Apples, Pumpkins, and Donuts

Earlier this month we took a little trip to North Carolina to go to an apple farm at the top of a mountain.  Who knew there were apple farms on top of mountains.  Not only did they have apples but pumpkins and homemade apple and pumpkin donuts as well.  Yummy. Check out the additional surprise, a bamboo forest.  - P

The Paris Wife

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to attend an event at the library featuring Paula McLain, the author of the book, "The Paris Wife".  I really enjoyed this novel based on Ernest Hemingway's first wife Hadley Richardson and their marriage.  As a Hemingway fan I was pretty excited to read another book about him.  I hadn't gone to event like this before or even a book signing.  I found it rather interesting to hear her speak about why she wanted to write the book as well as her  research and writing process.  I also decided to stick around and have her sign it.  - P

Cool Morning Bike Ride

Today seemed like the perfect day to start it off with a bike ride and some coffee.  Although the temperatures were in the high 30's this morning, the sun was bright and the air was fresh.  My husband and I took a short ride to get coffee before we started a day of yard work. - P

First Frost

When I went out this morning I was greeted by the first frost of the season.  As much as I love summer and question whether I like the long winter months, I welcomed the chilly air and beautiful frost on the grass and pumpkins.  The morning felt crisp and cool but turned out to be a mild sunny day.  Does anyone else secretly welcome a chilly morning? - P

Bicycle Goodies

A couple of weekends ago I had the opportunity to visit a bicycle shop geared mainly toward woman.   Pedal Chic is located in Greenville, SC and conveniently in the heart of downtown.  They had pretty bicycle bags, helmets, bikes, and all sorts of accessories just for women.  On top of that their store mechanic makes jewelry from bicycle parts.  Absolutely lovely. I found a nice little bag to hold my camera as well as necessary snacks. See it attached to my bike below.  They also have bikes on hand to rent which is helpful to explore the miles of bike paths and lanes located in Greenville.    The town is loaded with bike shops and fantastic trails.  As you can see the weather was perfect for a bike ride. - P

Fall!!!

Here are some pictures that capture fall here in northeast Ohio.  Some colors, some rain and clouds, and some sun!  I really enjoyed running in the park last week. -A

Weekend Away

 This past weekend my husband went out of town to celebrate his birthday.  I surprised him with a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario.  We've enjoyed going there over the years as a group vacation with my family,  so this is actually the first time we have gone there alone.  It was a quiet weekend which was exactly what I had in mind.  We visited the beautiful wineries, went to some lovely restaurants  as well as walked around the quaint little town.  I think it is nice to visit at any time of year but going there without having to fight the summer traffic was exceptional.  - P

Daydreaming: Colorado

Ok, for some reason today I am craving mountains.  There is something…majestic…about them that just draws me in. Although I do not want to wish winter upon us too soon since fall has just begun, today there was crisp, wet chill in the air and I flashed to winter in my mind.  One of my favorite things to do is snowboard and since it provides such an intimate encounter with the mountains.  It reminds me of a trip I took several years ago out to Colorado.  The small town feeling of being almost isolated at the base of a mountain is a feeling I will never forget. -A