Our Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest

"There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One is roots; the other, wings." ~Hodding Carter

Shere Khan, the mighty tiger visits us ~ Ashton didn't only just model his Halloween costume, he knew exactly what his character should do . . . frighten everyone out of his jungle!

Grandma Sandy sewed Halloween Trick or Treat Bags for all the grandchildren

as well as Halloween pillowcases

Ashton and Brett get an early start at their creations.  

Sandy, Ethan, Megan, Cory & Ashton supposedly all hard at work . . . get busy all of you!

Ethan had major knee surgery, replacing his missing ACL and rebuilidng the miniscus.

He couldn't really do much, but gave us lots of sound advice . . .

Our creative contestants: Arianne, James, Brittany, Cory, Ashton, Brett, Tiffany, Charlie, Ethan, Megan, Ray

It is always fun to see the amazing creations that develop from what was once a simple pumpkin!

All participants get a certificate and prizes

I Like Best of All, Autumn

"I like spring, but it is too young.

I like summer but it is too proud

So I like best of all autumn, because it's tone is mellower, its colours are richer, and it is tinged with a little sorrow.

. Its golden richness speaks not of the innocence of spring, nor the power of summer, but of the mellowness and kindly wisdom of approaching age. It knows the limitations of life and is content." ~ Lin Yutang

A glorious Sunday afternoon on the Nebo Loop, September 27, 2009

Fresh Artichokes Anyone?

Okay, so we were in the garden center this spring and saw some artichokes in four inch containers and decided to give one of them a try . . . and we have been pleasantly surprised - this lovely plant with large leaves was growing mightly all summer . . . but it wasn't until August that little artichokes showed up.  We have enjoyed several now - their were a total of seven artichokes on the plant, so if they survive this upcoming cold spell . . . we will still have  a few more to enjoy this fall and with Hollandaise sauce on the side.