The sun finally appearing at the flea market this morning where temperatures started at 34 degrees. But it was a good morning and worth going, I managed to get rid of a lot of junk. 

The golden ginkgo trees at Blandy Farm. Janice and I spent a while there but it was cold and very windy.

Beautiful fall colors driving through The Plains on the way home.

Rosie Lee snuggling down in her new fleece blanket as the winds howl and whip around Meadow House.  

I had to recreate the image on the left as it was too blurry to print. One part of my job I love doing.

Watching a chick flick which I thought would be lame, but which was actually quite cute, I Don't Know How She Does It.

One of the entries in The Plains Scarecrow Competition.

I came across some zombies in Front Royal. The lady amazed me by managing to smoke a cigarette through the grill on her mouth.

My first ever corn maze, and on a dark night with a full moon. It was a hoot and we must've trudged about 3 miles during the hour and a half that we were in there!

I stopped in Marshall on the way home and got out of my car to stand and watch a starling murmuratiion by the old grain tower. What a beautiful sight, seeing them soundlessly twist and turn in their thousands. I watched until the light fell. How wonderful to have this happening so close to home. 

Wednesday, October 21,2015

I spotted this plane taking off from Dulles as I was leaving work. No idea where it was going but kinda wished I was in it.

Yummy roasted vegetables tonight for dinner. 

Monday, October 19, 2015

Last year, this farm's Halloween decoration was the headless horseman. This year, they've recycled the horse and placed a female skeleton on it.

Another hike notched on my belt. Fantastic views with strong winds from the peak of Seneca Rocks, WV.

Had a very fun day working the NOVA Beerfest with some of my favorite people.

Friday, October 16, 2015

A totally awesome piece of embroidery that we ran for a new client. It blew the example he brought in out of the water.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

On the way home I met with the Fauquier Master Gardeners who very kindly gave me some perennials to plant, bee loving and deer hating plants that should hopefully thrive on the hill. It was a race to get home, put them in the earth, and water them before dusk fell. I even managed to chop some kindling before it got too dark. 

England Mountain, my evening hike. I need a break after tonight as I'm still sore from last week's exercising so my legs will have a chance to recharge for the weekend.

A pretty impressive sky on the way home tonight.

I collected a nice big bag of acorns and hickory nuts to drop off at the local wildlife center, then picked up another bagful for the squirrel at home. There's going to be some contented animals tonight!

Cracked open a favorite bottle of wine to celebrate my achievements in fitness this week. Have made a super effort to make fitness a main goal and today completed my 5th hike in 6 days. The group I met today were amazing, all local gals, and a group I know I'll be seeing more of. Feeling good, although sore!

After our group finished a 7 mile hike, we went to a local winery. This is just a few of the bottles of wine we ploughed through and a table full of food. 

I made a quick stop at a local farm to grab some horseradish cheddar and had to stop to pet the donkeys. They kept me busy for a bit picking lush clover and grass that was just out of their reach. Two big handfuls for each donkey. My good deed for the day!

Last night I added a handful of acorns to the 3 black walnuts that I'd put out for my squirrel. I came home tonight to this. Looks like he enjoyed his feast today!

A pretty silk moth on the trail that I hiked this evening.

Saw this as I was leaving work. Pretty offensive but I guess that was his intent.

That looks a bit rough to be Kota, so it must be a dog I hear you say. Nope, just my lovely new fluffy cushion. All set for that chilly autumn weather.

A rather ghastly collection of clowns at a the Edinburg flea market. I did purchase an oil lamp there, in preparation for the inevitable power outages this coming winter.

Friday, October 2, 2015

Janice and I ordered the special at Nana's, steak and Guinness pie. They sold out before we were through ours but everyone agreed they were delicious, loaded with chunks of steak, mushrooms, carrots, onions and thick gravy with an excellent pastry on top. 

I love visiting my local farm, Broad Run, to pick up fresh free range eggs and other goodies. And it's always extra special when I can fuss the pets, who were indoors today because of the rain. Shadow, the black cat, was curled up in his chair and Foo Foo the bunny was happy to pose for a photo while snuggling on her blanket.