Bandits

 As I've mentioned before, one of my very favorite things is getting fresh local fruits and veggies. Thanks to my other fresh local find (Sam) we spotted an apple tree on our walk to church. It was in the yard of a house that was for sale and the apples were all falling and rotting! And they were delicious apples! (We may have sneaked a few on our walks). Anyway, I finally called the realtor and asked if we could pick them and they said "go ahead!" And go ahead we did! To our delight we found it was actually 3 apple trees and a pear tree! The apples were past their prime picking, so we didn't get as many of those. But we got TONS of pears-enough to give away lots and keep lots too! It was a fun little family activity-and the fruit was most delicious!

Sam climbing and collecting--quel homme!

These are the most delicious pears I've ever had!

Violet patiently observing 'neath apple trees

Family with fruits of our harvest

 

 

 

 

 

 

It really was some of the best apple and pear fruit I've ever had. Someone bought the house-we hope they don't let these gems go to waste! Happy Harvest!

Cry baby

Well, I am heading back to work this week. Which is leaving me feeling a bit like this:

    Once I start I'll probably wish I could do more of this:

    But I'll probably be looking more like this:

Fortunately though, I will be working nights, so hopefully I won't miss out on too much of this:

Story Time

We like to read to our little flower child, but she doesn't always take much interest. Some times she even makes an effort to look away ! But she does love her book about bumble bees-it always catches her eye:

      I think it's because this book has lots of flowers...some violets perhaps?

My Little Utopia

One of my very favorite places on Earth is my Grandma Paxton's place on Gaston Lake in North Carolina.

We finally got back out there again and this time brought Violet with us! I was glad to get her off to a good start by bringing her so early. I have been going to "The Lake" my whole life--I think my children should do the same! In fact, the Lake is the one place that has been constant-my parents, my aunts and uncles and other Grandma have all moved multiple times through my life-but the Lake has always been around. It has some of my fondest memories. If they were to make a movie during which I run away Sam would say "I know where to go..." and would find me sitting at the end of the pier at Gaston Lake. My personal little Utopia.

Dad trying to make up for closing his eyes in every picture (note the pier from my movie in the background)

Been swinging on the swing my whole life

Grandma Paxton bonding with Violet, aka "meowing" at her

Violet charming everyone

The charming continues

Ministering to the sick and the widows

4 generations, in chronological order (dad struggling with closed eyes again).

Snuggling with cousin Lexie on Grandpa's old recliner

My favorite place with my favorite people!

I was so glad to get to see Aunt June, Grandma Paxton, Ben and Susan and their daughter Lexie. But I am sad we didn't get to show Violet the pleasures and beauty of the farm where my Grandma Cromwell lives! Hopefully next time... we love our Grandmamas!