west arlington, vermont

A couple of summers ago, Greg and I rode our bike through this little village,

and I vowed to come back someday with my big girl camera.

Yeah, it took me a while - but better late than never.

The sun was low in the sky - and I loved the way it created this red reflection in the water.

Walking back through the bridge, you can see the former home of Norman Rockwell.
Now it's a bed and breakfast.

So it would seem that the holiday season is upon us -

and I'm still binging on excessive amounts of Halloween candy

- yeah - bought way too much of that stuff -

Not to worry, though, I've just about polished off the last of it.

(Whew - just in time for turkey and pie...)

Anyway, you may have noticed that I'm having a tough time keeping up,

so I think I will be taking a bloggy break.

I'm wishing you all a very happy holiday season

and look forward to seeing you again in the new year!

(if not before)

I am joining Madge at The View From Right Here for Rurality Wednesday

door county, wisconsin

So - I mentioned last week that Chicago-daughter and I took a little road trip

- a girls weekend -

to Door County, Wisconsin.

I don't get out to Chicago to visit nearly as often as I would like to

 (love visiting that city!)

but this time, we opted for a little get-away.

The town of Fish Creek is situated on the Green  Bay side of the peninsula -

we did a little shopping and meandering -

mostly meandering...

and enjoying the whimsy.

Driving along the coast,

we found charming lighthouses,

still a little Fall foliage,

(which I made Chicago-daughter pose in front of)

and a beautiful coastline that I suspect many of my East Coast friends would find

a bit surprising.

And that's not to mention the apple orchards, wineries and fantastic cheese

(Yes, Vermont, you have a rival there...)

I'm always a little sad flying out of Chicago, 

and this time - a little more so.

I'm happy to say that Chicago-daughter plans to head back East at the end of December,

but the Midwesterner in me loved my occasional Heartland fix.

And I am so glad we decided to take this little trip.

thankful for veterans

A quiet Sunday afternoon in Townshend, Vermont

And as I enjoy a day off today, puttering around my house,

I know that the children of Townshend Elementarty School express it best

To all who serve or have served

- and their families -

in war time and in peace

a heartfelt thank you!!

rurality - vermont schoolhouse

Last weekend during a visit to Chicago, Chicago-daughter and I took a road trip up the coast of Wisconsin to beautiful Door County. 

Wineries, apples, lighthouses... what a beautiful place!

 I am kicking myself for neglecting to take a shot of a quilt barn, though...

Anyway, I hope to have some photos ready soon, but in the meantime -

I spied this little schoolhouse during our "Sunday drive" in Vermont -

 a couple of weekends ago.

As I was contemplating stepping over the fence to get a shot from the other side of the tire swing,

I noticed the curtains in the windows.

I'm guessing the owner wouldn't have appreciated me trampling all over their lawn...

But, what a cute little cottage this must be!

I am joining Rurality at The View from Right Here

Have a great day!