Sunrise on Mille Lac

A frosty morning, just before sunrise

Here it comes...

Beautiful!!

Around the House...

A closer look reveals that it is also a Colorado plate!

The pretty little wren plate was a birthday gift from Annette this summer. I think it looks like it belongs right in that spot.

This spot just keeps growing-so much for decluttering!

I just placed a bird feeder outside the bathroom window today. I thought it might be a nice distraction this winter. Who will find it first, the birds or the squirrels?
Here's another evolving spot in the TV room. If you know Big Kitty, you know why the newspaper covers the legs of the table. I am so tempted to declaw sometimes....

Fall Finds

Pretty metal box for 25 cents at the jewelry booth at the Cyrus Bazaar.

Books, always on the hunt for books for my classroom.

Shari picked up a bag full at the Salvation Army in Morris too!

I was pretty excited to find this serving bowl at Goodwill in Fergus. I love the pretty floral border, kind of reminds me of Mary Engelbreit. I have a set of 4 bread plates already.

This fall tin tray came from the Salvation Army in Morris for 99 cents. It's in perfect shape-no scratches at all.

This etched cloche was too pretty to pass up, even at $2.99-expensive, I know!

Fall Flowers 2010

MEA in Cyrus

Friday was so gorgeous, we spent a good share of it outside. At this time of year, you appreciate it, knowing it may be a good long time before 70 degrees again. The top photo shows the cornstalk bales Dad decided to have done this year. The cows lay in them and eat them in the winter. Paul chopped stalks for Dad a good share of Friday and Dad got his corn into the bins before the rain took over on Sat and Sunday. Mom had a huge batch of beef soup going on Friday night-so good- and Royce grilled 3 of his own chickens on Saturday night, that was excellent too. I took a little leftovers home for soup or maybe quesadillas tonight when we're watching the Vikes.

Grant and Grandpa talking about ????

A little football

Grant loves the tiny tractors.

The kids got their hair sprayed and punked at the Cyrus Trinity Church Bazaar. This year I bought lefse, baked beans, onions, a few pieces of vintage jewelry and a pretty tin floral box. Maybe next year all the sisters should do the hair thing, that would be a fun picture!!
Everybody's on their way back home on Sunday morning. Maybe a nice day for car naps?? Isn't Polly the cutest dog? The Floms have had her for a year in November. They adopted her from the Humane Society in Alex. Despite the fact that she has a wonderful home, Polly has tried to run away on 4 occasions, crazy dog. Too bad I didn't get a picture of her wearing her spiffy new fall sweater.

Bird watching

We're enjoying the wonderful temps here, couldn't believe we hit 80's again last weekend. Most of my pots are put away but there are a couple that still have pretty healthy blooming plants so those remain out. The porch is full of yard furniture and I strung new white lights up on the pergola. I'll add the snowflakes when I find them! Most of the leaves are down now so it won't be long before they are all cleaned up. Lots of time to get fall chores done this year! Greg and Melissa picked up the kids on Friday after school. Melissa is all set up in Fergus so that will be much easier for all of them.
I'd better find something for supper, maybe pasta with some of the pesto I froze this fall. Hope you are having a nice weekend!

Have a seat...

Sunset Ridge

The Leaf Pile

The weather's been fine for playing outside!

Hands

Legs

A Walk in the Woods

I love this troll picture. We walked down Sunset Ridge and ignored the No Trespassing sign, surely they didn't mean us?
We have Hannah and Axel this week while Melissa is regaining her health. Things are going well for her and we Skyped for the first time-we had some sound issues but overall it worked great. The kids were excited to see her. They have been so good.

Finds & Dumpster Treasures

I purchased this side table at Goodwill for $18. After a few coats of white paint it was ready. I like that it has 3 different levels for all my stuff and a cute little drawer. The other one had two drawers but but no shelves so I just threw all my reading materials on the floor, where it would grow and grow.
This basket was at the Salvation Army and I thought the ticket was going to be around $20 and would have passed but at $6.80 (strange price!) I couldn't resist. It's in perfect condition, twice as big as a normal picnic basket and will be handy for storing something. I took a picture of some other baskets I have and you can see it will look nice with the other green one I have.
And last, the dumpster find- this nice bird feeder. There were two of them and there's nothing wrong with them. I pulled them out with a hoe, so I wouldn't have to be a literal dumpster diver. Many birds will be able to feed from them at one time this winter and probably a squirrel or two.

Inspiration from the Web

The first two pictures are from Cath Kidston's house. She's a designer from England and always features vintage florals, so of course I love her. I'm not really into stencils anymore but I love that floral painting around the doorway, especially pretty on the blue. I totally would love the dress below....sigh.

These pictures are from Amy Butler's inspiration photo's. Another vintage designer who's into florals and gorgeous patterns. The picture below reminds me a little of the desk I have near the new bathroom.
So another weekend has passed. It was a nice relaxing one here. I have a couple of finds from the SA and GW in Fergus to share with you when I get around to taking pictures of them. We're getting ready to watch Mad Men or Boardwalk Empire so I'd better get off the computer. Good night and have a great week!

Pesto

I didn't want my basil plants to freeze and go to waste so I've been making a lot of pesto. I just threw my 4th batch in the freezer and tried the ice cube container method this time. I froze one batch in plastic baggies, another in a small crock and just left one batch in the fridge to use now. I used sunflower seeds in one batch and walnuts in the others. I think both are good. Most recipes call for pine nuts but Deans doesn't seem to carry them and I never think to look when I'm someplace else. I've also heard they are very expensive. Shari told me that sunflower seeds are almost exactly like pine nuts so that works for me. So far, we've enjoyed it on bruschetta and in pasta. I'll have to try it on a homemade pizza too. Any other good ways to use pesto?? I have one more vase full of basil and not quite sure if I will make one more batch or maybe just freeze the leaves.

W.C. Russell Moccasin Boots

Today I was wearing my boots when we were cutting and hauling prickly ash trees. I love these boots and got them over a year ago at the Bargain Bazaar for $2. Anyway, when I was taking them off I noticed a tag on the tongue that I had never paid attention to before. It said WC Russell, Berlin Wisconsin. The sole says Avon so I assumed that was the brand when I purchased them. So, this evening I did a little research online and discovered that I own a handmade pair of vintage moccasin boots. It's a family owned company that has been around for over a century. New boots go for about $400 and I have no idea how much mine would have sold for. I did find a couple on ebay for $75-150 but they were a little different. I have never heard of this company before, have you? www.russellmoccasin.com Now that I know the history behind my boots, I appreciate them even more.