Autumn Moments

I have only done a little autumn decorating inside this year. 

As always, nature has made it's own decoration outside. Ablaze in red and gold, our Flaming Maple Tree was in its full glory this week.  I just love this tree, my little grocery store close out sapling I found and planted 25 years ago.  Every year, it never disappoints. It's leaves turned from green to red and gold within just a couple of weeks.

 Then, just as quickly the first autumn thunderstorm comes through with wind and slashing rain. 

Now where did I put my rake!

These perfect little droplets of water left on these leaves after the storm were captivating.

" each leaf becomes a miniature jewel box, displaying the glistening diamonds of raindrops" 

Have a blessed day!

Adieu!

 

Autumn Decorating

In the two weeks since we have been home we have watched the leaves on the Flame Maple quickly change from green to a beautiful mixture of red and gold, and just as quickly fall to the ground in great clumps.  I was so glad we were able to be home to enjoy the tree in its full autumn glory.

I have been busily decorating as I try to capture that wonderful feeling of autumn crispness and color throughout the inside.

The front porch

The Entry

 

The Living Room

 

I found this new autumn scene for the wall.

 New throw pillows as well.

 

The Dining Room

 

I am still trying to decide what I want to do for a centerpiece for the table.

In another week all of the leaves from the maple will be on the ground, but I will still be able to enjoy the fall colors around the neighborhood and in the house for weeks to come.  Blessings to each one who stops by.

Adieu!

 

Tea with Edgar Allen Poe

It's that time of year for trips to the pumpkin farm, the carving of jack o lanterns, and children dressing up to "trick or treat".  While I don't get overly excited about Halloween, I must say our Tribute to Edgar Allen Poe evening tea party was a great success. 

 My son J is an avid reader, a big fan of Edgar Allen Poe and can recite nearly the entire poem "The Raven".  All the books stacked on the table are his.  My future daughter-in-law C is very talented when it comes to decorating and the final results of her tea table were spot on in capturing the essence of mystery and macabre in a fun and light way.

I believe I mentioned in my last post that we were using my grandmother's tea set.  She loved giving tea parties.  I know she would be thrilled to know that we were using her set and carrying on the tradition of serving tea to friends.

 

Six guests came knocking on my chamber door. Not a one was named Lenore!  It was great fun getting to know these young ladies, many of  whom will be a part of the wedding next summer. C is the third from the left.

My future DIL is diabetic and has several food allergies as well.  Even so, she made some delicious food and her presentation was lovely. With the exception of the frosted cookies, every other baked good was gluten free.  There were scones with orange glaze, apple muffins and pumpkin pie bites.  We made deviled eggs with vegan mayonnaise and chicken salad to spread on gluten free crackers.  I love the pumpkin shaped cheese ball C made. My son J even had a hand in making homemade caramel sauce that was poured over cream cheese and used for dipping apple slices. Yum! Sweet and healthy at the same time.

The girls talked and laughed for hours as they enjoyed their tea and goodies.  I  think the food looked as picturesque on the plate as it did on the serving board. 

Several mornings have passed since our night of revelry. Our raven has flown away to return "nevermore".  Autumn has taken over my dining table where it will remain until after Thanksgiving, not quite as exciting as Poe I'm afraid.

~~

Changing the subject, there were a number of folks who asked about my recipe for the apricot shortbread bars. Here it is. 

 

You can use any flavor of preserves you like.  Sometimes I make half raspberry and half apricot. By the way, they freeze nicely too.

Happy Baking!