they adorable?

A week or so ago Ann and I ran away from home to a neighboring town for a little fun.  In addition to Costco, we hit Pier One and I, sucker that I am for seasonal things, had to buy this mug to drink my fall morning coffee.  I love its pumpkin color, it's shape, and rustic glaze. It makes me smile each day.

Last week when I went to Ann's for my usual Thursday afternoon of watching the D-man, Ann had my birthday present waiting.  We both enjoy the Pioneer Woman's cooking show and her cookbooks, and were excited to learn she had a line of kitchen goods coming out.  Ann had been waiting for them to show up at our local Walmart and they finally did. 

This beautiful bowl was full of utensils including a wooden spoon, masher, and flat whisk.  What fun!!  I love kitchen things!

I've been machine embroidering again and did some lace this week including this bookmark:

Meanwhile, Dan has been working on our bathrooms as time allows.  Part of the plan is to redo the cabinet fronts and he's been experimenting with drawer fronts. I think we've got it figured out!

Normally I'd be watching Daniel this afternoon but he was up all night with the throw-ups so Ann is home with him.  She said he was finally starting to feel better about ten this morning.  So, here I am, doing a catch-up.  

Happy October!  ♥