A Halloween Favorite

"A sense of humor is a major defense against minor troubles."

                                             --Mignon McLaughlin

Three of a Kind

Aren't these adorable?  And, regardless of the season, the folks who made these delightful creations are always willing to let me photograph their landscaping and outdoor decor.  Although I'm a fan of all their work, these three rakes are some of my favorites -- super creative and so cute.  If you live in the area, cruise by this home and have a look for yourself.  Be sure to notice the necktie worn by the center statue as it's a nod to a famous Iowa artist.  Gotta love it.

"Smoothie in the Sky"

"The sunset faded and blended from pink to peach

 to mango in a smoothie in the sky."

                                                                       --Jarod Kintz

At Backbone State Park

"I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees."

                                             --Henry David Thoreau

Autumn Scene

"It is a delightful pastime to sit in the pleasant sunshine of autumn,

and gazing from this little spot of free earth over such a landscape,

let the imagination luxuriate amid the thrilling associations of the scene."

                                                   --H.T. Tuckerman

It's Go Time

"Farming looks mighty easy when 

your plow is a pencil and you're a 

thousand miles from the corn field."

                                                --Dwight D. Eishenhower

Reiman Gardens

Located in Ames, on the edge of the Iowa State University campus, Reiman Gardens is 17 acres of beauty.  In addition to the great outdoor collections, this place is also home to a delightful butterfly habitiat -- those winged creatures flitting about will make you pause time after time.  So, before winter arrives, hop in the car and have a look for yourself.  I'm sure you'll leave smiling and feeling inspired.

Football & Festivities

In communities throughout Iowa, this is a common fall scene as football is in full swing and Homecoming festivities add extra pomp and circumstance to a designated week.  For many schools, this includes a parade, "the big game," Homecoming royalty and a dance as well as many other daily goings-on.  In the photo below, the Grand Marshall of the parade (my mother -- congrats to her) leads the band on the route through town.

PLEASE note:  starting this week my blog will have new posts on Mondays and Thursdays.  Many thanks to all you loyal followers.  And, feel free to leave comments -- love to hear from you.

Whirling at Dusk

"Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need,

but not every man's greed."

                                                                   --Mahatma Gandhi

octubre

"Bittersweet October.

The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause

between the opposing miseries of summer and winter."

                                                                                           --Carol Bishop Hipps