A final farewell to...

October's Bright Blue Weather

O suns and skies and clouds of June,
And flowers of June together,
Ye cannot rival for one hour
October's bright blue weather.

When loud the bumblebee makes haste,
Belated, thriftless vagrant,
And Golden Rod is dying fast,
And lanes with grapes are fragrant;

When Gentians roll their fringes tight,
To save them for the morning,
And chestnuts fall from satin burrs
Without a sound of warning,

When on the ground red apples lie
In piles like jewels shining,
And redder still on old stone walls
Are leaves of woodbine twining;

When all the lovely wayside things
Their white-winged seeds are sowing,
And in the fields, still green and fair,
Late aftermaths are growing;

When springs run low, and on the brooks,
In idle golden freighting,
Bright leaves sink noiseless in the hush
Of woods, for winter waiting;

When comrades seek sweet country haunts,
By twos and twos together,
And count like misers, hour by hour,
October's bright blue weather.

O suns and skies and flowers of June,
Count all your boasts together,
Love loveth best of all the year
October's bright blue weather.

Helen Hunt Jackson (1885)

Since we're on the "Frost is on the..." topic, I might as well include my own version with 'the frost is on the'...this time being the frost is on my sweater...hanging on the frosty clothesline...along with the frosty sheet and dress...that I forgot to bring in the night before!
 

We didn't end up getting the big storm and possible snow slush they were predicting, however, last night we did see teeny snow flakes coming down! And there was a faint dusting of snow out on our deck.

I'm not quite sure if I'm ready for winter or not, but I still get that tickly feeling in my tummy when I see the first snow flakes start to fall! Even if they are only teen-weeny flitting little flakes. I'm also hearing the faint strains of "Walkin' in a winter wonderland" dancing around somewhere in the back of my head!

They don't call us O'Gallagher for nuthin'...

When The Frost is on The Punkin

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock,
And you hear the kyouck and gobble of the struttin' turkey-cock
And the clackin' of the guineys, and the cluckin' of the hens,
And the rooster's hallylooyer as he tiptoes on the fence;
O, it's then's the times a feller is a-feelin' at his best,
With the risin' sun to greet him from a night of peaceful rest,
As he leaves the house, bareheaded, and goes out to feed the stock,
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

They's something kindo' harty-like about the atmusfere
When the heat of summer's over and the coolin' fall is here--Of course we miss the flowers, and the blossums on the trees,
And the mumble of the hummin'-birds and buzzin' of the bees;
But the air's so appetizin'; and the landscape through the haze
Of a crisp and sunny morning of the airly autumn days
Is a pictur' that no painter has the colorin' to mock--
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

The husky, rusty russel of the rossels of the corn,
And the raspin' of the tangled leaves, as golden as the morn;
The stubble in the furries-kind' lonesome-like, but still
A-preachin' sermons to us of the barns they growed to fill;
The strawstack in the medder, and the reaper in the shed;
The hosses in theyr stalls below--the clover overhead!--O, it sets my hart a-clickin' like the tickin' of a clock,
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock!

Then your apples all is gethered, and the ones a feller keeps
Is poured around the celler-floor in red and yeller heaps;
And your cider-makin' 's over, and your wimmern-foks is through
I don't know how to tell it-but ef sich a thing could be
As the Angels wantin' boardin', and they'd call around on me--I'd want to 'commodate 'em-all the whole-indurin' flock--
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock!

By James Whitcomb Riley (1896)

Take a look at this adorable children's book, The Frost is on The Punkin by James Whitcomb Riley...illustrationed by Glenna Lang!

These paintings are by Swedish artist, Carl Larsson, and his book A Farm. Are they wonderful, or what..??

We're rushing off to Lewiston today....hopefully to beat the snow showers predicted for tomorrow and the next day. Snow showers!! Can you believe it...???? I can't!! It snowed the day after Thanksgiving last year and we thought that was early!

Needless to say, we're in motor-mode trying to get everything ready for the winter onslaught. I can truthfully say that we're more prepared than we were last year at this time....but that's not saying much! Hence, my lack of blogging recently. But we're making headway and I just loved that prepared, tidied-up, everything-snug-for-the-winter feeling. Click on Green Pioneer for more on the homestead and Winter Readiness!

So enjoy some more fall photos taken over at Susan's (Jennifer's mom) backyard last week. I'm so excited...I finally gave Jen and her mom a knitting lesson, so I have new knittin' buddies now! Yippee! The children were in sheer heaven raking up leaves, pouncing on, jumping in, and throwing mountains of leaves.

Also check out my son's new glider...made from the insulation scraps thrown in the basement over on our land. Daddy always comes through with the latest and greatest!

The prairie bonnet...the first of my sewing projects that I've actually finished. Yay!!

And isn't it a cutie...???

And the mop hat I cut out and Mom finished for us while she was still here...

Isn't it precious..??

Serious business with serious bonnets...

Wrapped up for winter babydolls....

Oh, and we mustn't forget puddin's in her bonnet either...

Our Homeschool World's Fair finally took place this past weekend and...do you mind if we brag a bit here?? It was an absolute raving success!! We were all so thrilled with the turn-out and support from our little community up here in rural Maine as well as the wonderful job the children and families did in preparing their various countries. It was just too much fun...and the food was fantastic, too!

So I'm going to begin with some of our preparation first...

Since my husband and I both have Scandinavian roots...as well as Irish...him Norway and me Swedish...we chose to do Sweden. My mom's grandparents came over from Sweden and she has their Swedish Bible, a Swedish schoolbook, an old photograph, and a Swedish Bible Primer. Mom also made all the little costumes for the children as well. Thanks Mom!!

Let me introduce you to our Swedish relatives...don't they look exactly like our children...?? This is Kristin.

And this is young, dapper Lars.

And here we have our lovely Brita...holding the folkdrakt bag that she made herself.

Let's not forget little barefoot I-have-a-blister-on-my-heel Kersti, here. (Mom found this adorable outfit at a thrift store!)

Here's the Swedish table all set-up...ready to go!

While Mom was here this summer, she embellished these aprons some more for us...adding trim, ruffles, and pockets...just can't have enough of those, ya know!

These precious painted little Swedish tiles I borrowed from Heather's Swedish supply of knick-knacks....as well as these adorable hearts below with Swedish prayers painted on them. Her husband, Erik, happens to also be half Swedish. We're begging her mother-in-law to come and teach us all some songs and prayers in Swedish!

These are our Swedish family heirlooms....including the photo of my great-grandparents, Charlie and Elsie Wallgren.

And these are the folkdrakt bags that the girls made themselves...

We found these wonderful snacks at Mary's shop in Portland, Simply Scandinavian. Andrew also whipped up the Swedish almond cake from the recipe we got there. Our new favorite Swedish recipe, I must say! The round of Farmer cheese was also a great hit....served on these large round rye crackers called Korsnas Knacke with lingonberry jam on top. Too yummy!

Mary also insisted upon giving us this CD once she heard of our World's Fair...along with blue and yellow striped ribbons and heart shaped bird seed for the kiddos to put out for the birdies. She is just too sweet...you must go visit Mary!

Books by Carl Larsson...my absolutely favorite of all time Swedish artist. His endearing renderings of home and farm life from the late 1800's are charming beyond description!

So here we are...at the Grange Hall...and Isaiah graciously posed for me under the banner that we finally finished...that morning!

But now hanging there in its proper place...it came out not too shab after all! What do ya think...????

We couldn't believe the turn-out....we were packed the entire time...which, of course, makes it all the more enjoyable for everyone!

Now let's take a meander around the room...

The Thibeau's chose to explore France...even bringing a dessert cake flavored with fresh lavender....that was absolutely scrumptious, by the way!

Missionaries from Costa Rica prompted interest in this country for the Sanders family.

An exchange student from Japan provided all sorts of interesting memories for the Day family...

Australia was also a popular country to investigate....and after spending 3 months there myself is definitely one of my favorites!

Caleb and Eli had a wonderfully creative and colorful Australian set-up!

Delightful foods and photos were found on the Grant's tables with representations from China and India. I somehow missed Eliza in her beautifully exotic full Indian costume! I also missed adorable Mattie in her little German frock carrying around a huge basket of gummy bears. Did you know gummy bears were invented in Germany? I never knew that!

The Strong's boys are learning how to sail from a retired, extremely knowledgeable sea captain that has lived in the Virgin Islands for many years. They would love to take a year to simply sail for awhile....that is if they can convince Tina (their mom...who's not thrilled about water....nor knows how to swim) that living on a boat is such a super fantastic idea! Go for it, Tina!! So they provided a lovely exhibit of those gorgeous islands.

And this was just a quick run through when I could tear myself away from our own table hub-bub for a brief peek at all the other fun stuff going on. I know I've left so much out, but please come back again next year! We may just make this an annual tradition! Thank you everyone who participated in making this whole event such a special occasion! And thank you, Sherry, for such a tremendous idea!

Beautiful but brisk...quite brisk...I might add...could be the legend for today! That wind goes right through! The sunshine and crunching leaves under your feet...little ones all bundled up in bulky sweaters, mittens, and scarves...acorns falling amidst swirling leaves....bare branches beginning their winter slumber....wispy, waning seed pods fuzzy and fluttering....make braving the briskness all the more rewarding and wonderful!

So bundle up good...or at least heat up that coffee or tea....and come along with us as we revisit one of our favorite nature walks, Manson Park...and see if you can tell how much the foliage has changed over the past few weeks!

Scarf....walking stick...

basket for collecting....ummm, anything interesting....OK, let's go!!

Over the bridge and through the woods to the train tracks we go...

Just not enough leaves around here to choose from, huh!

I guess it's a good thing my camera ran out of batteries! I could've kept this up all day long!

A road trip to Portland and a bright sunny day to smile on us the whole way!

Our son occupied himself the entire trip learning to read the road map.  He's recently been complaining of car sickness...but not today! Homeschool is cool! Ain't it!

Fall scenes in Lewiston...


Peeking at a porch with a pumpkin....

Picnic in the parking lot...

Our favorite Simply Scandinavian stop...relocated from the Old Port (next to Folly 101) to Stevens Ave. It's such a sweet little cozy neighborhood, too! If you haven't popped in to see Mary and her delightful shop, you're definitely missing out on all sorts of tasty treats! And she makes you feel like you're part of the family...even if you're not of Scandinavian connections!

Climbing on the rocks in the common courtyard in Old Port....next to the ever-frequented Starbucks....

and another fun furniture shop over there...

The final stop was L.L. Bean...very quiet and relaxing than compared to summer's rush. Last night, the staff far out-numbered the patrons.  I perused cabin and fireplace books while the children looked at nature books...and hubby found a book on living in treehouses.  Other than the multitudinous stair climb...I could actually be convinced! We know of a great pine tree...

What do we do on a misty, moisty morning? Why, have a tea party picnic....of course!

And everyone's invited!

Our homeschool group is having a World's Fair this weekend that Sherry, with a wealth of creative ideas, dreamed up for us last Spring...and we postponed for this Fall instead. The community is all invited and the children are all excited!

Since we have Scandinavian roots on both sides of our family, we've decided on Sweden for our country. In the meantime, however, our family volunteered to make a banner for the event.

My point in all of this, though, isn't about the banner or even the event itself (not yet anyway!)...but to simply share my continual revelation that serendipitous learning takes place in areas that I forever least expect.

For instance, it never occurred to me initially that this World Fair event would include math, elements of geometry, and measurement...among a host of other (what I thought to be) unrelated subjects. We're talking the mixture of various properties and the results of those mixtures with various properties of physical elements.

The fact that paint applied to a blue background distorts and darkens the paint color immeasurably than when applied to a pristine white background...or that 15 times more paint is needed to cover one small area of porous fabric...and due to this porosity causes fabric to wrinkle up into thin little ripples...than when applied to a not-so-porous flat sheet of paper....or that paint causes paper to stick to fabric and is impossible to remove once it's dry. I do believe this involved something way beyond the merely physical level but entered into the realm of some fantastic chemical fusion. I'd say much more effective than any glue we've ever tried!

My children have used chalk and rulers and learned new tricks on how to lay things out and that what we think might work one way works much better another way. They've learned what it means to enlarge something 1000 times...and that it still might not be big enough!

But I think the most important thing we're continuing to learn...and this is especially true for Mom here....is that patience and perseverance are the most integral part of any process...and the most valuable lessons learned. The creative process IS indeed a process....and we need to savor and enjoy that process for it's own sake. This means extracting all that we can learn and discover and require of ourselves...which ultimately becomes way more beneficial and fruitful than the finished product itself.

And the things we learn from one thing or incident (mostly prayerful patience and perseverance) can then be applied...hopefully with more wisdom...and creativity....to later things or endeavors. It also means that we can work as a family and come up with ideas, or fancy ways to fix mistakes, or the ability to join together and start from scratch again...as it dawns on us together that learning lasts a lifetime and is never really a formula and is also never finished. Unpredictable, non-formulaic, outright messy, serendipitous happenstance...laced with patience and perseverance and a joyful, thankful heart...will always be there to bump us blessedly along the path.

Life's Race

Life is a long cross-country race
Where Christ Our Lord once set the pace,
And taught us how "Life's Race" is run -
Not only run, but truly won.
He taught us of His Father's Love
Which floweth freely from above.
By His example he did show
The way to live and the way to go.

By Clayton G. Mosely
The Tree of Life - Salesian Collection


And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season, we shall reap if we do not lose heart.   Galatians 6: 9