Early Taste of Fall

What a wonderful treat!  Just got my Autumn edition of The Cottage Journal magazine last week and, I was thinking, it sure doesn't feel like Fall when temperatures have been in the 100s with lows in the high 70s or 80s.  It has been another brutally hot and dry summer for us here in Oklahoma (as in many places).  Anyway, Thursday we had a front come through and it is 65 degrees this morning.  The owls put on a symphony for me while I was sitting out on the patio.  And now as the sun comes up, the birds are flying giddily around enjoy the coolness. 

So, even though it is supposed to be close to 100 again today, we were given a wonderful taste of Fall and a reminder to have faith -  comes to this hot weather too shall come to pass. 
- Kat

A Tumblin' Down

On my drive home from the quilt store Saturday, the wind was crazy strong, even by Oklahoma standards.  Kev called me to tell me there were tumbleweeds on the side of the main street leading to our house, and to be on the lookout for them.  With the way the wind was blowing, I did not doubt that they were true Texas tumbleweeds rolling in from the South!  


So, driving into a headwind with my eyes on the look out to the side of the road for a rolling weed, I top a hill only to be confronted by two rolling right toward my truck, and a car in the opposing lane stopped because of one in the road tucked up against the front of it.  I avoid the two doing a frontal assault on my truck only to get stopped at the bottom of the hill by one doing a sneak attack from off to my right.  I start to go around, but make the decision to pull off the road - I am going to take one home with me!!!  I got out, picked it up and headed to my Element.  Well, those suckers are bigger than I thought (this one was 3ft in diameter - no wonder nobody wants to just run over them).  I tried to put it in the back of my Element - didn't fit.  Back seat - didn't fit.  And if you have ever been in an Element, they have LOTS of room.  Anyway, I finally got the darn thing in the passenger-side front seat by moving the seat all the way back and laying it down a bit.  


Off I go down the last mile to my house with this big tumbleweed as my passenger.  It tickled me so much that I laughed the whole way home.  When I got home, I told Kev I had something to show him.  I don't think he expected a tumbleweed (what a misnomer - tumble bush or tumble bale would be more appropriate).   It is now a wonderful addition to our Fall decor.  

It will probably show up in future blog pictures in a variety of "situations". It has already blocked our front door forcing us to retreat out the back of the house.


Gotta love that Oklahoma wind!  Ooooo-klahoma, where the wind comes and sweeps your house awaaaay -
Kat

Best Fall Ever in Oklahoma !!!

Since we moved to Oklahoma in January 2000, I think this has been the best Fall ever for fall colors and up there for temperatures.  The trees have begun to lose their leaves out here in the country - especially after the few freezes we have already had - here is Wednesday morning's (11/9/11) heavy frost - even bird bath froze.

But the trees still have some fantastic color...

Some close-ups of leaves, a cottonwood branch and some prairie grass (wish our whole yard had this grass!).

Today we had amazing weather!  Temps got up to 80.  Sky was beautiful.  Trees were beautiful.  Kev mowed the grass for the last time this year and dumped some shredded leaves in the garden beds - preparation for next year's plantings.  I did some stuff around the house then sat out on the patio and quilted.  Pure Fall heaven !!!

Oh happy days - thank You, God!!!
Blessings,
Kat

Unveiling My "Refreshed" Living Room

I have been finished with my simple living room remodel - moved my furniture around, made curtains, decorated for Fall, and put up some pictures on the wall that have been leaning against the wall on the floor for way too long.  Now, with the couch facing the fireplace, I am ready to sit and quilt in front of a toasty fire during the winter months.

Before pics:


No curtains, odd furniture placement, no real theme

After pics:



Couch facing fireplace with TV to right



 


Curtains !!!

Ahhh, feels good to have it done -
Kat

Fall is Summer's Reward

I have decided that we are being rewarded for enduring that long, hot, dry Summer.  We have been blessed with wonderful Fall colors this year - they just keep getting better.

Even the creek has its Fall colors on (and is over its banks from the rain today)

We had our first frost out here in the country on October 19.  That is when the colors really started to show.

Enjoy God's beautiful palette -
Kat

Arkansas Cruisin' - October 2011

Here are some of the pictures from our short trip to Arkansas.  I fell in love with all the old barns and Ozark mountain roads.  We had the benefit of having two different weather days - first was cloudy and drizzly, second was bright and sunny - both make for great pictures.

Fall colors along the mountain roads -

Ozark views -

Awesome old barns and rusty trucks - love that old America heartlands feel -

Yep, it may have been a short trip and I may have been feeling bad, but it will be remembered as a good trip !!!

Never know what you will find driving the backroads -
Blessings,
Kat