...So Charming To The Eye...

The latter days of fall are often cursed,

But as for me, kind reader, she is precious

In all her quiet beauty, mellow glow.

Thus might a child, disfavored in its family,

Draw my regard. To tell you honestly,

Of all the times of year, I cherish her alone.

She's full of worth; and I, a humble lover,

Have found in her peculiar charms.

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A melancholy time! So charming to the eye!

Your beauty in its parting pleases me -

I love the lavish withering of nature,

The gold and scarlet raiment of the woods,

The crisp wind rustling o'er their threshold,

The sky engulfed by tides of rippled gloom,

The sun's scarce rays, approaching frosts,

And gray-haired winter threatening from afar.

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Extracts are from the poem Autumn by

Alexander Pushkin, Russian poet (1799 – 1837)
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FOG. My Picture(s) Of The Day

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Copyright 2009 TatyanaS

Halloween Readiness Checklist

Do you have a Halloween checklist? No? Make it. It's easy.

This is what you need:

1. Pumpkin(s).

Check your own garden.

To find a good big pumpkin, use a dog:

If don't have your own dog, borrow one from neighbors, relatives, co-workers, etc.

Kids also can be very helpful in finding pumpkins.

Place pumpkins on the front porch:

Carve pumpkins:

Decorate pumpkins:

2. Costumes.

You can get ideas for costumes anywhere:

on the walls

on the streets:

Using masks is always a good idea:

as well as using accessories (the spookier the better ):

You can find accessories even at the flower and garden shows (like those above shown at the NW Flower and Garden Show).
Try to keep costumes decent. This is an example of bad taste:

I know that health care reform is a very hot subject, but anyway, there could be children around.
The costumes below are more tasteful:

3. Decorations.
Decorating your house is very important, especially if you have guests.

Decorate inside and outside the house:

Don't forget bathrooms. Go for bold, nature-related pieces:

Spiders are very important:

Again, use a lot of pumpkins!

4. Food.

Try to use your own produce:

Black organic fingerling potatoes are very appropriate:

If you can, use your own catch:

Blood is not real. Added for Halloween effect

Don't forget berries and fruit:

It's October, but look around your garden. Maybe some fruit are still hanging around:

Spooky dessert is a must:

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5. Halloween animals

Animals add a soft warm touch to a spooky holiday.

This picture is not mine. Thanks to the unknown author

No, not bunnies. They are for Easter. What are you saying?

I know he is cute, but leave him alone, he needs to grow muscles. It's not easy to carry all those easter eggs for the kids!
Cats are good for Halloween, especially black. Don't have black?

Orange are OK, too:

If you were saving on cat food, then try to go for quantity.

Two skinny ones will do.

This picture is not mine. Thank you unknown author

Dogs are even better for Halloween. They can be dressed or at least accessorized:

No, don't give him your designer glasses, he can chew on them.

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So, let's check our list. We have pumpkins, costumes, decorations, food, animals.
The listed components are basic together with treats for kids. You can then add your own special touch.

Oh, don't forget to save some money for the dentist. The kids will need to visit him after eating all those candies.

As for me, I am ready!

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

HA - HA - HA!!!!!
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Copyright 2009 TatyanaS

Neighborhood Walk

Since our house is surrounded by huge conifers, I took a walk to see all the beautiful autumn colors.

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This is the brightest yard I've ever seen!
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Japanese Plum trees
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View of the Olympic mountains.

Looking at this picture tells us what trees are most prevalent in the Pacific Northwest. Right, evergreen trees.*

Golf course is always evergreen, too.

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Three sisters. They get their leaves, change their colors and drop them synchronically, at the same time.

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Hydrangea. Do you see it?

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This is another one

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Something does not fit in this picture.

It's a white light, don't you think so?

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Peeking into a For Sale garden. There are quite a bit of them around.

Nobody enjoys this fall garden beauty. It is sad.
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Tennis court
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Birch trees are still green.

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Back home. And back to work.

Rob's post So Much To Do
reminded me about zillions of garden chores. While he has to deal with walnuts, I have to pick up pine cones. Where are the squirrels when I need them?

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Actually, the name of this post is not correct. Did you notice how I did my "walk"?

There are two pictures which answer the question. But it's not important, I just wanted you to enjoy October in one of our northwestern neighborhoods.

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Have a great day!

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I participate in Dave's The Fall Color Project 2009 (www.growingthehomegarden.com)
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Copyright 2009 TatyanaS