Holding onto Fall

Autumn is certainly in full swing, but today winter was threatening to move in. At least it sure felt that way. The wind didn't tickle, it sliced! Not nice.  My girlfriend who lives an hour and a half away told me she saw snowflakes swirling in the air. No.. !! Say it isn't so!! 

I have enjoyed our autumn weather so much, and I think I was in denial that our beautiful Fall weather would actually end. So, in honor of the dwindling autumn season... 

I managed to work through most of this bin. A few pies made, bags of apple slices frozen for later, and containers of homemade applesauce. These apples were so sweet, I didn't even have to add sugar!

Our huge lodgepole pine dropped its nasty needles a few weeks ago. Not a fun job to rake those up. 

picking a pail of painful pinecones

 (step on one of these with bare feet and you'll know what I mean!)

I stepped out to check for mail later in the day and was greeted by a pile of lost, lonely leaves pushing pathetically against the door. I was sure they were begging to be let in, 

away from the cold wind! 

 View from my desk, which I was chained to for most of the day. The sun tempted me to go out, but I could hear the wind's warning whistle.  Wimp that I am, I chose to stay indoors.  I think it's time to bundle up a bit more before heading out! 

Not sure if you noticed or not, but I have been using alliteration in this post.

Couldn't help myself. 

Poetry on the brain, what with planning for this week's lesson. 

I spent an hour writing a 'found poem'. I figured that if I asked my students to write one, I should probably write one, too. It was rather fun, I have to admit. Although it took longer than I expected. Creativity is hard work!