Remember yesterday’s post, opening with images of our golden leaf-clad ginkgo tree? Well, ’tis no more! A wild wind blew into the cove today and sent the fan-shaped leaves falling off in a slow, steady, stunningly beautiful drop, drop, drop. Reminder enough to appreciate every beautiful fleeting moment as though it were your last.

Huxley’s party was heaven. Wild and wily and filled with laughter and goodness. A detailed post is coming. Until then, I’m going to go take a nap with our wild man with gratitude in my heart for an amazing community of friends and family, a smiling babe that loves to snuggle and giggle, and a ginkgo tree that gently reminds me to stop and seize the day, since tomorrow, it’ll be gone.

Some mornings out here in the cove, the view is positively breathtaking. Today is one such day.

Dazzling foliage in every direction. Fog and mist moving across the mountains in the background. Muted bits of blue sky peeking in through the clouds. Gorgeous.

The cherry on top is the fine looking pastry specimen pictured last. It’s one of Dave’s exquisite Apple Croissants from his bakery, Farm & Sparrow. Buttery, flaky pastry cradles local apples that are baked into caramelized perfection. Paired with a mug of hot cardamom coffee=a very happy mama.

We’re in full-throttle party mode, as Huxley’s “Wild Things” soiree kicks off at 4 p.m. Lots of photos to come.

Wherever you are, friends, whatever you do, may it be grand!

We’ve been on the hunt for a decorative “H” with which to adorn the entrance to Huxley’s room for some time. While we found a number of antique options, they were either too small or in a font we didn’t care for. Since necessity (or preference!) is the mother of invention, Hubs took matters into his own hands. Literally.

This rad “H” is the end product of his efforts. He cut the letter out, sanded the edges, patiently drew the graphic onto the wood, and then gave the whole thing a light stain. It’s perfect in my mind, and, once he can say so, I think Huxley will concur.

In his own words, here’s how you, too, can make things to the letter of your liking!

Materials:
*A scrap board of your choosing
*Permanent magic markers
*Minwax Golden Oak, or other light stain
*Top coat can be rub-on polyurethane or tung oil

Tools:
*Pencil
*A saw (preferably a jigsaw)
*Sandpaper (electric palm sander even better)
*Metal objects for distressing
*Rags for rubbing on the finish

Instructions:
1. Choose a board, then use a pencil to draw on the shape of the letter that you want.
2. Cut out the design.
3. Distress the wood a bit using whatever metal objects that you have around (i.e. a screwdriver). Be careful not to break the letter in the process.
4. Sand down the edges, corners, and any rough spots.
5. Draw whatever pattern you like on the front face of the letter.
6. Rub on a light coat of stain with a rag, wiping off the excess.
7. Let it dry overnight.
8. Apply a clear topcoat of your choosing.
9. Let it dry then hang it wherever you like!

*Don’t forget, clicking on the image makes it much, much bigger!

Welcome to my new addiction. Pumpkin spice lattes. Oh, yes.

They’re incredibly easy to whip up. Well, let me qualify that; you’re going to need a pot to steam the milk, sugar and pumpkin in, some coffee (I use my french press for brewing), and another mixing bowl for whipping heavy cream and powdered sugar in. That said, they’re easy enough to concoct, and use ingredients you’re likely to already have on hand.

I used The Kitchn’s recipe as the basis, and then tinkered with things, namely the amounts and type of spices used. You can use either fresh pumpkin puree or canned. The sky is the limit.

Welcome to what will undoubtedly become your new favorite thing. You’re welcome.