Orange You Glad its Fall

Kevin had surgery early this fall and could not drive for 6 weeks. This changed our routine a little because he needed me to be around more and I had errands to run for the two of us.  The season was enjoyed in small bites rather than days or weekends--it almost escaped us!

We did manage to close the cabin two weeks ago--he was right, it wasn't that hard to turn the water off and drain the pipes--neighbors helped bring in the paddleboat and furniture. It was metaphorical that the only thing we forgot were the crutches laying on the gravel driveway--haha!  Kevin texted Tom that he had a "miraculous healing" in the driveway and the crutches could be burned!  This was a late visit to the cabin and the sunset really highlighted the "yellow" fall that Big Birch displays--there are a few other colors especially early, but with the birch, aspen and other trees, yellow gold dominates--this was brilliant at one moment of sunset. 

And walking down the road:

We stopped by to visit Bernice and the care center had an adorable table of straw people playing cards outdoors--for just a moment when we drove up, we thought the hardy Minnesotans were actually braving the weather to play afternoon ucker

I also enjoyed a Saturday afternoon   North Hills Pottery Tour  with Amy--we ran into Maddy and Tancy's husband, Rick, on the tour :D .  It was our first crisp day and very blustery so the artists that offered brick oven pizzas (of course-right next to the clay oven!) campfires, warm cider and wine were our favorites!

Mr. Money Moustache wouldn't let me buy these $95 bugs-but he couldn't keep me from loving them haha

custom clay oven at a farm owned by several ceramic artists

One Saturday I baked and made care packages for Mitch and Alex--it occurred to me that I have never really tried my hand at caramel apples, so I bought some toppings, read about keeping caramel smooth and drippy yet not runny, and was pretty thrilled with my outcomes. I rolled them in crushed peanuts, crushed heath bars, and mini chocolate chips. Placed them in natural brown cupcake liners and tied them with ribbon. They travelled well,  and I think they were enjoyed in Chicago and Carbondale :D  

Emily gave Nick-Nicki a gift certificate to Sticks  for their wedding gift and Nick had the Des Moines store deliver it to our house--it is a beautiful lazy susan cribbage board--I love it and will keep it safely until I carry it to wherever they set down roots!

Last Sunday, Kevin and Ben brewed beer and Kevin made Pumpking Ale--he used these pie pumpkins and I bought a few larger ones for the girls to decorate ala Martha Stewart's button ideas. 

Eek and Boo!

It was fun to have the rest of the family later for a chili dinner, including Phil and Beth.

On to my favorite Fall chore-inventory and restock (shopping!) of corduroys, scarves  and sweaters  :D