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
--------
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!

Gwyneth + Mario in Spain on PBS ~ Premiers 9/20 . . .

SPAIN - On the Road Again premiers on PBS the week of September 20th. The 13-week series begins tonight in some areas. In New York and New Jersey it is on at 3pm tomorrow (Sunday 9/21). That seems like an odd time slot to me ~ I am so glad I checked the schedule so I could set my DVR. How did we ever live without those great machines?

You can view the listings for your area on this PBS site and see lots of photos and video clips. I don't think you have to be a foodie to enjoy this program. The scenery looks amazing. The stars are Gwyneth Paltro, Mario Batali, Mark Bittman, and a Spanish actress named Claudia something. So that's two actresses and two chefs.

I hope you read this in time to see the first episode. I should have posted about it earlier. Better late than never. Enjoy!