Happy Birthday Sister!!!!

Just wanted to make sure people reading my blog know that you are __ years old today. I would never tell anyone how old you are :) Have a great day!!

(Helping my little sister since 1968)

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Single Digits

Just a wee bit of morning chill in the valley this morning.

Rolling in the Dough

The two youngest siblings are taking part in a time honored tradition----cutting sugar cookie dough. In a few minutes the other half of the tradition----decorating baked sugar cookies. Neither of these should be confused with the actual eating of the above mentioned cookies :)



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Alert Feral Feline Guarding the Big Fat Yeast Rolls

With the kitchen getting a bit warm with two turkeys cooking, the rolls were moved to the dining room to slow their expansive growth.  They were guarded by the youngest feline who was resting in one of her more favorite spots.  One of the turkeys did go home with the oldest of the BAM crew and I wonder if at some time in the future 4 turkeys will be needed?  We're gonna need a bigger oven!

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Last Batch--Wintry Mix Tonight!

This really is the last batch of green tomatoes from the garden this year. The previous ones were picked but the light freeze only got some of the outer leaves. These will go into the box with a few of the rest....and for those of you who remember that box full, they have been turning red over the past couple of weeks. The little woman has been eating a few but blanching most for sauces and soups. Up to 3 gallon bags worth so far and counting. I took a photo of the intense process below---boil water, dip the fruits for a minute and remove.  Those tomatoes were all green not too long ago!!!!


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Just a few more and then we're done

The large red oak on the east side of the house is nearly done dropping this year's leaves. A prolific leaf and acorn maker, past discussions have centered on the tree's removal but the shade it provides outweighs the annual clean-up.  This warm fall season though has had prevailing winds from the southwest---similar to springtime.  This allowed the dropping leaves to target the pool area as seen below.  The saving grace in all of this is the mulch that I'll get to put into the flower beds over the winter!!
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Foggy Morning over a Leafy Bed

Coming down hot and heavy now!

Blue Sky through a Crimson Lense

Usually a dark purple, a few of the maples in the yard show off in the fall with bright red and orange foilage. Needless to say, the camera sensor is unable to pick up all the subtle shades of the leaves.

And of course, one of the many "Ode to the Last Leaf" that come out this time of year.....


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Predawn Skyline in Toronto

Dominating the skyline in Toronto is the CN tower---the largest free standing tower in the world. For the newbie to the city, it allowed the roaming of the streets with just a passing knowledge of the names of the thoroughfares.  The tower puts on an elaborate light show at night, has a couple of restaurants and an observation deck.  

The inverted bowl shape to the right (west) of the tower is the Rogers Center(formerly the Skydome)---home of the Toronto Blue Jays (baseball), Argonauts (Canadian Football) and a few Buffalo Bills games.  It is also across the street from the Steam Whistle Brewery :)

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Predator Fodder

Scattered on the desert floor, not far from the roosts of the Predators and Reapers at Creech Air Force base, dozens of surplus armored weaponry lie in wait for the targeting sensors on the drones to find, target and electronically "kill" them. I must assume that the teenagers/young men of the Xbox gamer generation are having a blast guiding these new toys of the USAF. Good hunting!!!

No Doubts

With the new parking garage signage in place to show available spots, there was not even a question where Mini wanted to park earlier this week.....

Domingo...Carreras...Pavarotti...and Clark

This local, well known tenor earns another award for the trophy case.....

Room with a View

Downtown Toronto......

Another Early Morning Jaunt Across the High Plains

Heading back to the Mid-south via the Great White North for a few days of international relationship building before the Thanksgiving holiday.

Made a New Friend the Other Night

Believe he got caught in the cold weather the other night---dropped into the teens. Warmed him up for a few hours and away he went!!!

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First Fluffy Stuff of the Season

Mini got caught sleeping last night in a light snow fall. About an inch and very fluffly. Should be melted off before the sun sets today.

Another Fall Treat

A benefit of the cooler temperatures is opening up the house and smelling the pulled pork smoking all day---and the anticipation of dinner of course.

Fried Green Tomatoes Anyone?

Falling victim from temperatures falling into the 20s, the tomato plants gave up their last harvest. The little woman keeps talking about frying, canning, pickling, etc. but my guess is these will get handed out to connoisseurs of green tomatoes at work.

End of the Season

As the warm weather quickly disappeared over the past week, preparations were made to put the pool into hibernation until next spring. Once the weather really turns, this area will become a skating rink for cats!

Metaphorically Speaking

Thw Sweet Sixteener holds up her prized possession from her Nana & Papa---it's what is between those pages that really counts :)