Winter, spring, summer or fall?

It's hard to tell what season it is these days. At times it seems like we have all seasons packed into one day. But, I have decided that I now officially declare Fall of the year 2008 open!

Back to school, ballett and karate.

We're back on schedule and life is busy. No more lazy days. My 7 year old has now entered the world of 2nd grade and is very proud of it. She is no longer the little 1st grader. She is back dancing the night away as well, and is still ambitious to get those tippie-toe ballett shoes. We have added karate to the agenda as well. Hungry for a little action.... HAJIME!

It is definately dark by 9 pm.

My regular walking route has now been moved to a dark-friendlier place; less forest and more street lights.

The leaves are changing colors.

I swear this happened over night. "I looked out the window and what did I see? Yellow leaves popping on the big birch tree!"

I'm craving sweaters and boots.

I love sweaters and boots. It's really not quite cold enough yet, though. The waiting is antagonizing.

Chilly mornings.

The trick is to wear something that's warm enough for the chilly mornings, but not too warm for the warm afternoons. This actually requires some thinking and planning.....

Kids with colds.

Kids everywhere seem to have the sniffles. Even "older" kids. We were ready to throw my super big brother a super Happy 40th Birthday Party over the weekend. But, what do you know, he ended up getting sick! (I think he just made up an excuse to avoid being reminded of the depressing fact that he is now 40.)

The Ikea catalog has arrived.

Splendid! I love Ikea! (I feel sorry for the poor mailman, though. Maybe I should leave him a Thank You note?)

Autumn
by Emily Dickinson

The morns are meeker than they were,
The nuts are getting brown;
The berry's cheek is plumper,
The rose is out of town.
The maple wears a gayer scarf,
The field a scarlet gown.
Lest I should be old-fashioned,
I'll put a trinket on.