buying apples

We set off to buy apples at a local orchard but the gate was closed.

We drove on. Hilly corn fields, century farms, fading woods.

Meandering brought us to a conservation area.

A path beckoned into the woods and opened onto a lovely pond

that reflected the woods in late autumn hues.

A gift.

To those of us who bemoan the passing of the seasons it is a reminder that each season has its own beauty. Perhaps we wish to stay in Spring, or early Summer, but a glance in the mirror shows Autumn underway. Hence our anxiety at the speed of life. The rolling of time takes us along. We cannot understand that when time stops for us that it really begins.

We purchased our apples, cauliflower, and some cheerful pumpkins at the local veggie stand.

plein air

why I like to have the children at home..

...we do as much as possible au plein air

Harmonia Axyridis

They catch us by surprise, these Asian Lady Beetles, when the day is warm and the season late.

Every year we wonder, "where do they all come from?"

Apparently they are not as plentiful here as they are in the United States. As the story goes, (Ohio State University Extention Fact Sheet) they were imported, intentionally from the Orient and released in the USA to combat pesky tree insects such as aphids and scale insects. This occurred in 1916, the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Perhaps more of them accidentally came on board ships that harbored in the States.

As the weather gets colder the Asian Lady Beetles migrate looking to hibernate in a cool alternative to the cliffs of the Orient. In North America they prefer buildings. (Native Lady Beetles prefer outdoor sites.) On a warm October day you can see thousands trying to find a way into your home. They then hibernate for the winter where they only occasionally venture forth on a warm sunny day. They neither mate nor eat indoors.

In the spring the beetles move outdoors and the lifecycle continues. Yellow oval eggs are laid which hatch in 3-5 days. The larvae will feed for 14 days on aphids and scale insects. Pupation occurs for 5-6 days after which the adult emerges. The adult can live for 2 - 3 years.

Occasionally they nip, occasionally they are a nuisance.

Yet, take a closer look and admire these tiny creatures the next time you see them.

elements of design

line, shape, direction, size, texture, color, value

always visible in Creation

last rose of summer?

Right outside our front window the roses are still blooming

petals wrapped tight against the cold,

looking out of place against October's yellow.

four

Sleepy littlest one comes down the stairs, his eyes light up when he sees the balloons. "It's my buffday"! He gives me a hug and says, "Do you still love me when I'm fow?"

Come here and let me kiss that four year old nose, and those four year old ears. "I love you all more and more everyday!" "Even when I'm all gowed up?" "Yes, even then..."

leaf medley