It is here...

The wind has been howling out my window while I lay awake and listen.  Any leaf that thought it could hold on eventually met its match and gave way.  
We had a  beautiful fall this year, a long lasting one full of the most vibrant colors.  I watched with adoration and amazement.  But stick season is upon us now.  
The absolute best part of the day this time of year... 4 o'clock, when the sun is on the horizon turning the clouds a golden yellow and pale pink, and the twigs on the branches appear to be painted on the canvas sky.
Yes.  Welcome Winter, it is lovely to see you once again.

Silver Lake.

 With the a slight chance of a snowflake or two in the upcoming forecast I find myself super relieved that we made it to Silver Lake before winter rears its beautiful head!  I mean I love a snowy hike, but this particular forested path deserves some autumn attention if you know what I mean.  It also deserves to be shared with friends!

Our friends Chris and Corrie and their friend Kerry, with a K, brought their little ones along to kick fallen leaves and breathe the fresh Addison County air...oh my.

We all know that this lovely state is known for its picturesque scenery no matter the season.  However, autumn proves to paint a picture so beautiful it attracts these...

 Leaf Peepers!  Aren't they cute??

After some joking around, Chris and his weary back inspired some off the mat yoga...  I thought it was sweet that the littler ones responded right away!

It seems that the year spent at *At One did sink in a bit.  Thinking we need to revisit this beautiful practice...

...and Noah is always quick to share with an even smaller one than he.

After all that fine hiking and yoga breaks, the great outdoors always requires a delicious lunch. For me this means: 

Whole Grain Bread
Lettuce

Tomatoes

Cucumbers

Avocado

Pesto

Pictured here...

 The lake brought a bit of wind to our picnic and I did a lot of cuddling with Mr. Witt and little Witts.  We threw some rocks in the water and quickly began down the trail towards home...

Thank you for having us, favorite lake o' mine...  See you next year!

Fall Foliage...

Look at this perfectly lovely building I pass everyday on my way into work.  I have watched it turn from meadow green to this vibrant red.  You cannot tell in the photo but when the wind blows the leaves on the vines dance on the wall so perfectly.  It is delightful.  It is enough to fill one with joy for an entire day.  Thank you sweet wall, for being there...

It is that time again, the loveliest time of year.

When walking from work to my car yesterday the smell of fall almost knocked me over.  I was suddenly gasping for my breath and wiping tears from my eyes.  That particular smell, of damp leaves in cool air, well nothing compares to it.  For a lover of smells, such as myself, it is not an easy decision to make.  

 

a desert rain in late August has the aroma that is heaven scent.  

my new obsession that I desperately long for, sweet Sweet Annie 

the smell of a fire on a cold winter evening

 the first snow of the season

the smell of Christmas in the air

fresh cut grass on a breezy summer day...

all glorious earthly smells...

I adore each one.

But fall takes the cake.  Fall is my absolute favorite.  Fall wraps me in a blanket of brilliant colors and reminds me to count my blessings.

What will I do to enjoy the wonder of this season?  

Go pumpkin picking

eat a warm cider doughnut, or two

go to the old cemetery and make rubbings of the grave stones, for halloween

make homemade carmel apples

eat a lot of chili

make an apple crisp

hike to silver lake as pictured above...

What will you do to enjoy the Fall weather?

Also, fall is great in Vermont because it attracts loved ones...  Today, two special people are flying all the way from England to have a visit!  It has been a year since we last saw them here... This time we are trading country time for city time, can't wait to post the pics!  But these were the amazing images we captured last year...

 

 

 

 

Jay and Sue 

Vermont 2010

The path to Silver Lake

It is a must see.

My favorite picture of me and old man Legion... Another thing I love about fall, legion will let you spoon him on the couch, which I did all yesterday evening.

And lastly, I could not resist this one...