Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

 

Hi everyone! What a thrill, I made it to the pumpkin patch, aka the Fall Festival at the nursery over the bridge. I didn't think our annual visit would happen this year, as both L and I are very cautious about being exposed to the virus. But a few weeks ago I had to leave my car to be inspected and have an oil change, so L picked me up and we went to the nursery to use up an hour waiting.

Some readers may recognize the lovely 1800s farmhouse that forms the base of the nursery.

The little window that fascinates me and reader Kel was interesting that day, the light just right to let us see it goes all the way thru the second floor. [I wish I d thought to walk over on the other side where the shrubs and trees are sold to see if there's a tiny window there ttoo. [Next time!]

The group of buildings is very open and airy, so deemed safe. They had a very well done cart sanitizing system set up, with clean carts in one area by the entry  and used ''dirty carts'' well off to the other side by the exit and parking lot. Yes! They have a parking lot!!

The only other customer[s] were a young mom and her toddler, also taking pictures.

Lovely fall plants and planters:

These are faux sunflowers, so pretty and real looking.

I so wish I had bought some of these darling pumpkin pansies. and a few deep purples.

Celosia, a type of coxcombe

Wonderfully spooky fall petunias, new to me.

Herbs, especially lush lavenders

Bulbs for next spring:

 I always love seeing the giant pumpkin, Big Max.

And his expensive brothers!

Cider--a fun place, a very old early 1800s cider mill supplies their cider. Super sweet this year, I don't know why.

This nursery specizes in seasonal fairy gardens. They cost between $75 and $150.oo. I always think they]d be a great gift.

These wreath forms were the most unusual, new to me thing I saw. I loved them. Intended for succulents but would be wonderful with say, herbs or impatiens in the summer, on one of our ubiquitous grey wooden fences, wouldn't they?

And of course miles and piles of pumpkins to love. 

She came home with me, so pretty! More creamy white than in the photo.

Inspiration for Starry Eyed Jack. Wish I'd bought him.  Prices were very low this year.

Giant jackolantern pumpkins, tall as the toddler, up to my knee. Must weight 30 pounds each.

Smaller jackolantern pumpkins, round perfect.

 

Enjoy your visit! Who would you choose?

love 

lizzy

gone to the beach...

Out and about: I always enjoy seeing the fall ales and beers from local breweries. 

I showed my friend who was helping me grocery shop and he said he prefers pumpkin seltzer! Hmmmm, bet it has a dash of vodka added!

https://wcti12.com/news/offbeat/pumpkin-spice-hard-seltzer-coming-this-fall

No pet parade this year but Mo will dress up anyway. Stay tuned. [see how excited he is, wow!]

Picking up Where We Left Off

 

This quilt and I.

Good morning on a rare Saturday visit! Yesterday we had such a cold rainy winter-y day, a perfect day to get back to big sewing projects that had been set aside for the summer[s]. 

The weather was truly odd and dismal, 50 and relentless rain, though no wind, so okay. I looked at the Weather Bug historic  temperatures and last year these days of October 15, 16, 17, the record temps were as high as 90*! [I don't remember that?!].  Anyway, Mo balked at walkies, and free time reared its ugly head.

I dug out Silent Night, set aside two years ago, still trying to comprehend how to do the borders part way so I can prep the appliques for deck sewing.

Good thing I made detailed notes before this work stoppage, back in 2018, as at that time I expected to finish it the following winter. But life intervenes, as well we know.

I know I need 11 more stars...

You may recall I want the essentially indigo and white quilt to be a Christmas/ early winter quilt that I can actually use in my bedroom.

The coming week is expected to be gorgeous! Hand work prep is a must do.

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With some sadness I skipped, for now, Lori of Humble Quilts doll quilt Fall sewalong, though the project is darling and humble and authentic. I just cannot do the competitive sewing, some people had the doll quilt completed and hand quilted by the day after the final clue. Not for me, makes me feel so stressed and useless [tho I admire their focus and ability, of course]. But Lori is fast to move on and now she is doing a challenge, to use an antique orphan quilt block in a quilt. Any quilt, any size. Must be done by Thanksgiving. Maybe my Shirley's Christmas rescue could count? Lori C. says the project is wonderful now that she has quilted it. [color me excited].

But I have had this block up on my wall for years, is it a maybe? 

Or this wonderful cheddar thing, with the accompanying hsts? Hmmm.? 

Not sure I will do anything but it is fun to think about. Any suggestions?

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I redid some of my home decor. I felt it was a bit over the top for this quiet year of no visitors, no celebrations, no fun, that we're still experiencing due to the virus. And there is no reason, once you seasonally decorate, that you can't redo and tweak things til it fits your moods.

I was especially worried about the big bowl with bittersweet and candle. There is no reason to think the jar candle would somehow ignite the garland but better to be very safe with candles. I'll add a pumpkin colored or indigo runner there instead maybe, as now it looks a bit pathetic.

I simplified the bench and probably will remove the large antique Star remnant too.

Because of winds from H. Delta I had to bring in all my shell chains. Again. Maybe store them for the winter?

My "this is too much" feeling was fueled by some other blogs---some of which do very restrained NO Pumpkins types of minimalist Fall decor! No orange! No Halloween?  

http://www.talesfromahappyhouse.com/2020/10/conkers-crochet-and-cake.html  

Or these: 

Fine Farmhouse on FB : https://www.facebook.com/AFineFarmhouse

and the always softly beautiful Vibeke blog: 

http://vibekedesign.blogspot.com/2020/10/hsten-en-fantastisk-tid.html. 

Make a cup of tea and have a look? I am sorry for the clunky links, Blogger is not allowing link uploads for me.

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Friday dinner was a treat: artisanal mushroom ravioli tossed with a light but rich sauce of egg, cream [diluted fat-free Half and Half], parm, tarragon, lots of black pepper; bacon, a few tiny tomatoes for color, mushrooms and garlic, sauteed separately and tossed in at the final moment. The hot rav is returned to the cooking pot and the eggy cream sauce is heated gently to thicken and coat the ravioli. This is a variation of  classic Pasta Carbonara. I use juice of a ripe lemon instead of wine. 

Basic Pasta Carbonara   https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/simple-carbonara None of the online recipes are as I make mine; let me know in comments if you want me to type up  more exact LizzyVersion.

Served with a large arugula, walnut and feta salad; raspberry balsamic dressing, from Trader Joe, I think.

 Off to the beach, will there be treasures? Pumpkin Patch visit next week, be sure to come along. See ya!

Have a good weekend!

love

lizzy

gone to the beach....