that's fall

Years and years ago we saw one of the best shows at Second City that I can remember.  In one of the sketches there was a guy raking leaves and he was talking to another guy. (which I just realized those guys are now these guys). He had a really thick Boston accent and every time they would come to a pause in their conversation he would say, "That's fall".

For some reason that stupid line stuck with me and Mike for years now and we say it all the time to indicate something's awesomeness or perfection and really having nothing to do with autumn whatsoever.  For instance, Mike will take a drink of an ice water that has been sitting for a bit and has just that perfect amount of sweat dripping off the glass and the water is so delicious because it's Illinois tap water, and after a long sip he'll say, "That's fall".

The reference in this post, however, is all about it really being fall.  We are in the midst of a beautiful fall season here with the crisp, but not too cold temperatures, crystal clear, sharp blue skies, and leaves in the most beautiful tones barely clinging to the branches for dear life.

The trees in the back yard are just gorgeous right now.  Everything is bathed in gold.  A few more weeks of that and then--poof!--they'll all be bare.  We like to take advantage of the fallen leaves every year by doing some little crafties with them.   This year Eloise and I went on a leaf hunt and made collages on clear contact paper with what we collected.  (Just cut 2 pieces of the same size of contact paper.  Stick on the leaves in any arrangement and then cover them with the second sheet of paper. Press it together and smooth out any air bubbles, or leave them in, what the hell.)  Hanging on the glass doors in the back they let us enjoy  those beautiful hues for many more weeks.

We really enjoy fall around our house.  I think we feel like it is our last chance to hang on to that precious outdoor time that remains before the long, long, long winter comes.  It will be here soon.  We have already cleared out and cleaned up the garden for the season, put away all the toys, and gathered up the hoses and rain barrels.  I think we're pretty much set for a long winter's nap.

Now, if I could just teach Harriet how to use the rake.

beautiful golden view from the back door

our little leaf tamper

leaf project

finished collages

wouldn't be fall without watching the Bears on Sundays

yes, she is naked and 

yes, she peed on his leg shortly 

after this picture was taken.

that's fall.