October

The pumpkins are out at the Safeway store.

I reused some old fake flowers and an older grape vine wreath from the attic to create this year's wreath by the front door. 

Inside, dried hydrangeas are taking the place of most of the fresh flower arrangements.

There are still enough fresh flowers in the garden for a kitchen table bouquet, but the hail storm last Friday pretty much did most of them in.

The Autumn tub came out of the attic and the fireplace is decorated. 

 The two oldies here are from Tom's mother's childhood, glass candy jars c. 1910. Her father, Tom's grandfather, created that beaded figure in the gold frame.

Gourds by my great grandmother's clock.

Old paper cutouts salvaged from the storeroom of Tom's old kindergarten room are pinned here and there.

Spiders are decorating OUTSIDE.

We have had some very unsettled weather lately, so the wind has announced that the messy season is beginning under the cedar trees. 

When we have been able to get outside, we have begun the fall clean up. Perennials have been cut back and annuals pulled. Oil cloths and umbrellas have been removed from the patio. 

 This bed is ready for the tulip bulbs which should be arriving soon from the Skagit Valley. 

Tom has been moving tender plants into the greenhouse. More will follow. 

Today was one of the few sunny days in the forecast so I got out and "picked" all of the glass flowers and got them washed up. They will be stored in the attic. 

There are still a few things blooming in the garden.

 The autumn crocus were squashed flat by the rain and hail.

The very first hints of color are showing on the dogwood and the maple tree seeds. 

 When I get back from my daily walks, Charlie is happy to join me on the patio and soak up a bit of warmth from the weakening sun. 

We've been busy, but it's a good busy. We are transitioning into fall. October is here.