Season Change: Autumn Nights are Cooler

When I look out my window I can see that the leaves are falling from the oak trees and accumulating on the lawn. Plus the sweet autumn clematis and chrysanthemums are in full bloom.  Nature has a way of telling us when the summer is ending.  Yes, the season is changing, fall flowers are blooming and the cooler temperature is in the forecast.

Chrysanthemums in bloom, they are Falls flower

Today I turned off our air-conditioner and opened up the windows.  The high was 72 degrees.  Airing out my house sure was nice however I did close the window about ten this evening because the breeze felt cold.

Presently the thermostat outdoors says it is 57 degrees and the low tonight will be 48.    That is too cold for this time of the year and I need to get ready for a cooler than usual autumn this year. 

Tomorrow I will be busy with indoor activities.  I want to pack up my summer pastel clothing because the season has changed.  It is time to get out the darker colored tee's, jeans, cords, light flannel shirts and find suitable shoes.

Here is a transitional tee that is perfect for the autumn season.

Autumn Maple Leaves T-Shirt by Susang6

There will still be some days that are hot so a few short-sleeve tees and capri pants will be good on those days but shorts and pastel floral tops are last season and they will be packed tomorrow in under the bed storage containers.  Then I will go up to the attic to look for the alternative down comforter for our bed because it will keep us warm when autumn nights are cool.  

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day packing up summer clothes and getting ready for the autumn season.  

Whats for Dinner? Baked Potato Soup

After working outdoors today husband and I were really hungry and I needed to make a hearty meal that would satisfy our appetites.  So I checked to see what ingredients I had and  baked potato soup is what we are having for dinner tonight. 

Know that I always make extra baked potatoes because this is the main ingredient in this soup, if you do not eat them you can freeze them and use them later for soups, hash browns and stews.

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So today we are working in the yard and while we work I am slow cooking the potato soup.  Stopping periodically to stir the creamy potato soup so that it does not stick.  Later I will run to Panera bread company and pick up some dinner rolls or a loaf of French bread.  

Then I will harvest some herbs from the garden, chop them and blend into whipped butter. Herb butter sure does taste good and I think it will compliment the hearty potato soup.  Baked potato soup is one of my favorite soups.  It is comfort food that is so very satisfying.  Here is my mothers recipe.  

Here is another favorite creamy potato soup that I think you will really enjoy.

Fall Fashion Looks: Autumn Leaves

When it comes to dressing for the fall season I like to put together outfits that are the same colors as the autumn leaves.  Normally I shop for casual looks that feature the colors of brown, gold, and orange and tend to wear t-shirt outfits that are comfortable because my husband and I enjoy outdoor autumn.  These casual fall looks are perfect for outdoor activities; long walks at the park, watching birds and wildlife, autumn church bizarre and festivals, corn mazes, and backyard gatherings with friends.  

Here is an outfit that I designed at Zazzle if features a golden color sweatshirt with autumn leaf print with matching leggings.   You can see from this fashion set that it is fall look that could be a favorite. In a word, I think this casual outfit is perfect for the fall season.  What do you think?

Autumn Leaves T-shirt and legging by sgolis 

Know that it does get cool in the fall.  Like today the high is 70 degrees but tonight's low will be 43.  If you are planning on being out from dawn to dusk then it is smart to take along a hoodie, jean jacket, or sweater.  During the fall season, the weather can change very quickly, and is best to take along outdoor attire.

Autumn Theme Decor Ideas for Kitchen

One of my favorite fall activities is decorating my home with the seasonal colors of orange and brown. Normally I will go all out and decorate all rooms where there is foot traffic; living room, bedroom, bathroom, hall, foyer. Dining room and the kitchen. My family and friends appreciate the effort that I put into my decorations.

I start shopping for new products, silk maple leaves, resin pumpkins, and accents for my fall theme in August and if I see something that will work with my décor I will usually buy it or look for craft supplies so I can make it.

Table set for autumn dinners

Today I saw that Kohls had updated their linen department with kitchen-themed autumn products so I went to see if they had anything that I had to have. They had a sale and I also had a promotional coupon where I would get $10 off. I like Laura Ashley and a few other brands that they carry. To be honest I did see a few things that I liked but the asking price was not to my liking. When shopping for so many things I try to keep on budget.

For my kitchen, I wanted to add new dinner plates to display on my baker's rack, four new autumn-themed mugs (mix & match), and a new tablecloth. Then by my breakfast table, I thought a new poster or canvas print would look nice.

The decorations for the kitchen are nature-inspired, I prefer landscapes for this particular room. Then I will accent the décor items with silk maple leaves and a ceramic bowl for small pumpkins, apples, and nuts.

Here are a few autumn designed kitchen and dining products that you may like

Autumn Leaves Coffee Mug by Susang6
Check out Autumn Mugs online at zazzle

Accent your table with a lovely autumn theme cloth. I love to cover my coffee table with a tablecloth that features an autumn theme. I think it adds extra color and interest to the room. I have also covered my foyer table with an autumn-themed tablecloth. When welcoming guests to my home the tablecloth adds to the ambiance.

Autumn Leaves on Trees Tablecloth by Susang6
 

If you are interested in viewing other autumn home décor products. Then go here to view my other designs. All print-on-demand products were designed from landscape or nature photographs.

Connecting with Nature in Autumn

The autumn or the fall season is when the weather is ideal for spending time outdoors. There may be sunny days with the temperature in the mid 70's so you can enjoy your time outdoors connecting with nature without feeling hot or cold.

Stroll down a nature trail in Autumn, Watch for wildlife. This is a good way to connect with nature

Now is a good time to make tentative plants for you and your family to take a road trip to a state park and spend the day outdoors. One of the things I like to do is go to the Audubon Nature Center, it is located in SW Missouri and it's not a bad drive.

Here is a postcard I designed from the photographs I took last autumn when visiting The Audubon nature center at Wildcat Park.

Joplin Missouri Shoal Creek Postcard by Susang6
Get Postcard designs on zazzle.com

We will leave early in the morning and get there in time for a picnic lunch. Then after lunch, we can walk on the nature trails, stop to watch the birds and the wildlife and also enjoy the white water rapids on Shoal Creek.

We always cease a warm sunny day in autumn because winter comes too soon.  Do you connect with nature during the autumn season?

Learn more about the Audubon nature center in SW Missouri here.

Training Dog for Autumn Hiking Trails

Whenever the leaves on the trees change and the weather is warm and sunny I like to take to the nature trails with my husband and my boxer dog. I have been taking my boxer off trail since she was puppy and when I look back I recall a dog that was hyperactive and did not want to respond to commands. Yes she was a wild child and was clueless as to why I wanted her to be aware of the terrain.

Hiking on a mountain ridge in autumns:  Ozark Mountains 

Know that my boxer puppy learned a few things from my mature Border Collie.  When my boxer did not stop me from rough terrain I slipped on the gravel my border collie ran the opposite direction and safely held me steady with the leash. Then to my surprise my border collie barked and nipped at the puppy as if scolding her for not paying attention.

My mature trail dog helped me to train my boxer to guide me on the trails and this autumn I plan to take her off trail hiking with me. My boxer is a year old now and I think she will do very good, at least I hope so. I have been taking her on short hikes by my home and she is doing better but I will need to watch the trail closely as she is easily distracted.

Know that I took my boxer on the trail along Shoal Creek, just SW of Joplin, this one mile hike was cut short because of my boxer. We scaled the side of a steep hill and my dog pulled so hard on the leash that I nearly fell down. My boxer was distracted by turtle and did put me in harms way.

Boxers have a short attention span and thus not the best breed of dog for hiking. I would take my border collie on this Autumn hike but he is having issues with arthritis and hip displaysia. 

 Border Collies make the best dogs to hike off trail, they are alert and aware of their surroundings and they will never lead you into a dangerous area.

I will keep working with my boxer and I hope she is ready come September to go off trail hiking with me.  

Hiking with My Dogs in Autumn

Whenever I take to the hiking trails in autumn I always take my dogs. Both are large and will protect my husband and I if a situation would arise, plus the dogs enjoy themselves as it is good exercise and a fun activity to do during the autumn season.

Choosing a nature trail where dogs are welcome is something that I look for when planning our hiking trip. I always call the state park ahead of time to make sure my dogs are permitted. Know that there are hiking trails that permit dogs, but you must keep them on a leash. 

 Public trails are fun, but if I want to let my dogs stretch their legs and play ball I will take them on private property hike. Many of my friends have acres of land and as long as I ask and give them notice they sure do not mind me letting my dogs walk without a leash.

Getting my dogs ready for nature trail hike.

Whenever I take my dog to the park I will get him ready by fastening a hunting bell to my dogs collar. I buy these bells that look like small cowbells because they have a ring that carries. 

The bells are an inexpensive item that has huge benefits as it lets everyone know that a dog or people are on the trails, plus if your dog happens to get away from you the bell will let you know where they are.

I also get my dog ready for a hike in the woods by putting a tick collar on them. Ticks are really bad where I reside and the revolution topical treatment that I use is not effective in the woods. My friend has hunting dogs and told me that the tick collar is a must if you are going to be walking in the woods.

The tick collar that was recommended to me by my Veterinarian is Preventic by Virbac. Know that this collar is effective because  when the tick bites your dog, the tick will detach itself and will be killed immediately. 

Other than the bell and the tick preventative, I will get my dog ready by bringing along a thermos full of water and a folding collapsible travel food or water bowl. .

Autumn will soon be here and I am looking forward to hiking with my dogs along the banks of Shoal creek in SW Missouri and Arkansas and we may take a few camping trips with our dogs.  The nature trails when the leaves start to change colors will be a really fun activity. 

Do you take your dog on nature hikes?

Here is one of trails in Arkansas...it is off trail but does look like an adventure.

Getting Ready for Halloween

Well, there is no stopping my husband, he is in the Halloween frame of mind and has started to shop for decorations for the yard.  He said he has to buy when he sees the lawn decorations because if he waits too long they will sell out.

Okay I know that the early bird gets the worm but really wish that the retailers would not put out the  Halloween decorations until August, I think it would be more fun to shop for everything that you need and then get busy with designing your outdoor decorations; layout and then set up at the end of summer.

So this week husband is organizing the garage and will pull out the Halloween orange plastic storage bins with locking lids that he got at target.  Know that when it comes to Halloween decorations it is important to color code the storage containers that way you can find what you need faster than looking for a marking pen on the outside of a cardboard box.

We will check to make sure that the decorations/yard props are in working order and make a list of what is needed for repair, set up of prop enhancements.  By starting in July for our Halloween celebration it gives us approximately 12 weeks to get everything staged in our front yard.

 Know that I do love decorating the house and outdoors for Halloween and that I do it for the kids.  I love to see their eyes twinkle and see them smile.

Autumn in the Great Smoky Mountains

Normally I do no think of autumn in July but husband mention that he would like to go to the smoky mountains this year to view the fall colors and I know that I will need to make travel arrangements if we expect to get a spot in a camp ground or a room at a hotel.

You really have to make your arrangements well in advance because everybody and their brother travels to the great  smoky mountains to view the autumn scenery.

Here are some landscape photographs of the autumn season.

There are many beautiful areas in the US to view the autumn leaves, some people travel to New England, others to Vermont or North Carolina. Another one of my favorite destinations is hidden away in Arkansas, the city of Eureka Springs is spectacular during the fall season and many people travel to this city in the mountains to capture the beautiful scenery with their cameras.


Know that autumn is my favorite season and I am am really looking forward to our road trip this year to the great smoky mountains.  Here is a video that will show you how gorgeous autumn is.

Neighborhood Halloween Decorating Contest

My husband is one to compete with our neighborhood for the BEST decorated Halloween house and today he came home from shopping and said that he saw Halloween products on the shelves at Hobby Lobby. This of course made him think that we should start planning for October festivities. I like the Halloween season also but think we need to enjoy the summer season and NOT start getting ready for Halloween.

Photograph of Decorated house for Halloween 

In the past, Husband would start getting ready in August and I was okay with this since his projects were self-contained; in the garage and not on display in the yard...BUT June no way will I agree with him that it is time to get ready for the Halloween season.

Know that our neighborhood has an annual contest for the best-decorated yard for Halloween and every year my husband tries to win. He has been competing since 2007 but thus far has not won anything but has made kids smile and that means more than a prize plaque for the lawn

When getting ready for Halloween we make our yard decorations and buy pumpkins and corn stalks but this year husband has added inflatables; Halloween props and scenery to our yard. I think the kids will really like it and that the lighted props will make our  home at the bottom of the hill more noticeable to trick or treaters in the neighborhood.

Do you decorate outdoors for Halloween?

Here are my designs for Halloween home decorations and more


See other gifts available on Zazzle.

Autumn Leaves Covered in Snow

Today while looking at my photographs from last fall I came across the images that I took after the snow had fallen all day onto trees that had leaves. Yes it was a very early in season snow storm that had occurred before the leaves had fallen to the ground.

I went out at night to photograph the trees. They looked gorgeous covered in the white glistening snow but when the temperature changed the wet snow turned to ice and that is when there were problems. The branches that were on the trees that were not mature started drooping toward the ground, some trees and shrubs bent all the way over and were becoming uprooted. The snow, ice and leavers were too heavy for the branches and large branches from the mature trees were breaking and falling to the ground.

We could hear the crack and then hear the thud on the forest floor followed by a rumble. When it snows in early autumn while leaves are on the trees it creates a really dangerous situation. As I recall I took photographs of the trees from my patio, as I was fearful to walk into the yard due to the branches breaking.

Here is another photograph of mature oak tree that has leaves.  This photo I took at night when the ice had formed around the leaves.  what you are seeing in this photo is a combination of leaves, snow and ice. Taking photographs of nature in the fall season is fun, but it this situation I needed to be very careful.

Putting Up Fresh Cherries For Fall Season

Last week I harvested the ripe cherries from my tree and my harvest was great. So I spent the entire day pitting the cherries for pie and freezing the leftover cherries for fall season pies, muffins, and cobblers.  In the past, my harvest has been small and there were never enough cherries left over for putting up. But this year I thought it would be really nice to have cherries on hand for pie in the fall.  

I wasn't certain as to how to put up fresh cherries so I asked my husband, the chef, and he told me to wash the cherries in cold water, remove the stems, cut in half and take out the pit.   Next get out your cookie sheets and line them with wax paper or parchment paper, I had parchment paper so that is what I used.


Set the half side up on the wax paper, the cherries are a single layer and they should not touch each other because they will freeze together.  Freeze the cherries. When the cherries are completely frozen, in approximately 5 to 6 hours to be fully frozen, Remove the cherries from the freezer, then transfer them into freezer zip lock bags, or other product that has airtight seal.  Then freeze the bagged cherries until they are needed for your fall recipes.



Know that getting fresh cherries ready for freezing, freezing them and then transferring them into freezer bags is not hard to do. BUT if you harvest the cherries in the morning and then follow all of these steps, you will be spending the entire day putting up your cherries. So why not make a fresh cherry pie on the same day that your prep cherries for freezing.

Personally while those cherries are freezing it sure would be nice to have a slice of pie. 

Autumn Activities for Families with Kids Under Age 12

Autumn is the time of year when the leaves turn to yellow and orange and the days can be warm but the nights are cool to cold. It is the last season before the bitter cold weather so our family always spends quality time outdoors doing activities with the kids age 12 and under.

Autumn is the season when the leaves change. Maple tree in full color.

Here are a few autumn activities that my family enjoys

1. On a sunny afternoon we make plans to go to a pumpkin patch. Pick out pumpkins for decoration and for carving into a Jack O'Lantern.
2. Watch for the fall bazaars hometown then check out the activities, looking for the traditional autumn activities like pumpkin paintings, drinking apple cider, going for a hayride or enjoying roasting marshmallows on an open fire for s’more chocolate treats.
3. Go on a bike ride on trails at a state park. Bike riding on an warm sunny autumn day is a great activity for the entire family. Bring along a picnic lunch and stop at a scenic overlook. Have fun during the autumn season by enjoying time well spent with our family.
4. Plan a family day to rake a large pile of leaves then take turns jumping into the leaf pile.
5. Another fun family activity is camping. Plan a night when the moon is full then sit around the campfire and sing songs or tell stories. Roast marshmallows and make happy family memories.
   Check your local newspapers for other activities in your area. Most communities offer a variety of events that feature family fun.

Nature trails in autumn are fun for walking or bike riding

Go to a U-pick your own pumpkin, kids love this

Rake a leaf pile then take turns falling into the leaves

Favorite Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies

When it comes to baking I like to make homemade cookies. Many of my made from scratch cookies start out with a basic recipe and then I add a little of this and a little of that. 

Baking cookies apron by Sgolis

 A few years ago my brother gave me the recipe for my mother's peanut butter cookie recipe and it was a good recipe but I did change it by adding the chocolate covered peanut butter morsels.  Oh, my gosh these cookies are delicious and are now my families favorite peanut butter cookie.

Use the back side of the fork to make an indent in peanut butter cookies

This cookie tastes good any time of the year. Peanut butter and chocolate are delicious comfort foods. I hope that you enjoy the recipe

For this recipe you will need the following:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
  1 cup brown sugar
  1 cup shortening Crisco vegetable shortening or 1 cup of softened salt-free butter
• 1 cup Smuckers Natural creamy or chunky peanut butter
  2 eggs
  A pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
  2 cups Hodgson Mill Organic unbleached organic all purpose flour
  2 teaspoons baking soda
• ½ cup of Nestle Toll House Delightfulls Milk chocolate morsels with peanut butter filling

1. With a mixer cream the sugar, with shortening or the butter then add the peanut butter, vanilla followed by the eggs.
2. Continue to beat on medium speed until the batter is smooth.
3. Add flour salt and baking soda and mix all ingredients well.
4. Mix in the chocolate peanut butter morsels with a spoon
5. Line the cookie sheet with parchment paper.
6. Drop the cookie dough by teaspoonful onto the parchment paper; space cookies two inches apart.
7. Use the back side of the fork to press down on the center of the cookies and to make the traditional indentation in the cookie tops.
8. Bake the peanut butter cookies at 375 for 10 minutes. Know the cookies are done by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cookie and pull out. If no batter is on the toothpick then cookies are done.
9. Let the cookies cool 10 minutes before serving.

Easy Pumpkin Decoration Ideas for Thanksgiving

Pumpkins are one of my favorite ways to accent a Thanksgiving table. I use them to create festive centerpieces filled with silk flowers, or hollow them out to hold snacks and dips  small pumpkins are especially handy for serving chip-friendly portions. Their natural shape and warm color make the table feel both eye-catching and inviting.

For this easy decoration, I start by selecting a medium-sized, rounded pumpkin with smooth skin and no visible bruises. Look for one that’s as close to perfect as possible it’ll serve as both a functional container and a visual focal point for your holiday gathering.

Pumpkin Prep Instructions

Rinse the outside of the pumpkin thoroughly. Cut off the top, then use a sharp knife or sturdy spoon to scoop out the pulp. Once the interior is hollowed and most of the puree removed, rinse the inside again. Be sure to clear away any remaining strings and pulp so the surface is clean and ready for decorating or filling.. 

Let the pumpkin dry thoroughly. When the pumpkin is dry you would then fill the pumpkin with a bouquet of silk chrysanthemums cut the stems so they fit nicely in the pumpkin as a bouquet. 

Another way to  create a useful pumpkin decoration is to set a plastic container into the hollowed out pumpkin, before filling with candy.

These pumpkin decorations will make your holiday gathering festive and fun.  Here is an image of the trio. The chrysanthemum bouquet brings floral elegance

The candy-filled pumpkin adds playful charm The dip platter pumpkin invites guests to gather and snack

Footnote: A Thoughtful Way to Reuse Your Pumpkin

Instead of tossing your pumpkin after the festivities, consider giving it a second life outdoors. Rinse it well, chop it into manageable pieces, and place it in a quiet spot where wildlife can safely enjoy it. Pumpkins are rich in fiber, vitamins, and natural sugars  a seasonal treat for animals like deer, squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, and even birds. The seeds can be especially popular with smaller critters.

If you live in an apartment or don’t have access to a yard, take your pumpkin to a local park or wooded area and scatter the pieces under a tree. Just be sure it’s a space where food scraps are allowed and won’t disrupt the ecosystem. It’s a simple way to honor the season and support your local wildlife one pumpkin at a time.

Easy Autumn Floral Centerpiece Instructions

One of my clients had asked me if I could make an autumn centerpiece for her.  She had seen one at Hobby Lobby that she liked but did not want to pay the asking price.  She had many craft items as well as an assortment of silk and dried autumn flowers and grasses.  

 I went to Hobby Lobby and looked at the centerpiece. I could make it and so I accepted the contract.  My out of pocket was minimal and compensation was more than enough considering I had fun making the autumn floral centerpiece.

I made the floral arrangements as seen on my clients table

For this project I used:
2- Already made craft dowel vases from the craft store
Florist craft dry foam
Florist tape
Natural craft raffia 8 ounces of long strong fibers
2 bouquets of assorted wildflower and sunflower matching bouquets
Dried stems of  thistle, wheat, and assorted grass plumes
Hot glue gun

To make this arrangement I cut a piece of dry florist foam and taped in the bottom of the wood vase.   I used the florist tape to wrap around the silk bouquet and naturally dried accents. This ensured that the flowers would stay gathered in the bouquet and would not separate.

Add natural dried grasses to the arrangement

In order to keep the flower stems from dropping hot glued them before I inserted them into florist dry foam. It is best to put the stems into the center of the foam.  When the glue is dry and flower are secure then work with the flowers and grass stems to make them look pretty.  I decorated this arrangement with a raffia bow. Wrap the raffia around the vase several times. The raffia bow will face to the front with long ties.  Keep the raffia in place by using your hot glue gun to attach the wrap to the woodcraft vase.

And you are done. I hope you will enjoy making this pretty autumn centerpiece.

Grass arrangement in a clay pot by Pixabay public domain photos:http://pixabay.com/en/dried-flowers-bouquet-clay-pot-233303/