BEAUTIFUL DAYS~~

Yesterday was a beautiful day to get outside. The temperatures have been in the high 60's, which is strange because last week we were wearing winter coats and mittens. Go figure. I realized that I hadn't taken any outdoor pictures of my fall decor and I thought I'd share a little with you. I didn't do as much as I usually do because I wasn't up at the lake as much to buy the usual straw, pumpkins, gourds and other fun stuff. Having to pay Chicago prices, I kept it at a minimum.
I also heard about an end of season sale at Kohls recently and coupled with a trip to CVS, I found some great fall items to stock up on for next year; place mats, runners, napkins and candles. I couldn't even look in the Christmas aisles.
I like to leave my fall things out until the weekend after Thanksgiving...
...especially outdoors. The squirrels didn't get these pumpkins because Milo is usually standing guard in the window.

We have missed a few weekends at the lake but I still want to get up there soon to see how the leaves have changed, to feel the acorns crunching under my feet. I want to have a bonfire and roast hot dogs and marshmallows. Once December comes, we will be too busy to go. Has anyone started their Christmas shopping yet?
My mums are still going strong. I think the key is lots of water. I give them a good drink every other day.

How does everyone like having shorter days since we turned the clocks back? I like when it starts to get dark out about 4:30...it's sort of a down time. The Husband doesn't usually get home from work until about 7:00 p.m., so I have a little stretch of time before I have to start dinner. I like to read or watch television of see what all of you are up to during that time. I'm planning my Thanksgiving menu, which rarely changes from year to year, and trying to come up with dessert ideas that I can make and freeze. This year dessert is at my house and although everyone makes something, I try to make at least a pie, cookies and a cake or tart {yes, this coming from the girl who doesn't like to bake}. Which brings me to a correction I want to make from my last post. The little cakelet pan was a big hit with so many of you but I mistakenly said that I bought it at Sur La Table when I actually ordered it from Williams-Sonoma. You can find it under New Bakeware. I'm glad so many of you liked it and would love to see some of your creations.

So that is all that is really going on with me. Just enjoying these beautiful days and hoping you are too. I'm linking again with Courtney of French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Fridays. Have a good week! :-)