Let It Rain

Here in Cali, at least where I live, we don't get any snow, just rain. But it was a welcome site this year, we had a long summer. I think most of us are ready to usher in Fall. It finally rained last week.
Lawren came to visit us. She saw the water in the gutters and wanted to walk it them. Kathleen found her some rain boots and I found an adorable raincoat for her. She is all set for some more raindrops.

She loved walking in her new boots back and forth in the gutter.

I think she really likes her raincoat.

Here is Seans version of hair. I would not want to comb that.

Keirans version of hair...like father, like son.

FYI

Just wanted to let anyone know, who might be interested in making Pumpkin Butter. I discovered a few short cuts. Actually, Tom and I made 8 more pints this morning before I left for work....but-I-was-late-getting-here.
Don't skin the pumpkin, clean it out, cut into big chunks and boil with skin. Drain, let cool and then peel..so much easier.
Don't use a sieve, I mashed mine prior to putting it in my Vita Mixer. Saved a lot of time and elbow work.
Hope you have as much fun as we did making this yummy spread.

Pumpkin Butter

Today, I thought I would get a little domestic, so I decided to cook one of the pumpkins I had purchased a while back. I bought five. Will tackle one at a time.I planned on canning or freezing it so I could have fresh pumpkin to use for my pies this season. Well, I decided to tackle Pumpkin Butter. It was easy except for skinning the pumpkin. I think I will search the internet for an easier way other than using a knife, since a potato peeler won't work.
After cooking the pumpkin down, which only took about 15 minutes, I used my old sieve that I used when I was a real domestic woman.

I found a recipe that called for pure maple syrup. So far, so good.

I ended up with only 5 pints of butter. Well, I do have 4 more pumpkins to cook.

Field pumpkins aren't the best for pies, if you can find sugar pie pumpkins, they have a better flavor. These will do for now.

Pro Bass Shop

Last Friday, after I got off of work, Tom and I made a trip to the new Pro Bass Shop that opened up here, a week or so ago.I am not into hunting or fishing, but do enjoy the outdoors, love to camp, would-prefer-a-motor home, but a tent trailer will do for now. It was quite impressive and not at all what I expected. This is the outside of the front, soothing stream with fish in it.Above the entrance of the door is this gorgeous display. Feel sorry for the poor animals but at least these didn't end up on someones dinner table.

Never seen a flying turkey before, this one gets to escape the oven this year.Rock climbing doesn't look so hard, I would climb this mountain side.Can't leave out the Grizzly Bear, closest I've ever been to one.Looking up it is this gorgeous scene of the outdoors, the water falls into a huge aquarium, shown below.Here is Tom and other site seeker looking at the huge fish in the tank.A couple of fishermen standing in a stream inside the store, real fish in the water too, Tom decided to be brave and hug this bear.Didn't take a picture of the market inside...it has a FUDGE SHOP. You could smell the sweet aroma of candy too. I was strong, I stayed out of the shop..but I did take a peak to see all of the different variety of candy.

Dancing with the Stars

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Oh, Where Is My Hair Brush

There was a little girl who had a little curl...well, you know the rest. Lawren's hair is finally getting a-little-longer. Thought these pics were so cute. It made me think of the veggie-tale song, The Hairbrush.

Fire Station opens with a Big Bang

While visiting with our daughter, so grandpa could get another load of wood, we went to the local firestations open house. It was quite interesting. They had lots of fire and safety tips.

Lawren got to help one of the firemen hold the hose while it sprayed water.


Lawren riding on the old fashion firetruck with her mommy and grandpa murphy.

She really enjoyed watching the Arsen Puppy get ready for the performance that they were showing later.

Lawren liked Smokey the Bear but she did not want him touching her.

I think the highlight of the the whole day was Lawren in the jumpy house. She just loves them

Almost Time

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Pumpkins Galore

Friday, during lunch time, Tom and I made a quick trip out to our favorite nursery. They were having a Fall sale, lots of pumpkins, 3 for $5.00. Rows and rows of gorgeous fall pansies, I love pansies.

A whole wagon of pumpkins to choose from.

They were making homemade Apple Butter. I had been online earlier looking for a good recipe to make some.
Tom is standing on the side talking to the gentleman and getting the directions to make it. Problem is, I don't have a big copper kettle.


These mums were absolutely beautiful. The perfect fall colors.

This is my attempt at decorating my porch for fall....I know, I need some more pratice.

Tea Time!

Today, Dore' and I decided to have lunch. I suggested the new tea shop here in town. So, we had lunch there. I am considering a tea party for my birthday, I wanted to check out my options. It was just adorable there. The food was tasty, and the tea, Peach Ice Tea, herbal, I didn't even have to add sugar, it was delicious.

One of the windows from the sidewalk, so cute.

One of the many seating areas.

The scone counter. We didn't try any, will save that for my party.

Another seating area.

Dore' nice and satisfied.
After we had our lunch, we walked around the room and took pictures. I took them with my phone.

A covered seating area. Not sure what you have to do or who you have to be to sit in here, but what a nice idea.

I thought this was a cute little teapot lamp.

They also host children's tea parties, and adults.

The tea room where the parties are held.

There is another tea room here, we stopped there on our way home. If your interested in checking it out go to The Silver Tea Pot.I found these there and had to have a couple.