With Fall Fortnight beginning in just two days, let’s have a chat today. Autumn is slowly arriving, with some varieties of trees already turning, but most have not begun yet. Late October is generally our peak for fall color, so it is a bit early yet. Plus the weather needs to get a lot cooler for the trees to be turning.
Stepping out on the veranda one morning, I found a spider had been very busy. This web was beautifully done, lovely in its symmetry. It is really difficult to photograph a web as the camera just refuses to see it to focus. But I did manage to get one.
The two squirrels that come for sandwiches regularly were here last week. Quite frankly, they have so much food right now they do not need to beg. Acorns are everywhere! But they love peanut butter.
The turkeys were here for the acorn bounty last week too.
There were seven bachelor males in this flock. This is the only photo I got with all of them.
A couple of them have been here before and came closer to get a bit of the whole wheat bread nibbles I was throwing out to them. The others hung back and watched.
Naturally as I was feeding the turkeys, another beggar came running up for a handout. He came all the way up to the sidewalk, and sat looking cute, paws folded. I stepped back inside to get him a sandwich.
In the meantime, one of the turkeys decided to fly to a perch to get a better view of the goings on.
Two went back to the meadow for more acorns.
Four stayed around, taking advantage of the free goodies.
A second squirrel came running up, wanting a share. She stayed near the driveway with her meal.
On Sunday morning early, this small group of four deer came by for breakfast. They love acorns as much as everyone else.
There was a mature adult female with three fawns. They stayed pretty close to the adult, but as they spread out a little, I could see that one is still spotted, meaning it is younger than the other two. While triplets among deer are rare, they do happen.
However, it appears these are weaned, and they are likely of different ages due to the spots on one. It is more likely that at least one is from another doe and has just joined the others as a small herd. It is deer hunting season now, and there are more accidents with deer vs motor vehicles in the fall.
In the sewing room, I am making the last items for the Fiber Fair coming on October 25th at Beginnings in Hendersonville. I found a brand new Godiva chocolate mug, and am making a mug rug to go with it. This sentiment seemed perfect.
Last Sunday, we had a gathering of a group of our car club pals, a dinner group we call the Posse. It was a basic pot luck style meal, with our hosts providing the main course of grilled burgers, brats and chicken. I did this appetizer tray with my Perfect Deviled Eggs. I made 24 of them, and not one was left! I parboiled the broccoli for just one minute to moisten it up. It is such a simple thing yet makes all the difference. The color changes almost instantly to an appetizing deep green, and the flavor is enhanced (so much more appealing than just throwing on dry, raw broccoli). The carrots were raw and add nice color to the platter. That’s ranch salad dressing in the middle. I love this platter, it is a beautiful piece from a local potter that I received as a housewarming gift over 20 years ago.
I’ve been listening to a lot of Moody Blues this week, with the news of the death of John Lodge. I often say that the band wrote the soundtrack for my life in high school and college. We saw Moody Blues in concert in 2010. We were seated on the top row of the lower balcony near the stage at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium in Asheville, and at one point in the show I was the only one standing and waving my hand over my head to the beat of the music. John Lodge saw me, and waved his hand in the same way back at me, smiling at me. It was one of the thrills of my life and I will never forget it. He had this unique ability to connect with the audience, and show his joy in performing. John Lodge wrote one of my favorite all time songs, Candle of Life, and this video shows him performing it. Rest in Peace, John Lodge, your music will live forever.
October is the perfect time to get out some ghost stories and scary movies for grey days and time in the sewing room. I have a few in my DVD collection, and eagerly anticipate TCM showing old horror flicks from the 40s. I have a Dracula collection that is fun, and usually can see others like Frankenstein and more. My favorite movie for this time of year is The Skeleton Key, a psychological thriller/horror movie involving Hoodoo magic with a seriously creepy ending, and not gory (well, except for one scene but it’s mild compared to slasher films). If you haven’t seen it, see if you can borrow it from your local library.
Another day, and more sandwiches are given out. Trick or Treat squirrel version.
Trick or Treat for this one, too, at the same time, although I was not too impressed with the costumes. Fall leaves are coming down too fast, and I want them to turn pretty colors while they are still on the trees. C’mon cold snap!!
As usual, my favorite season is flying by way too fast. It is already mid-October, and it still hasn’t cooled off enough to wear sweaters. But I have been wearing my fall colors, and my one Halloween t-shirt. I have pumpkins and ceramic turkeys in the decor, and it is football season. I’m enjoying each day as it comes.
Are you enjoying these fall days? Are you seeing much color yet? What are your favorite movies for Halloween?
From My Carolina Home 
”l’m enjoying each day as it comes”. Beautiful and meaningful statement that we all need to live by. Love reading your blogs.
Sorry to hear about John Lodge. Enjoyed your post. There used to be someone here
Loved the feeding of the animals pictures, thanks.
I do love fall and the beautiful, crisp days. Fun to hear about your concert going days. It is sad to see the entertainers die who inspired our lives and sung our soundtracks. Your little find and wonderful rug mat will be perfect for just the right person.
Fall is such a good time of year. Crisp mornings, cool nights but here in California, still warm days. I always enjoy your posts. It’s like chatting with a friend.
Although I love the colors of fall, it means winter is coming. I’m a heat lover so I prefer spring, knowing summer is coming. You have so much wildlife there. It must be fun to watch the activity. I hope your colors come soon.
Your platter looks great. Deviled eggs are always a hit and everything looks beautiful. Sounds like a great gathering. And I’m loving all the wildlife in your world. That’s a lot of turkeys, lots of deer, and of course your sweet squirrels. Sounds like a big weekend is in store. Enjoy!
Oh the wildlife. So enjoyable and fun to watch. Although I had a squirrel climbing the patio screen yesterday. He, or she, was pretty good size. I was worried about rips in the screen, but he ran off leaving everything intact. They certainly are scampering after the acorns this time of year. I am enjoying cooler weather, too.
You hit the wildlife bonanza this week! I loved the Moody Blues, too, although don’t think I ever saw them in concert. Lucky you to have that memory! Colorado color is lots of gold right now – it’s really beautiful. Looking forward to Fall Fortnite – I’m ready for a new project!
I just enjoy all of your creatures coming for a feast..Your fall color is so much prettier than here..some but mostly brown.. ..I bitten off maybe more than I should ..painting the kitchen floor..Thankfully I have 4 doors so I can miss getting locked in…Enjoy the rest of this month..going by pretty fast.
I love seeing all the wildlife photos. They seem so at peace! Looking forward to Fall Fortnight! 🙂
moody blues has always been a favorite car tunes selection. so much so that the girls began to complain/moan in protest by their teen years!! lol.
in respect for my personal horror film induced anxiety, we have decided to view the pirates of the Caribbean sagas. they have ghosts, right? that counts!
as always, love the wildlife pics. ..and hardboiled eggs as i am a lazy cook and yours looked sooo pretty!
Squirrels are out now eating my pecans, they do leave me a few. Deer are out and about but no turkeys. Enjoyed seeing the wildlife so close to your house a beautiful sight. Enjoy your blog.
Yes, spider webs are hard to photograph. Frost helps them stand out.
Thanks for the trip back in time with the Moody Blues song!
My favorite Halloween movies are Hocus Pocus and Adam Sandler’s Hubie Halloween. I have Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the Haunting of Maddy Clare in my queue for Halloween/ghost themed audio books.
Thanks for a fun blog!
love Deviled Eggs and I had not heard to do that with the broccoli for a tray – I bet it taste so much better than just putting the raw veggies on the tray. We are late getting fall color here – we are drying up from lack of rain and warmer than normal temperatures here – next week maybe a little cooler but who can tell the forecast keeps changing.
The leaves are changing quite a bit here. The temperature is about average though last night it dropped to 37. Brrrrr! I don’t have a favorite Halloween movie. I don’t like scary movies. Hope everyone has a great weekend.
nights in white satin is one of my favorite songs!
The wildlife has you trained. I’ll be there’s an animal version of the Hobo sign for “kind lady” on your property. Ahh – the Moody Blues. I was in from the start with “Go Now”.
What memory to have from the Moody Blues concert. I know of the Moody Blues but not John Lodge in particular. I have your video playing as I write this!
All your wildlife visitors know it’s time to call at Carole’s place for some nice nosh and where they won’t be chased away.
I’m too much of a ‘scaredy cat’ to read or watch horror stories. So good luck to you, fill your boots!! 😂
Devilled eggs are always popular and I love the Broccoli served with them. Your plate is lovely. I hope you use it often, it is to be enjoyed.
Mary :))
Love the animal photos in your news letters.
Thank you for sharing.
Denise
You take the best photos!
It is always fun to see the wildlife that come to visit you.
They obviously enjoy your company.
No color here in Southern IL due to the drought, I hear. We did turn cold though a couple of days ago. Had to turn the heat on! Ugh!
I love your chats, Carole! So many squirrels, turkeys and deer visiting you this past week. We had some gorgeous color this last week, and then the wind came and blew many of the leaves down, so we have been collecting bags of hardwood leaves from the compost collection site, and spreading them on the garden. Several neighbors have dumped their leaves too, so the garden is looking well covered now. Our next door neighbor has a gorgeous red maple tree, that came into full glory this past weekend. Those leave will go to the garden as well, and add a sprinkle of color!