fall festivity

Taylor's family hosted an Apple Butter making party at their home near Richmond. Taylor's aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins, and Grandma chopped apples, made chili, smoked the barbecue, baked cookies, and stirred the apple butter over the course of two days. Somehow we were exempted from the heavy-lifting and instead greeted friends, walked the schnauzers, snapped photos, and enjoyed eating.

textured light

The old glass windows in the house where I am staying (built in the 1890s) were recently replaced. Before the energy-efficient windows arrived, I took some photos of the amazing textured reflections from the old glass.

country brunch

I invited friends over for brunch last weekend and we had a glorious fall afternoon. We played a little bocce and a little music too-- favorites were "Ol' Joe Clark," "The Crawdad Song," and "O Shenandoah."

The side lawn / bocce court


Gathering around the Casio


Maria and Rachel laughing


Rachel's itchy nose

au revoir, Salubria

Last weekend Taylor and I drove to Salubria to return my keys and borrowed documents and for a picnic and stroll. It was a beautiful early fall day, as warm as summer.