Official

Yep, it's officially fall! I winterized a few things around the house today. You know -- fun stuff. Blocked off the crawl space, cleaned the furnace filter, and thought about the fact that I really should try to weather-seal the windows in the laundry room. And dragged the heater into the bathroom, which is THE coldest room in the whole house.

That reminds me--I still need to move some plants off my patio before tonight's predicted frost! Nothing like procrastinating.

And I turned on the furnace this afternoon. 58 degrees was a little too chilly for me--my typing fingers got cold.

We're well on our way to winter. I'm disappointed by this every year. Time for some hot tea -- maybe with some peach schnapps in it for a little kick.

This morning on the way to town, there were some deer in the road. I tried to take a picture with the camera phone, but I wasn't fast enough. But I got this instead:

Autumn

Dusting off the blog. We have been having spectacular fall weather, and I spend so much time working on the computer (and, well, on Facebook) that when I do take a break, it has been to hike up the hill, throw the ball for Baxter or just relax on the patio and soak up the sunshine. The falls here are so gradual and gentle. It's the 24th of October, and we have not had any frost yet! My marigolds, zinnias, clematis and morning glories are still blooming furiously. I'm sure we will pay for the mild fall come winter. At least I will, if I spend the holiday months up north.


The November issue of Connection magazine is hot off the press. Although I've seen a sneak preview on the computer, I can't wait to get my hands on it. December articles are progressing nicely and making me dream of Christmastime--even if I'd prefer to spend it in powdery white sand instead of frigid snow.
The neighbors down the road have a herd of longhorns I've been dying to take photos of. They occasionally graze in a picturesque field adjacent to Thomas Hollow, but I have not had time or true motivation to take the camera out there. Until yesterday. Of course, it was a cloudy, gray day so the vivid colors of the trees in the background didn't show through. The longhorns were not very appreciative of me intruding their territory--they were ready to bolt, even though I tried to stay quiet and on my side of the fence. I did get a few neat shots with the zoom lens, though!

Livin for the weekend!

Yeah for Fridays! Especially when you've put in a full week of work and are done in the early afternoon hours! I'm planning on doing some reading in the sunshine on the patio. It's nearly 80 degrees today -- in October. The same is forecast for tomorrow.

It's going to be a football weekend! I'm heading to an elementary school game Saturday to watch a friend's kid play. Bringing the camera to see what kind of action shots I can capture. It should be fun. The Razorbacks will be playing at Texas A&M at the same time, so I might have to check the score on the Crackberry once in a while.

And then there's the Vikings! I have to wait impatiently until Monday Night Football for that, though. We got Randy Moss #84 back from the Patriots, and Vikingland is rejoicing! Can't wait to see what kind of magic Favre and Moss can make together.

I listed a few horseshoes on Etsy yesterday, with several more on their way. I am trying to stock up on inventory for Christmas, since I sold almost everything at the Art Celebration a few weeks ago.

Calm

Busy week! The November magazine articles are in the editor and art director's hands. I saw the photos for a story I did on a local hunting resort and all I can say is WOW. Can't wait to see what kind of magic the AD does with them. On to December. I've also been tied up with the new gardening website gig--it should be going live soon. It's really a fun one.

Believe it or not, I still have time to read. A girl's gotta have things to do that don't involve the computer. At least...my eyes do. My poor, tired, bloodshot eyes. These books are checked off on my "read" list.

Trust me, my "to-read" list is very long. I have "Little Bee" coming via GoodReads BookSwap and I'm looking forward to reading that one this weekend. Might pack it up with a picnic lunch and take a hike this weekend. I suppose I should wear blaze orange in honor of hunting season, though, even if I am going to hike on private property.

Baxter loves hiking. He is, however, a little weird. Witness this:

Yeah, seriously. He thought he was going to drag and carry this "stick" home -- or get me to throw it. Goober. We've been enjoying the fall weather and getting in a short hike here and there. Loving the fall weather!

Gypsy Girl

I can't believe the first of October is almost history. I suppose being crazy-busy has something to do with that. And taking a road trip to Texas! I had a great time in Texas, but it was way too short of a visit. Hopefully, the next trip will be longer and I can also make a side trip to Schulenburg to see Nikki and meet her angel, Avery! What can I say, other than I am part gypsy--I love to travel and can hit the road with just a few hours' notice.

Now that I'm home again (for now!), I have to buckle down and get to work. Magazine deadlines are staring me down. I got an unexpected new assignment from Demand Studios that will help my bottom line immensely. And my girl Brenda hooked me up with a sweet new gig writing for a soon-to-be-launched gardening website. That's not all--I have one more deal on deck that I am excited about, and it doesn't involve a computer or writing.

Now I better get to work on the writing that pays. Happy October!