November

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

The autumn chill is really starting to become more pronounced and although I won't abandon the yard entirely it will become much more desireable to spend my time inside.  

The Yard Is a Another Room of the House

Sunday, November 2, 2025

I can't believe it's November already and I can't state enough how much I've enjoyed not working. What's surprised me is how much I've loved using my extra time to be outside and really experience the changing of the seasons. 

I'm about two and a half months into what would've been the school year if I had been working. I've loved experiencing how the temperature and scenery have changed over the course of the month of October. At the beginning of the month Dale and I were sitting on the porch in the morning and I was wearing sleeveless shirts outside. 

I spent more time than I ever have during the months of September and October being outside walking, working in the yard, and just sitting and smoking cigars. I've been more in the moment than usual and I believe it's due to the things I've just mentioned not having to be squeezed in and feeling like they are things I have to do.  

                   

Recently the yard has felt more to me like another room in the house that I've enjoyed this summer and fall. As the weather begins to cool off even more, we're now entering the time of year we spend much more time in the house. I'm looking forward to the time inside and spending that time creating a warm and inviting space just as I've recently spent time trying to do the same for the outside. 

But we're getting to the time of year where the chill will require spending more time in the house.  I'm looking forward to enjoying the warmth and coziness of hearth and home and being part of creating that feeling.

   

Halloween 2025

Friday, October 31, 2025

Carved pumpkins this morning. 

Got a wreath for the door at Walgreen's.

Displayed the most pumpkins EVER for Halloween. 

Don't recall ever having carved more than one pumpkin for Halloween. 

Had fun passing out candy this year. 

Can't believe another Halloween's come and gone...

 

The Front Yard on Halloween

Friday, October 31, 2025

Seems strange we haven't lost more leaves yet. 

\

Looking north. 

Looking south. 

 

Looking east. 

Looking west. 

Should probably think about getting the hose inside sooner than later. 

Our Two Trees

 Friday, October 24, 2025

Our backyard tree is a red pine which in Minnesota is sometimes called the Norway pine. It's a beautiful tree. We're in the time of year where it really starts to drop it's needles. The above photo was taken from the alley. I'm not sure how old this tree is. 

Range of the red pine. 

Our front yard tree is a silver maple. Last time we had the tree guy out he estimated it was about 100 years old. The leaves have turned to a soft shade of yellow and are dropping slowly but steadily. The above photo was taken just south of our house. 

This is a north facing view of the tree. 

The range of the silver maple. 

I consider the yard as another room of the house. 

Squash

 Tuesday, October 21, 2025

I've bought more real pumpkins and squash for decorating this year than any other year. 

Decorating with Books

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Books look great on a shelf but I also think they look very nice stacked. They can help reflect themes and interests, like in this case, Halloween. I also think they add warmth and personality to a space or even a whole room.