Almost Christmas

Somebody fixed our blog site for uploading pictures! No more cut 'n paste, tiny pictures. Anyway, we just wanted to catch up some since Thanksgiving. Joe deer hunted only weekend days, due to his new job, and Kayo once joined him on the last Sunday of the season (29th). The pretty snow covered photo was taken from his deer blind. Around 4:30pm the two does (regular appearances on camera) walked in briefly, then took off abruptly because rain drops would hit on the deer blind top and make unfamiliar noises.

It's still hard to believe Christmas is only next week. We managed to get most of the gifts wrapped, cards made and addressed, and our potted pine tree lit and decorated. In case you're wondering, Joe's leg lamp is up all year around. The only thing left on our Christmas to-do list is to make cookies, including leg lamp cookies, of course.

Happy Thanksgiving

November is flying by for sure. Not in a bad way. Joe's new job is going well. Of course, my work keeps me busy enough-- at least, time is not dragging. A good thing for this time of a year. Tonight, the night before Thanksgiving Day, we had pot stickers and a spicy tofu dish for dinner, as far from a turkey dinner as you can get!
On another note, my new obsession is yarn. I resisted all these years working at a craft store, surrounded by yarn people. I guess it was a matter of time. It is cool to be able to make something you can wear, or use... well, if this thing that I'm working on currently fits Joe's head.
We just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.

Halloween

Yesterday was Joe's last day at his old job of 18 years before starting a new job on Monday. We celebrated with spicy tuna rolls and coconut shrimp, also as part of our Halloween feast.
After dinner we carved our pumpkins. It might be a moist Halloween, not white though. Happy Halloween!

Surprise Bird Hunting

Yesterday we took a walk in the woods where Joe deer hunts. It was very pretty with red and orange leaves on the white snow.
On our drive out Joe almost ran over a ruffed grouse. Since it's bird season, Joe had his shotgun in the truck just in case. The bird cooperated and stayed around. It seems that Nature offers its offerings when least expected. It was very exciting.

P.S.

Saturday morning we had a thin layer of snow on cars, roofs, and grass. Just enough to turn everything white, but all melted the same day.

This Week

The temperatures went from 80 degrees on Sunday to the 30s and the first snow flurries today. A crazy weather week, including water spouts (basically tornados) over Lake Superior on Thursday. And this week we said good-bye to Joe's Subaru with almost 200K miles on it. Joe spent many hours fixing and caring for her all the years we owned, but she was a very good car.
Today was my birthday, and I got to celebrate it my way, low-key, enjoying little things I love around town with Joe. A brunch and dessert at our favorite Cajun restaurant, a stop at our favorite book store, and a stroll through downtown. For dinner Joe grilled some steak, served with a simple salad and a bottle of red wine. A perfect birthday (including all the well wishes from near and afar plus the first snow). My heart giggles still when I get to see a tiny bit of snow on my birthday like today!

Autumn Explosion

This past weekend we had a beautiful warm summer-like weather. We took a hike in the colorful woods and climbed up Sugarloaf Mt. to enjoy fall colors from many different perspectives. All the while we wished we had put on our shorts! Still, you could smell the autumn in the woods.
We also enjoyed Joe's salmon, turned into sushi rolls.
This has been a good year for both apples and pumpkins around here. Joe's uncle picked loads of wild apples and harvested lots of pumpkins. I made an apple pie and homemade vanilla ice cream, which we've been enjoying for dessert and breakfast!
We've already had frost on and off. Now they are predicting some snow for the weekend. The seasonal changes are just about right on track.