No, this particular chicken isn't a zombie (or is it a rooster? I am farm-animal challenged) -- at least I don't think so! They're from Monet's garden in Giverny. But I just wanted to put them in!Before I forget, I want to tell you that I've posted my thoughts on another foodie-in-France book, "A Pig In Provence" by Georgeanne Brennan, on Chopsticks and String.
And later today, if it isn't there already, you can read my take on another Cara Black Paris mystery, "Murder on Ile Saint-Louis." With photos, of course!
But first, I've been trying to catch up on blog reading and wanted to highlight a few stops I've made. You may want to make those stops, too. (You may need to scroll down to catch some of these specific posts, but it's worth the time to do so!)
(And, I just updated my links. Still working on it, but lots of you are now in place!)
Labor Day may be past, but Shoreacres has a post worth reading any day of the year. In fact, all her posts are worth reading any day of the year! And so are the comments, which really carry on the story.
Qugrainne has been in Bali and has many glorious posts with even more glorious photos about her time there.
Robin Bird has had some most thoughtful posts lately. I direct you to one I particularly mulled over for a bit, but encourage you to check out some of the others.
My cousin Bonnie recently had her first blogaversary over on Mama K. Get in on year two!
Joanne is making the most remarkable and delightful dolls! She's just reopened her website store, and you can get a good look at some of the featured dolls at her blog. Read down a few posts to get the full gist of her creations! Her current post also shows some of the store items. Click on the link in her post to visit!
Joanne is making the most remarkable and delightful dolls! She's just reopened her website store, and you can get a good look at some of the featured dolls at her blog. Read down a few posts to get the full gist of her creations! Her current post also shows some of the store items. Click on the link in her post to visit!
My pal Judy Winter will soon be going to Fort Bragg to talk with military families about special needs, and in particular focusing on the important role siblings play. For more related to special needs issues, visit Winter Ramblings. This post is especially touching and timely, relating to special needs children and school.
Nathalie -- that talented and creative artist -- has opened an Etsy store. Link to her Etsy store from her most creative and artistic blog!
Janet at Lavender Loft recently had a birthday. So, using her family's vintage photos, she's cruising down memory lane. Lots of September days left to go along with her!
Finally, a big thank you to Diana, aka "Oh" (Oh, Books, Oh Paper, Oh Life!) for sharing with me the "Zombie Chicken" Award.I love laughing, and the description on this one is four-star! (And the graphic is fabulous!)
Here's what it means:“The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken– excellence, grace, and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all.
Five Bloggers who inspire readers willing to brave the evils of a torrid flock of zombied hens in order to read those Bloggers would have to include any of the people above, plus all of the ones over in my blog roll!
Now, I've given up "tagging" people to do this, so don't feel compelled, and if you do -- you can list as many as the rules say (five) or more, or less! The point is, I love the blogs I visit, and I hope you'll visit some of them, too!
Even though I don't get around to everyone as quickly as I wish I could, I still get there!
On Saturday morning, we awoke to a thick foggy mist hanging over the lake. It was almost mystical.
I had to walk along the beach and capture what I could on film, though it doesn't nearly measure up to the memories.
The spider web at the end of the neighbor's dock seemed to be suspended in space.
I moved on from the beach and into the woods, absolutely dazzled by the way the sun started to break and cast its rays between the tall, dense pines. When I was a child, we called this "a biblical sky" and it certainly seemed that way this particular morning.
I noted the early morning dew on the spider webs, complex interweaving of silky threads.
If you want to see really fabulous spider web photos, visit 
As I was walking back, the the sun was a bit brighter, and so was this sneak preview of the autumn to come.
As my day went on, I was able to enjoy the bounty of the farm market, with its vibrant colors in vegetables...
And flowers.
And of course the peaches I bought had to be grilled in tin foil making a marvelous dessert. We were missing only ice cream! (I topped it with a little bit of the farm market granola, but that photo wasn't so hot!)
It wasn't a weekend without wildlife. My ducks -- Quick and Quack -- made several appearances, perhaps motivated by a good chunk of baguette.
Their pretty feathers and wonderful feet make me smile. But they move awfully fast for ducks! 
Of course, Gypsy is always on the lookout for wildlife!
While I enjoyed farm markets, antique markets, cooking and photography, Rick stained the part of the porch I couldn't reach last year!
Of course, there were Scrabble games on the porch, crossword puzzles, and for Rick, a bike ride! And quiet time, as we'd watch the sky change colors, from pale blues and grays to deep hues of midnight blue and orange.
And so, I leave you with another beautiful sunset or two. I'm going to miss these.
Just maybe I'll catch one or two more!
The displays incorporate flowers or nature.
And, I end up buying something! In this case, the top white box (a sewing machine drawer, I'm told), with carving and on the side you can't see, a great drawer pull. It's just the right size to hold my Goldens!
