Flash invite. Accepted.

6:30pm. Last night.

We are scarfing down dinner.

Phone rings in the other room, we ignore b/c there is too much to do and we need to keep scarfing.

The Mister and I are making the list...

pack for a cross country trip

don't forget to charge electronics

don't forget underwear

get the laundry out of the dryer

check the weather

do the dishes

finish MAKING xmas gifts

and on, and on, and on...

I grab the phone to check the weather and see a msg.  We all listen and it went like this (word for word):

Okay you guys, this is a flash invite.  Kinda like a flash dance, you know? Where everyone starts dancing. We are inviting you over RIGHT NOW, RIGHT HERE AND NOW when we are making t-shirts, b&b farm t-shirts, we are inviting you over for ice cream.  Boom bam boom everyone gets ice cream and everyone goes home with a t-shirt. BAM. boom. done. like that. boom. Alright bye. 

The Mister took the phone.

Dialed.

Proceeded to say:

This makes absolutely no sense for us this evening.  We will be right over.

and that is the good stuff in life...

Noah has never heard of a better invite, and frankly neither have I.

Um, yes... Gabi likes her ice cream. 

HELPFUL assistants to the right -->

 HOPELESS assistants in the back please!!

Ok, you redeemed yourself... you can help!

 The kids were beaming about their shirts! Gabi put her pre picked outfit on and the red T right over top!  It looks great.  No picture though... can you guess what I was doing until 11:30 last night and then in the wee hours this morning?  Can you say SCRAMBLE??

I highly recommend accepting flash invites if they ever come your way...

Linked here...

When you give up a certain life to live another certain life...in the fine state of Vermont... you get to say things like:
"kids, get your coat on, we are going to a farm for dinner"
And it rocks.
Thank you c & c, for having us.  We heart you like crazy...

and the pizza was fantastic. 
---
After the nice distraction of a lovely friday night, the rest of the weekend was spent in frantic scramble to get ready for the holiday that looms around a two week arrival time.  I am living up to my word and hand making ALL of our Christmas gifts for extended family... it rocks, but is also VERY hard.  I am only two, I repeat, 2 gifts down and many more to go.... but I can do it, I know I can!

Favorite things...

I am definitely a girl who appreciates a few pretty things to decorate one's life.  I also fancy the collection of certain items that I fall particularly for, such as...
the fifty $9 tanks from Target, too many colors to choose betweenthe 25 latte bowls from Anthro, again with the colorscardigans. can't have enough
and I love how my Mr. refused to add a new pair of boots to my Christmas list (sent off each year to Mr. and Mrs. Arizona Claus).  He even proceeded to count my collection as we nestled into bed last night.  Eleven, eleven pairs.  I love each one for a different reason and who wouldn't want to add these to their collection...

Love you Steve Madden, you darling man you.

Though these above items of mention may be pretty and also quite useful, they really are not my very favorite things.  In fact, the 'things' in my favorite are of the more intangible kind...
The way my Mr. holds me tight when I am feeling...insecureThe way Noah shows great enthusiasm when the family is togetherThe way Gabi lovesThe love I have for Mr. Witt and its growth over timeand weather, I truly LOVE the weather...

Thank you dear weather for lifting my spirit this morning.  I could barely let go of the hubsband this morning, feeling a little sad and blue... but then you came, just in time, to remind me how very special it is to be in your presence.   xx

A visit for Raw Milk...

It's Monday folks and I am so looking forward to a week of thankfulness, family visits, and some delicious Thanksgiving dining!

  Today I am so very thankful for the two-in-a-row visits with Grandpa Jay and the Lovely Sue.  As if seeing them for a long weekend in Montreal wasn't enough we get to have them here in Vermont for a Village stay!

Before moving here I knew that I wanted to have an active part in the local community and explore everything that these great people have to offer.  The main form of this being food of course.  I am in awe by the farms that surround and overjoyed at the prospects of eating Farm to Table.  When my familial guests inquired about raw milk I knew just the place to take them...

200 Leduc Farm Drive  Shelburne, VT 05482 

 

 

Upon arrival we had a peak around to see what was available...

 3 seed bread baked fresh

A welcome board....







and Ta-Da...

Vermont's finest raw produced milk.  Problem was, the container seemed slightly large for the short weekend stay.  While in debate on whether or not to purchase such an amount a kind farm hand appeared and offered a taste...

 We asked several times if he was sure that he should open this for just a small taste and he assured us that it was (another reason I heart this place).  He poured a glass for the long distance travelers who have been waiting a long time for this.  He poured himself a taste as well and they cheers(ed).  Matt and I refrained due to our attempting vegan ways....   I must say though, if I were to drink milk it would absolutely, hands down, be from this place!

After one sip they say...

We'll take it!

 I think they liked it.

Then they paid on the honor system which I love.






Then we headed to the Farmhouse for a magnificent lunch.  Matt and I shared the squash and apple sandwich and a to die for salad...

And that was just the beginning...

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...

I so love Vermont...

Something has been brought to my attention that further solidifies my obsession with my new home state...

This thing, this wonderful amazing under the radar thing is just too perfect.

The fine people of this green mountain state took action, in 1969, and said NO to billboard advertisements!

It is, hands down, the most genius decision ever made in billboard history. 

Well Done!  I love you VT.

And that is why your roads look like this...

and not a cluster cuss like this...

Dear Vermont, will you marry me?

Has anyone noticed that I am totally smitten with my new home state? 

I mean look at these lilacs...

They are blooming EVERYWHERE!

The weather could not be more glorious.

I awoke at quite an unusual hour during what is usually a complete blackout time for me.  You know what it was that caused my ears to open?  A most delicious breeze.
It was stirring the maple I sleep rather close to each night.   The leaves sounded oh so joyful even during that dark dark hour.  Also, that lovely wind blew in the most delicious scent of these purple petals.  It was SO great.  And I was glad to be awake.

I decided I like these guys so much that I went ahead and invited them to lunch.  We had a plate of raw veggies; including my fav...avocado!

The drink is obviously color inspired.  Seltzer water with a splash, or two, of grape juice.  It was slightly reminiscent of Grape Soda!

Delicious.