Fall Frolics and Silly Squirrels

Before I talk about the last couple of days, I just want to take a minute and thank all the wonderful folks out there who read my blog and comment once in a while (or more often!).  Like many other bloggers, I started this as a way to keep in touch with friends and family when we travel and also as a diary to help me remember the where we had been!!

When other folks started following my blog, I was astounded.  I had no idea there was an entire community of like minded people out there in the blogosphere.  Some of you I have been privileged to meet and others I certainly hope to meet someday.  These friendships and sense of community have become very meaningful to me.  And if we disagree from time to time, or tease, or laugh or cry together, well…that’s what friends are for!  Thank you all for being my friends.

And now back to our regularly scheduled blog, already in progress!

What a great two days we have had here in Eugene.  A bit on the damp side, but the temperatures are still mild, with just a bit of a nip in the air.

We have been making regular trips to the lake to exercise the dogs (and ourselves!)  The lake has already begun to shrink as the water is drawn down in anticipation of the rains to come.  The boats are being removed from their summer moorage.


It always looks kinda lonely when the slips are empty and the water starts to recede.


This fella is getting a head start on his treasure hunting this year!

Don’t think I would be that dedicated.

We went to Detering Orchard to pick up some apples and just enjoy the nice day.  We found an interesting bin of onions that Russ said had Jerry’s name written all over it.


I think they have a Peanut Butter Bush growing out back. The jars were in all sizes – just like the onions.

Here are some more pictures of Detering Orchard and their wonderful fall colors.



We are so fortunate to have farms and orchards within minutes of our house.  Today we visited our favorite farm, Lone Pine.  I have to admit to thinking Lone Pine is getting a little too big for its britches!!  They have become so commercial that it really isn’t a family farm anymore.  But on the plus side, it’s a great attraction for kids and at least gets them out on the farm. 

Some of the produce is still raised right here on the farm but in the fall, the hayrides and attractions seems to be the big drawing card.  I noticed something new inside the store.  They had little bags of what looked like sand but it promised an artifact of some type inside each bag.  These little bags sold for almost $5.  Seemed silly…until I went outside and saw they had installed sluice!  Buy your bag of sand then run it through the sluice and discover “Treasure”!!


Well, I suppose the kids get a kick out of it.  Click on the slide show below for more pictures from the farm.



Back at home Russ saw this little critter scampering around the yard.  He was digging holes all over the lawn…big holes…holes his whole upper body could disappear into.  When Russ went out to have a heart-to-heart with him, he was all sweetness and innocence.


And that of course is…  THE END!