Just finished carving!

I can't let Halloween go by without carving a pumpkin! 

The girls don't really care anymore (teenagers!), but I do.

My Dainty October Mums

My neighbor gave me some of these a couple summers ago. I love that they bloom later & last into November & are such a delicate fresh look before the cold weather arrives.

Cooking with the power out.

 A van took out a main pole 1 block away. Planning to use the microwave to heat up dinner, the menu changed to soup made on the stove with candlelight. Thank goodness I have gas burners!
Of course, the power went back on after we were done eating!

Summer's officially over for us!

 No more screenhouse! :( 

The winds were picking up today & the top was flapping wildly! Karli helped me take it off, fold it up & put it away til next May. I love having dinner with the girls in it. It makes for a relaxing dinner whenever we're outside.

Road Trip with the Books & Bordeaux Book Club

Pretty clear picture from I-55 heading to the Skyway.

A perfect Fall day! Unfortunately, it didn't stay this way for our first B&B getaway. Due to the time of the year, only 4 of us could leave our families to fend for themselves for a well deserved weekend away to Saugatuck, MI.

This was our cute rental located 2 blocks from town. It was very clean, modern & roomy. The gas fireplace turned on with a flip of a switch & warmed us up quickly after walking in the rain all day Saturday.

That's an artists paint palette before Saugatuck. There were many galleries & shops selling local artists works. That's what kept us busy walking in the rain all day.

It was a fun time to go to see all the towns decorations for the Fall Fest that was supposed to take place that weekend but was a little dampened by the rain. We all wondered why the squirrels didn't bother any of these gourds & pumpkins because at home, our squirrels ruin them the minute you put them outside!

We drove around to see the dunes & Oval Beach which apparently is on the list of best beaches. All the colors with the sand was something I've never seen together before. The beach opposite this was really beautiful even with the mist of the rain & gray skies.

It was a weekend of lots of good food, lots of good conversation & lots of good walking, even if it was in the rain! It was nice to get away & enjoy the scenery. I think we're all now a little more prepared to embrace Fall & the coming holidays and all that comes with them. Thanks for a nice weekend, ladies!

Last look before they go on a long trip!

This is the Art Challenge I made for fellow guild member Kate based on the painting, "Party Trees", that she loves, shown in upper right corner

This is the one made for me by fellow guild member Reneau based on the picture of the Chicago Theater hanging in my living room & a piece of 70's floral fabric I picked up at the Allstate Arena flea market that I love!
They are going to be part of an exhibit to travel around the US withThe Original Sewing & Quilt Expo as The Chicago Modern Quilt Guild. How cool is that?!!!
I wanted to hang this in my livingroom but that'll have to wait about a year! Thanks to member Sara H & her professional connections to the show, this is all possible! Thanks Sara!