New York was a city between seasons when I visited earlier this month. Southern Ohio trees shed their leaves several weeks ago so it was shocking to find brilliant pops of gold and bronze amidst the skyscrapers.
It was also beginning to look a lot like Christmas as an abundance of lights, trees and wreaths brighten the streetscape.
Zuccotti Park is located near our hotel in lower Manhattan. My friend and I took a late night stroll and I was delighted to find this spot.
This nearby office lobby tree was even more stunning in person and was even pretty in the daylight.
The tree and menorah at the World Trade Center were meaningful in this quiet spot. We passed by on the way to breakfast and I was pleased to linger for a moment and appreciate the significance.
And all of this was in one small area of the city!
Why, hello October! It’s so good to welcome the Autumn season here in southern Ohio. The weather has turned decidedly cooler and it’s beginning to look and smell like fall.
Last night, my cousin Sherrie and I strolled through a corn maze lit with Jack O’Lanterns at Walker Farm near Logan, Ohio. I recently interviewed the owners for a story at work so I was more than happy to say yes when Sherrie wanted to go.
The sky was magnificent and the company was good. I can’t imagine a better way to kick off what I hope will be a festive, busy season.
See it, smell it, taste it, and forget the time of day or year. Autumn needs no clock or calendar. Hal Borland
I took this quote seriously this weekend and gleefully abandoned the clock to enjoy a quiet weekend mostly at home. I have been tired lately and I believe in listening to my body when it asks me to slow down. Not to mention, it has been gloomy, cool and rainy for a few days – ideal conditions to stay inside where it’s cozy.
To quote the frightfully wise six-year-old Wednesday Addams in the original 1964 television classic The Addams Family – “It’s so nice and gloomy.”
So I lit some candles, did a few small chores and slept in two days in a row. Well, I slept in as much as Scout would allow. Mostly, I read. My goal to read 100 books in 2021 seems well beyond reach as I am a daunting seven books behind schedule.
And, of course, Scout was thrilled to have me here and a happy cat makes for a happier life. The paper sack picture was made this weekend. All of the fall pictures came from early last week.
This was just before dusk and the light was lovely in places. Here’s one more for good measure.
So, here we are back at Monday. That means different things to everyone but whatever you do today, I hope you’re kind to yourself.
The fall foliage in Ohio has been disappointing so far this year. Experts say our peak will be a little later than normal but I suspect it won’t be grand. It has been hot and dry this fall and the leaves seem to be turning brown and dropping before they have a chance to turn pretty.
The best color I have seen in Ohio so far is at this lovely country church in the Hocking Hills.
I’ll swing by again next week to see how the colors progress. Meanwhile I keep thinking back on the foliage I saw in the mountains in West Virginia earlier this month. It wasn’t nearly as vibrant as it was last year but still quite pretty.
If you’re in the Hocking Hills region of Ohio and in need of pumpkins, mums and other outdoor fall decor, be sure to stop by Ava, Hunter and Hinslee’s Produce Stand just outside Logan.
The prices are good and the products are great quality. Plus, you’re helping a good cause. You see, the profits of this family business benefit the kids’ college funds. The kids are little and cute and it’s awesome to see a family teaching the value of hard work and saving money while learning to care for their merchandise and embrace an entrepreneurial spirit.
They had a yard full of mums of all colors when I stopped last night. However, I saw on Facebook this will be the last shipment of mums for the year. They’re four for $20, a real bargain considering their size and health.
Specialty pumpkins are eight bucks while others range in price from two to six dollars. Small gourds are a dollar each. I wanted to buy a fistful of these little guys. At .25 they were a bargain but I couldn’t think of a thing to do with them. That never stopped me from buying stuff before so that’s an unexpected regret!
They also have Indian corn and hay plus tomatoes, peppers, honey and jam. I picked up a jar of tomato jam that was made by a Lancaster company and can’t wait to try it.
They’re located at 14111 Old Mcarthur Road, Logan and are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There are two more things you need to know. This is a cash only business and you either need to bring exact change or be prepared to donate your change. You see, you pay by the honor system. You tally up what you have and drop your money in a tube.
There was another lady there filling up her Jeep with mums and pumpkins, joyfully picking out just the right ones. She said it was her third trip there because she likes to decorate outside for fall. Her husband would probably have a fit because she was buying more but the neighbors like it and she’s supporting a good cause.
Besides, we agreed that fall is the best season and we need to celebrate early and often. So go get you some pretty things for the porch or pick up some peppers and tomatoes for homemade salsa and help those youngsters get to college!
When I was a kid, pumpkins were just the round, orange orbs that you carved into jack-o-lanterns.
Today there’s a huge selection of pumpkins and gourds most anywhere you go. This stack of pumpkins with their wide, flat shapes, interesting textures and muted colors is perfect.
When I was a kid, pumpkins were just the round, orange orbs that you carved into jack-o-lanterns.
Make the Journey Fun 