Gorgeous October

Most of us here in the Midwest US have had the most mild, warm and beautiful October. The days through the first half of the month were warmer than normal - almost hot, by my standards. Now, here just past month's midpoint, we are finally having what I would term "normal" October weather. Cool, crisp nights in the 40s and clear, sparkly days in the 70s. Perfect.

Here are some nature pictures (sorry, not quilts!) from our part of Ohio.

These two pictures were taken on a particularly warm late afternoon from our front porch. Note that the trees really haven't dropped too many leaves at this point. Our fall color seems delayed, and the leaves are now finally dropping - about 10 days since these pics were taken.

This past weekend we had our 4th annual Hocking Hills getaway with the kids. This has been such a fantastic way to spend family time - it is becoming a tradition we all look forward to! Here's a shot from our morning hike from Ash Cave to the fire tower - about 4 miles total.

Still not seeing much color here in Ohio, are we? But the Saturday morning was cool and the hike was refreshing. Those are my two daughters in the foreground; DH and SIL are further up the trail.

Last evening we drove into town for a couple of errands and admired this beautiful harvest sunset. Farmers are combining beans and corn, and the hazy dust stirred up by their machinery makes for a magical picture, despite our dirty windshield.

While we were away at Hocking Hills, neighbors in our home area were hit Friday night by a tornado. Our property was out of the path of the storm, but three miles away, several homes and outbuildings were damaged or destroyed. It wasn't a big tornado, but even small ones do damage. There was no loss of life or injuries, thankfully; rebuilding and inconvenience are the only lasting effects. 

I am expecting Sharon here in a little bit. What will we work on? Heaven only knows. We both are in that indecisive stage, I fear. I have at least three ideas brewing; we shall see what pans out.

Happy Quilting, Friends!