Peeping at Leaves

Or so they say up the New England way. And as I've heard Granville, OH described as a little slice of New England in the midwest, I suppose that's an appropriate thing to call our activity over there. 

Granville is actually where the better half works, it's about a half hour east of Columbus. My dad is in town, and he's been helping with work on our house, specifically the basement refinish I mentioned awhile back. On Tuesday we took some time off and went over and had lunch with the husband and walked around and took some photos as he has a fancy camera he is learning to use as well.

This is the light post, I guess you'd call it, in front of the Buxton Inn. A cat is involved in their logo, so this is an extension of the theme. A few leaves to see in the upper left corner, but really this one is just for the love of the meows.

It's really been a beautiful fall here in O-hi-o. Will report again soon.

The Older the Better, With an Exception

I've been obsessed with old things for as long as I can remember. Drawn to falling down, chipped tarnished, tattered. This is what led me to get a masters degree in archaeology and also why much of the furniture and accessories that fill my home, some of the places I've called home themselves, and more and more bits of my wardrobe have lived previous lives and have the patina to show for it. One way or the other, I will save ALL the old things.

And so in an effort to do just that, I am opening up a shop on Etsy. It will be primarily vintage for home and to wear, but also some handmade and growing things as well. 

The shop will be called Unknown Blackbird. Surprise! I plan to open my virtual doors in the next day or so and will post a link as soon as I do.

These are my tag/garage sale finds from a week ago Friday. Two coal scuttles overflowing with hens and chicks; a box of pans and moulds to be involved with the aforementioned growing things, perhaps even specifically with some of those hens and chicks, plus bonus potato masher; a photo album with beautiful, perfectly worn green velvet masquerading as moss; and The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe in Five Volumes, Centenary Edition from 1903.

I'll share my finds from this past Friday soon.

One last recent acquisition, not of the vintage variety. Finally after a year and a half or so of exercising patience and restraint, a dslr to call my very own! I'm so excited to stop leaning on Instagram (I do love it, I do, but...) and to get more serious about photography. I've got a lot to learn, but I'm trying to do so as I go and just get as comfortable as possible with the camera as quickly as possible.

So that's that! 

Exceptions

Well, most of the annuals are out or are well on their way, but not the dahlias, of course. They are going strong, coming into their own. I got them planted later than I would have liked, so many of the plants are still covered in buds, just ready to break into full bloom. And the globe amaranth are still looking pretty lovely too. 

I think this might be my favorite bouquet of the whole season. Totally in love with the orange and brick red with the lavender-pink. So in love that I think this specific combination along with some similarly hued friends will be seen together in the garden next year.

I've got to get the dahlias labeled now so that I'll know who's who when I dig up the tubers to store for the winter. I made the mistake of throwing them all in a bucket last year, then added a couple new varieties this spring and planted them all in one bed, and some of the colors are definitely fighting each other in their current proximity. They're also too tall for the locale and I didn't stake them soon enough, so they're looking kind of unruly. So based on color, they'll be making their way to different spots in the garden next year and will be joined by some analogous and complimentary companions of different species. 
In case it's not obvious, I spent part of the day with my nose in a really good garden design book. Finally getting to that much needed planning, and learning a lot in the process. Optimistic next year's garden is going to be my best effort ever. 
But there's a couple seasons in the interim and I've been making some exciting plans for the indoor months. Stay tuned, details coming!

Last Hoorah

It's been a bit dreary, chilly, and fall-like the last couple of days and I'm rather loving it. We had a fantastic weekend, this one just past, that included great friends, great food and drink, and an amazing exhibition opening. 

I cut some blooms to have around over the weekend, some of the last of the summer crop. The golden rod and the unsuccessfully identified other yellow wildflower were foraged from the edge of the woods bordering the community garden. 

In the Meantime...

Almost done with garden clean-up. Lettuce, arugula and cabbage seeds are sown. Contemplating next moves. 

But on with the title. Probably eaten this most perfect of all brunches more times than is really bueno lately, but don't care. Also in perhaps the best physical condition ever in terms of strength and stamina. So there.

10¢ each, set of four at a garage sale. Sweet old fruit crate $1 at same sale (picture sometime in the future, perhaps).

A.M. kitty

Unwieldy dahlias, but how can you argue with those faces?

Bookcase top gilting. 

Imperfection...

...

embraced.

And speaking of, a toast to nine years. Because that's the only way two people can ever even get half as far.  

Retrospective

A few bouquets from throughout the inaugural season. 

I am about to embark on a monumental clean-up of my community garden space. Some things are pretty well spent as fall is nigh, while what is still trying to bloom is fighting a loosing battle with weeds. This is thanks in part to my neglect, but also to hefty doses of unpasteurized manure that have been spread on the plots every spring for years, I've been told. A weed control strategy beyond a hoe and a strong back will definitely be part of my plan for next year if I grow there again.

Post clean-up, I have an assortment of lettuce, arugula, and two varieties of baby cabbage seed on order to go in the ground. 

Alright then...

to work!

Rocky Mountain Highs Day Two, Leadville, Turquoise Lake, and Red Cliff

Up, up, up...

Leadville - faded, Old West, rugged, gloriousness.

And oh, the views.

My grandfather was an Odd Fellow and my grandmother was a Rebekah in Fisher, Illinois circa the mid-twentieth century. I scored a sweet Odd Fellows' ceremonial collar just down the street at Western Hardware Co., a fabulous, stuffed-full antique store in an equally fabulous historic building, right before spotting the lodge from whence it most likely came.

Poppies attempting to masquerade as alpine weeds.

The architecture, gah. Ombré chapel.

Painted lady.

Well weathered cabin porn. And that view again.

After we finished roaming Leadville, we headed on to Turquoise Lake for a little hike. 

Incredibly low water, like thirty feet low.

Makes for excellent rock stacking opportunities.

Last stop of the day, Mango's Mountain Grill for a bit of dinner and a couple of drinks in Red Cliff, tiny town sandwiched between two towering red cliffs...

spanned by one amazing bridge.

Missing the mountains. One trip and I'm hooked. Sigh.