Fall Frolics

Joining Willy Nilly Friday and Skywatch Friday today - I hope you enjoy this assortment of fall frolics!

ONE: As we build our log home (hoping it never looks like the barn above), we have been searching for a red/purple stone to augment our fireplace.  I can't tell you the number of stone suppliers and quarries that we called in search of this elusive shade.  In the end, persistence paid off and we learned of Block Mountain Stone in Plains, Montana, just 2 hours south of us. 

So, off we went on a road trip to pick up 20 square feet of stone,  and we passed the above barn on the way.  After the stone was procured, our tummies were growling, and locals recommended The Butcher's Nook.  I second the motion!

TWO: Our generous and thoughtful neighbors gave us 5 pounds of plums and we were inspired to make plum jam!  

We were so delighted to give our neighbors a jar of the finished product, and to slather the jam onto toast for our next breakfast.  Yummy!

THREE:  Autumn brings fall beverages  and other goodies back to the menu of our favorite watering holes.  Last week I treated myself to a Maple Pecan Latte and a Pumpkin Scone at Starbucks.  Double yummy!

FOUR: OK, something has to be done about all of these calories - running!  The Whitefish Trail Legacy Run was based at the Whitefish Bike Retreat, the ideal starting point for a fun trail run set in the beautiful Beaver Lakes area of the Whitefish Trail.  Spousal Unit and I both participated in the 10K, and I was quite pleased with my result given that the route was rather hilly.  One hour and 6 minutes, fourth of eight in my age group, and 20th out of 45 women overall.  We were also blessed with great weather - sunny and crisp - in place of the rain that had been in the forecast.

FIVE: Walks in the fall are hard to beat.  Yellows, oranges and reds tossed up against a bright blue drop cloth of sky.  Dry leaves crunching underfoot, and raising an aroma that is at once deep woods and fresh bread from the oven.  Just enough warmth in the sun to allow reading my book by the lake, coffee by my side.

I was obsessed with the golden hues of this tree.

Reluctantly, I had to head for home, but I was rewarded with this tableau on the way back.   Oh, joy!

Linking with Skywatch Friday

Linking with Willy Nilly Friday