FHE-Little Cottonwood Canyon, White Pine Trail Head

One bright spot in my week-long battle with microbes is that I bought a pink suit. Before anyone thinks that I have radically changed styles, let me explain- I am determined to dress up as Dolores Umbridge for Halloween. My recent suit purchase has every possibility of being engineered into a fantastic Dolores Umbridge costume. I need to make a few adjustments and embellishments, but I am thrilled to not be starting with finding fabric and sewing the whole thing from scratch!!!

My mom is painting a cat motif on a china brooch. Now I just need to figure out a wand,(the 'authentic' ones for sale are a bit steep), perhaps a chilling quill, and a way to 'set' my hair into a helmet-do.

I expect to be the most frightening character around on Oct. 31.

Fall in the garden

We have worked on and off all spring and summer to continue to improve the front yard and to finish the backyard. We are nearly done with the flagstone project, the raspberries and other fruit are growing, and the garden was a reasonable first attempt-some success, some failure. Next spring we will finish the fence line and then perhaps eat more of what we are growing!
Bird bath and metal pig-a family friend.
The flowers in the front are really pretty right now.

The boys pick the Golden Delicious apples.
The flagstone is nearly done.

Leith with corn, sunflowers, and pumpkins.
Leith picks a cherry tomato that the deer missed.
Niall does his bunny impression.
India and Caitlyn pick carrots.

In watching the convention speeches of both parties, I am struck by how much they resemble old-time melodramas. As entertaining as it already is, I really think they should use a theater organ for the full effect.

We have been eating an amazingly delicious, seeded watermelon which has confirmed my opinion that a seedless watermelon has lost more than just its seeds. I admit it is less convenient to eat one with seeds, but, for me, it is worth the effort for the superior flavor.

I read in the paper today that it has been 100 years since Anne of Green Gables, by Lucy Maud Montgomery was first published. I remember my Grandma Allred recommending it to me as a girl. When my girls were small, we loved the beautiful movie version. The story of Anne Shirley definitely gave them 'scope' for their imaginations. In honor of her 100th literary birthday, here are a few Anne Shirley quotes:
"It's a serious thing to grow up, isn't it? ...it's a great responsibility because I have only one chance."

"I make so many mistakes. But then just think of all the mistakes I don't make."

"The world looks like something God had just imagined for his own pleasure, doesn't it?"

We received much needed rain last night and today along with very cool temps. As the clouds cleared away this afternoon, they left a dusting of snow on the very tops of the mountains. Leith is anxiously anticipating ski season- he asks regularly when the snow will come. I hope it comes soon and in a generous quantity at the higher elevations, but not on my driveway.
I wish we could enjoy interesting and varied weather without reservation, but no matter what happens outside, someone seems to be in danger. The rain today brought mudslide worries after the wildfire last week.

Happy Birthday, India!

India turned 14 today. She has spent the weekend celebrating- Sat: shopping, Sun: B-day dinner with Sherman Grandparents, Mon: Breakfast and hanging out with friends, etc. Grandma & Grandpa Allred gave her money to shop at our favorite store, Maurices (new fashions pictured above). We love the store for its good quality, cute clothes and great service and for its avoidance of trashy teen trends. Thanks, Grandma!