Bits & Bobs & Life Goes On

Thank you all for your very kind words about my sweet angel, Lily - the house has been so quiet since she's gone. I was so used to the sound of her nails tapping around - even though the other two babies make their own little taps, I am still missing the sound of our tip-tappity Lily. 

How To Overwinter Your Geraniums

Remember back in the spring I promised to show you how to overwinter your Geraniums? 

Well, it's time!!

Autumn In The Mountains

It's been kind of a weird Autumn up here on the mountain top. One day it's chilly, the next day warm and humid. 

But it appears that's about to change. 

Happy Fall, Y'All!

The leaves are changing and starting to fall and there's a nip in the air most evenings now on the mountain top....and I couldn't be happier!

It's finally here, it's finally Fall, Y'All!

Looking Forward To Fall

It's been ridiculously hot on the Mountain Top this summer, which is quite bizarre for us.

I have to say I'm not loving it.

Before & After

Thanks to all of you who chimed in on the door decision in my last post. It's great to know so many of you have Larson doors and love them - I had never heard of the brand previously, until I started doing my homework on purchasing a new storm door, and I have to say I'm sold!

Autumn On The Mountain Top

Autumn has well and truly settled onto the Mountain Top. 

Well, at least Autumn colors. 

The temperatures, on the other hand? Not so much. 

Thankful, Grateful, Blessed

I know, I know....I've been missing. 

A lot. 

I can't help it....this is a crazy time of the year for me. 

5 Things I'm Making This Fall....and Only Two More Days To Vote!

The leaves are changing like mad up on the mountain top, and there is most definitely the excitement of autumn in the air. 

This & That

It's hard to believe the summer has come and gone, isn't it? 

For many, that means the kiddos are heading back to school. 

I kind of miss those days.

I'm Craving Cozy

Our cold weather has returned, and there's a chill in my bones today. My fingers are stiff as I'm trying to type this post.

 

I'm glad it's the end of the workweek, and I can't wait to spend some time in my cozy house this weekend.

Welcome To My World

So, it's not even Halloween yet and we are having our SECOND snowstorm of the season on the mountain top!

Yup, welcome to my world. 

Heaven On Earth

Saturday was such an absolutely glorious autumn day on the mountain top that I started snapping photos the second my feet hit the ground!

I never tire of waking to the sights and sounds of horses outside my bedroom window, although they managed to escape my camera on this gorgeous morning. 

Try as I may, it was impossible to truly capture the golden glow that was shining in through the windows. 

While I was enjoying my coffee, the Monkey was enjoying her usual morning spot....in a sun puddle, as usual. 

She always makes sure she has a few of her favorite things up on the chair with her. When I straighten up the house and fluff the pillows I typically find 5 or 6 toys tucked into the corners of this chair!

After a trip to my local farmers' market, there was work to be done around the house. 

I decided this heavenly autumn day called for a vegetable beef stew in the crock pot that could cook as I took care of some necessary chores. 

I browned some ground beef that I picked up at the market and threw it in with some onions, garlic, shallots, sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, and celery. All the items were either from the farmers' market or grown in my crooked little garden. 

Next came some beef broth, herbs, pepper, and a couple of bay leaves. I gave everything a good stir, turned it on high, and went about my day. 

Eventually I couldn't resist the pull of the outdoors. It was time to abandon any further chores and enjoy the amazing beauty I am so blessed to be surrounded with. 

The firepit was calling my name. What better way to spend a lovely fall afternoon in the mountains? 

So, I did what any good mountain girl would do and made myself an apple cider martini....with a cinnamon rim, of course.....put on my ugly old uggs, grabbed a throw, and headed outside. 

It was time to settle in and watch the show at the feeder. I gave the birds a bit more seed and some peanuts before I got comfortable, and I knew they would show up within minutes. 

Oh, how I missed feeding the birds and critters! I know the bears haven't hibernated yet, but they haven't been bothering my home lately, so all is well. 

There's nothing I like more than spending time in nature enjoying the beauty God created, while my little furry and feathered friends enjoy the feast I put out for them. 

That's heaven on earth, right there. 

My sister asked me when she visited last if the squirrels can climb the feeder poles clamped to the deck. 

The answer would be a resounding yes!

There's nothing that keeps the squirrels off the feeders for good - they always seem to figure it out. It's just part and parcel of feeding the birds. 

Although the firepit on my deck is propane, the smell of woodsmoke surrounded me from both my woodstove and my neighbor's. 

I love the way the afternoon sun hits the mountain across the way. The mountain top just seems to glow....and then the sun dips down and is gone, as dusk settles onto the mountain top. 

It was time to put out the fire and go inside, to warm up by the woodstove. 

And enjoy a bowl of vegetable beef stew and some warm crusty bread. 

Heaven on earth. 

I'm so blessed. 

Fall Fashion Over 40

It's that time of the year when I transition from sandals to ballet flats and boots....scarves and sweaters. 

Layers....lovely layers!

October On The Mountain Top

We're nearly at the middle of October and things are starting to look, well...a bit spooky around here!

Although there is still some gorgeous foliage around, we are most definitely past 'peak' leaf peeping season...and there are more and more naked trees surrounding the house these days. 

The Last Hurrah

Well, that's it - gardening season is officially over.

That's not to say there's not plenty of work that remains to be done, in and around the garden. Not a chance.

It's just that our short growing season has officially come to an end.

Seasonal Harvest Tour

I still can't believe I'm here, part of this incredible Bloggers Seasonal Harvest Tour! I'm so honored to be among this amazingly talented group of bloggers, opening their homes for an autumn tour. 

I am eternally grateful to Brenda from Cozy Little House for her friendship, her guidance, and for including me among the 25 talented bloggers for the 2016 Bloggers Seasonal Harvest Tour. 

Fall Is In The Air!

Fall has well and truly arrived to the mountain top and I'm delighted to see all the vibrant colors everywhere I look!

We could  all sure use a little happiness and light after the sad week we had last week. 

It's Coming!

Every day brings more changes to the mountain top, now that Autumn is nearly upon us. 

Snuggling Into Fall Weather

Last night, when I finally got home to my little house after a long, busy day, I sat on my leather chair in the living room and ate a sandwich for dinner and read a book. Not quite a gourmet meal, but it was late and I was hungry. 

My feet were freezing while I was sitting there. I had to put on my fuzzy slippers.