Autumn Joy

Well, it's time to bring in the tropical plants- banana tree,
bougainvillea, and mandevilla, before a frost nips them.
  They'll winter once again,  crowded in my bedroom's bay window,
"my little jungle" , until spring returns and they'll go back to the patio.

 This amazing blossom on a hanging houseplant surprised me last week,
 and then several more appeared, one-a-day, on this Christmas-Cactus-type
 plant in my kitchen window.  First time it ever bloomed, and I've had it for several years!
A sweet gift, just as I was lamenting the summer flower's dying in my garden!

Does anyone kow what this plant is?

I love the name of this sedum, an easy-to-grow plant that looks good most of the year. .
  

"Autumn Joy"


"How beautifully leaves grow old.
How full of light and color are their last days"
- John Burroughs

Fall brings school activities, reunions, sports and homecomings.
Homecoming at Rutgers University was great, but I couldn't go this year.  At least my grandkids got to go with their Aunt Amy, who's a law student there.  It just thrills me to see my daughters together with my grandchildren.  I especially like the teenage kids to participate in some campus life and start thinking about planning their own not-too-distant  future college days.

 My granddaughter  Amber and I had tea and pumpkin pie after school Monday,

 After homework, that is.  I'm so proud of her! 

She has started the school year off right,  by doing her homework as soon

 as she gets home, before anything else,  and  without any reminding from me!

"Oh, how we love pumpkin season. 

 You did know this gourd-ish squash has it's own season, right? Winter, Spring, Summer, Pumpkin...

 We anxiously await it every year."

                       -Trader Joe's Fearless Flyer, October 2010

Easy no-bake Jello  pumpkin pie

   I cheated, and made this quick no-bake pie.  Pretty good, in a pinch to have

 this inexpensive mix on the shelf, if you don't have eggs or evaporated milk.

  Mix the crumbs with a softened stick of butter, wisk the filling mix with milk.

 Then just press the graham cracker crust into a pie pan,  pour the filling in

and chill.  It costs about $3.00, and  only takes 1/2 hour.

This gorgeous teapot is on my Etsy!

I love using this  vintage Hall teapot in the fall.  I just listed it on my Etsy shop.

Easy pumpkin waffles for breakfast with a mix!

Pumpkin  pancakes or waffles are an easy breakfast treat.

 Try mixing 1/3 cup pumpkin puree  and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice

into the complete pancake/waffle mix  batter. for two servings. 

 "Vegetables are a must on a diet. 

I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread,

and pumpkin pie."

- Jim Davis

 

October is Fire Prevention Month

Area fire departments had an exciting muster in a Lowe's parking lot

 so  families and local kids could meet and greet the firefighters,

 EMTs and D.A.R.E. police officers.  We got a rare up-close look

at all kinds of fire apparatus and great big  ladders extended high into the sky!

   Children were given coloring books, fire hats, rubber bracelets,

  and all sorts of  fire prevention and safety information.

A big thank you to our firemen, police officers,  and rescue  workers,

 for sharing this special night with us!

I copied these important tips from South Jersey Mom Magazine, October 2012

Fire Safety Tips   

•  Make sure your alarms are working.  When you change your clocks, change your batteries.
• 1 alarm on each floor, plus 1 per bedroom is recommended.
•  Designate  a meeting place.  Teach children how to escape and practice.
• Have a flashlight or a bell in kid's room, because they are often frightened and hide.
• Don't forget Carbon Monoxide detectors too!

 Click herehttp://issuu.com/atnich/docs/oct12issue  page 26, for more detailed information

by Fire Prevention Specialsist Mike D'Orizia

Fall has been lots of fun so far for my family and now we're

 planning costumes and hayrides, and visits to the pumpkin patch!

 

Hope you are having lots of  fall fun too!

Love, Linda

I joined the Time Travel Thursday Party at www.thebrambleberrycottage.com 

The Cottage Garden Party at www.etsycottagestyle.blogspot.com

 Wow Us Wednesday at www.familyhomeandlife.blogspot.com.

More the Merrier Monday at http://diyhshp.blogspot.com

and Potpourri Friday at http://twenty-eight-0-five.com.