Savoring the Season

Autumn Greetings! 

 It's hard to believe that it is officially fall.

But the signs are here my friends...

 

 Personally, I love fall.

  It is my favorite season-for sure! 

But I must admit that I'm not in a hurry to say good bye to my summer flowers. 

They are still beautiful....

and it will be sad to see them go...

But I know the colors of Autumn will be arriving soon!

I love the colors of fall, and I love the cool, crisp autumn air.

I also love to stalk other blogs to see the beautiful autumn decorations of all of you creative fellow bloggers.  I can't think of a better way to get inspired to break out the goods and get decorating.  

Since you all have inspired me,

I thought I'd share some autumn inspiration with you!

Grab a cup of coffee, tea or perhaps some yummy apple cider, and check out my autumn decor.    

 I try not to get too crazy with the decorations because I know who has to dismantle all this stuff to prepare for the next holiday.
The good news is that most of it is natural and can be tossed in the field at the end of the season.

Let's get started outside....

This is the view as you walk out the front door.  See what I mean about not wanting to say goodbye to my flowers?  They make my front yard look so happy!!  

An old window frame, bittersweet, antlers, turkey feathers, burlap, and Spanish moss

I adore burlap!

Sign made using the Cricut

Inside....

This arrangement may need some explaining...this is an old glass chicken waterer that I change up according to the season. On either side is a "spring" candle holder.  The rooster motiff was made with the Cricut.  

I have to confess .....

that even though I love the colors of fall,

and all the lovely decorations... 

what I love the most is....

 the smells wafting from my oven.  

I love all things 

apple, 

pumpkin,

pear,

 and of course 

cinnamon!

Around here, it's a known fact that 

Pie really does fix everything!

For my recipe for apple pie or tips on creating a pretty pie, click here.

I can assure you the grandkids agree with me that pie fixes everything!!

Savoring the Season......

Touting the benefits of WATER AEROBICS

As you may (or may not) know, I teach water aerobics at the local Y a few mornings a week.  Its a great job!  Most (but not all) of the participants are seniors.....very smart seniors. 

 They have discovered that the fountain of youth is actually a swimming pool! Ask any one of them about the benefits of water exercise and they will fill your ears about what its done for them.   Some can attest to the actual physical benefits, like they've become more flexible, and some will tell you that they have been able to eliminate some of their medications.  Most would exclaim how wonderful they feel for that hour while they're in the water.  And I'm pretty sure they would all agree that the camaraderie of the group is the greatest benefit of water aerobics.  

Recently, the group gathered together in the Y's lobby to celebrate  a special birthday.  A very young Miss Betty was turning 80!  (Doesn't she look great?) There were a few other September birthdays as well to celebrate.  One special lady turned 89!  However, she couldn't attend because she was visiting her family in West Virginia.  So we just partied in the spirit of Miss Elsie anyway!  


Here are the pics I snapped of this celebration:

                                     

This is my friend and "student," Bob (below).  Yes!  We have men who enjoy the class too.  Notice his empty plate.  Hey chowed down on a piece of coffee cake.  He's so cute.  He thought coffee cake had coffee in it.  He doesn't drink coffee- he's a tea drinker.  I had to convince him to taste the coffee cake.  Finally he did, and he liked it.

If you'd like to try this coffee cake, just click here to get the recipe.  

Until next time, live simply and deliberately.  And go join your local YMCA.  Its a great place for fitness and fun!