Make Your Own Path . . .

Pumpkin patch in the yard . . .

I absolutely love this pumpkin patch that comes right up to the porch. Wouldn't it be great to open the door, take a few steps, and pick out your jack-o-lantern or the main ingredient for a pie? Pumpkin pie is my favorite ~ another reason for enjoying this time of year.

It looks as if we are in for a rainy weekend. Not good for the annual Fireman's Auction and Sale in New Vernon. Most things are under a tent...but some of the donations are in a big uncovered field. I hope they keep all the books dry. I'll wear my wellies and walk around in the mud. I always find a treasure.

My diminutive bookcase . . .

I finished the renovation of my cottage in 2004. I sold all the large pieces that did not have a place here before moving in and have been slowly filling in the bare spots ever since. Luckily I am a patient person as it is very hard to find small-scale antiques.

Over the summer I finally found a bookcase for my overflow of antiquarian books. I am thrilled with the size and style. I love the graduated shelves with waterfall sides, the bottom drawer with brass pulls, the legs with brass castors, and there is even an inlaid conch shell on the back panel. I found it at an estate sale nearby. I was not one of the early birds either. Luckily, this treasure was piled high with junk and the other lookers passed it by.

I just wanted to drive home the point that the best homes are not decorated overnight. I went to a realtor open house yesterday that looked as if all the furnishings were purchased on the same day. Not a good look in my opinion.

Don't be in a rush. Slow down and enjoy the hunt.

All things come to those who wait!

New Dollar Bill . . .

A little bit of humor about a very serious situation.

Stolen from: Bookplate Junkie ~ thanks Lew! (See my Recommendations List)

Inscription on a Dog Collar . . .

I wonder if this dog collar is still around? Don't you love the inscription?

Japanese Penguin goes shopping . . .

You will enjoy this Animal Planet movie about a shopping penguin in Japan.

My favorite things . . .

I can't believe this photo turned out so well. My wellies were on top of a windsor stool in my vestibule. I had just returned from the grocery store with my favorite apples ~ Ginger Gold from upstate New York. They snap when you bite them and are so tart and juicy. The best! This one had especially nice color so I sat it down in front of my favorite boots and snapped away.

I am very pleased with the way the apple "pops" against the dark background. I hope these apples are available for a long time. They are unwaxed and don't have those awful stickers. Just the way I like them.

Pretty soon I will be wearing these wellies each time I go out for a walk. The fall season will soon be in full swing. I am putting all the gardens to bed and am looking forward to another blogging season. My first one (summer 2008) was fabulous. I hope you will join me for my next chapter!

I am very happy that all of my favorite TV shows are starting up again too.

My kitchen has gone to the dogs . . .

Webster could never look directly at the camera when there was food before him!

He is the greatest pot licker in the East. I fixed scrambled eggs with cheese this morning and he thoroughly enjoyed the job of cleaning the skillet.

He wanted me to post the recipe for his favorite all-natural snacks.

WEBSTER'S HOMEMADE DOG TREATS
2-1/4 cups cornmeal
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup dry powdered milk
3 Tablespoons molasses
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 eggs
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Mix everything together and knead into a ball.
Place on a floured surface and roll to desired thickness.
Cut dough with cookie cutters (bone-shapes are available).
Sometimes I just roll into a log and slice.
You can prick your dog's initial with a fork. A "W" is easy.
Bake on greased cookie sheets for 20 minutes at 375.
Enjoy all the licks and kisses you will receive from your pet.

Don't have a pet? Boo Hoo!
Make some for your canine friends. All dogs love presents!