SOCIAL MEDIA

October 27, 2016

Loving Fall & Early Christmas Planning

Fall is my favorite season and it feels like it goes by faster and faster each year. As I write this post, there is sleet falling outside my window here in NJ. Today I thought I would share a few odds and ends before the season completely passes us by.

Dax has been enjoying all of the leaves this fall. There's nothing like a puppy's spirit to remind us how to enjoy every moment!
The time we get to spend in upstate NY at this time of the year is always special. I prepared for one weekend away by packing a basket of fall goodies. A candle, pumpkin pancake mix and a library book are essentials for a fall getaway.
A highlight of our time in the mountains was spending a day at the World's Largest Garage Sale in Warrensburg, NY. An annual event, there are hundreds of garage sales and vendors set up throughout the town. I picked up a few items, including an old sled that I am planning to hang over our kitchen island for Christmas (if I can figure out a way to do it!). I snapped the picture below as we walked through the town. The leaves were just beginning to change and the mist over the mountains was beautiful.
I took these pictures as we walked down the main street in Chestertown, NY a week later when the leaves were ablaze in color.
We caught glimpse of a sea plane about to take off on Schroon Lake one warm afternoon. The views must have been spectacular from their vantage point.
Back at the house, it was chilly enough for a fire a few mornings. I settled in with a couple of Ellen Stimson's books. I had read her first, Mud Season a couple of years back.  She writes about her life in Vermont after moving her family there from the midwest.
Good Grief continues Ellen's story as her family of "flatlanders" settles into life in an old farmhouse in Dorset, VT. Reading her books makes me want to pack up my house and move. A.S.A.P. So far we haven't figured out a way to make that dream a reality but we are working on it.
An Old Fashioned Christmas gives an intimate look at Ellen's family's holiday traditions and includes some great recipes. I already made her Coq Au Vin and it was delicious. I can't wait for her to write another book so I can continue living vicariously through her. :)

And so it goes that as the leaves fall from the trees, my head fills with ideas for Christmas decor. Are you planning any holiday decor or activities yet? I think my favorite part is in the planning. No stress and endless possibilities.

12 comments :

  1. You are making it really difficult for me to run errands this rainy afternoon after seeing your cozy fire and reading your book recommendation! I will put that book on my list - you know how I love Vermont! Enjoy your day!
    Shelley

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    1. Thanks Shelley! I had a hard time getting going on that rainy day too. I think you will enjoy that book. Have a great weekend!

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  2. The book "An Old Fashioned Christmas" looks delightful. I will have to order it and read it in front of the fireplace - you have inspired me!

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    1. Yes! Reading a Christmas book in front of the fire is the BEST :) I loved that the book wasn't just about how they decorate, but how they truly enjoy the holidays as a family. I got a couple of ideas for things to do with my family. I hope you enjoy it.

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  3. Of course I love seeing Dax growing up.. Nothing better than a golden as I always say. He looks so perfect amid all those leaves! As I get older time seems to be going by faster and faster. I feel like once school starts it just goes by so fast. Have a great weekend!

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    1. Hi Jeanette! Thanks for stopping by. I love taking and sharing pictures of Dax so I am glad to know you enjoy them. Have a great weekend!

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  4. Vermont is such a great state and I am going to look into reading this wonderful book recommendation. Your cozy fire looks so inviting. Little Dax is sooo big and adorable. I bet when it starts to snow Dax will love that.
    Happy Friday and have a wonderful week end.
    Hugs,
    Kris

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  5. Beautiful photos, Courtney! Looks so cozy! The books look good, too...I ordered a couple of them and am looking forward to some quiet reading time! Thanks!

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  6. I love your pics...the trees are glorious, the cute little Main Street, the mist, and of course, Dax. His fur is the most beautiful I've ever seen on a golden. Do you have him groomed a lot? He's a sweetie!

    I'm going to check out the author and her books on Amazon. I have so many to get caught up on but I like these sort of books...people who pack it up and take a leap of faith on a new way of life!

    You look so cozy! It's 70 here today. I have no idea why!

    Jane

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    1. Hi Jane, Thank you! I too admire those people that take a leap and make a big move. I have the will to do it, but then I think of our parents who need assistance and 3 kids and their needs and what a move away from a big city would mean for their opportunities.

      We don't have our goldens professionally groomed, although we probably should. They both love to be brushed..and we should probably do that more than we do too. Dax does have a beautiful looking coat, but it tends to get mats easily. All of that hair takes so much upkeep!

      Have a great weekend!

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  7. Brilliant creativity! This is an awesome planning to enjoy Christmas Eve along the fall season. Visit my Website

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