A Happy, Happy Hodgepodge :)

It seems like it has taken forever for fall to settle in around these parts

but it is finally here, in full force and going to run right in to winter, I'm afraid.

We spent a long weekend with our Tennessee bunch and the weather was just beautiful.

It was the annual father/son/grandson hunt and the boys had a great time.

Now, I realize hunting is not everyone's thing so I will not post photos of their "results".

I will tell you that the freezer is full of venison...'nuff said :)

 As far as fall goes, this year hasn't been the prettiest we've ever had by a long shot,

but overall there has been a bit lovely color in some areas.

These are from my yard taken a couple of weeks ago.

Here are a couple from Adam's place in Tennessee.



This backyard view just takes my breath away every time...especially in the fall...

...at sunset.

The scene before me was ever-changing...

...as I stood there snapping away...

...until it faded away.

 

So today I'm participating in Joyce's Hodgepodge ...

...where she asks the questions on her blog and we write the answers on ours.
This a great way to learn a little more about our fellow bloggers and have a little fun,
 so how about popping over there and check it out.
Here we go!

  

1. Let's all think happy thoughts...share one of yours here. 

This season makes me happy. The cool, crisp air after a long hot summer...the colorful leaves even after they start to shrivel and fall from the trees...family get-togethers on Thanksgiving Day...and well, you all know what comes next :)

2. There's a Chinese proverb that says, "If you want happiness for an hour take a nap, if you want happiness for a day-go fishing...." What say you? If you want happiness for a day...

...I will grab my cameras and head for the country. If I don't see one other human being, that's even better. No, I am not a recluse but getting away from the distractions of everyday life, even for a few hours...or even better for a day...can be so refreshing to the soul. Taking in the wonders of God's creation makes me very happy.

3. Where do you go to decompress from the world around you? 

I think I just answered that in question #2 but if doing that is not a possibility, I might just retreat to my front porch and watch the birds and squirrels :)

4. What song never fails to make you happy? 

Oh...there are so many...how will I choose just one? "How Great Thou Art" will definitely have to be on the play-list. A more contemporary choice might be "Good, Good Father". There are SO many more :)

5. Wednesday is National Fast Food Day. Should that be a thing? Apparently it is, so tell us what's the last 'fast food' you consumed? If you were putting together your own version of a 'happy meal' what would you include? 

Who are the folks that think up these crazy National "Whatever" Days, anyway?? They may as well add this to the list, although I had never heard of this before. Fast food is a way of life for so many I guess so it would seem that they would celebrate this day everyday! The last fast food that entered my belly was an Egg McMuffin with a hash brown patty for breakfast on our way home from TN a few days ago.  My happy meal would probably include some form of chicken and squash casserole...with a little pizza on this side. And pie...I must have pie :)

6. In a few sentences tell us why you blog. 

When there is something inside of you that needs to come out, blogging is a great way to do so. I have always enjoyed writing and my love of photography was re-birthed after my cataract surgery at the end of 2012. I felt I needed an outlet to share my photos...with whoever might see them and enjoy them...and then the words came as a result of them. I never dreamed blogging would open up a whole new world, giving me the great blessing of "meeting" so many new friends from all over the world!

7. List seven things you're feeling especially grateful for today.
Today I am grateful for...my Lord and Savior, as I am every day.
                                       ...the way God is working in my family, as I am every day.
                                       ...the fall season and all of the wonderful things it brings with it.
                                       ...that the election is finally over. It's time for everyone to move forward.
                                       ...the HUGE rainbow that I saw yesterday...maybe that's a good sign! :)
                                       ...the comforts of home...especially after being away.
                                       ...the fact that I will NOT be eating fast food for dinner!

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Aaron informed me yesterday that he wants to have Thanksgiving dinner at his place this year. He had made a vow to himself a year ago (when he had to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas away from home) that he wanted to be "involved" with the holidays this year. After a tiny bit of a protest on my part, I conceded. So I will cook the turkey, dressing and other fixin's, he will cook the ham and his famous homemade mashed potatoes. There we'll all be, neatly tucked into the corners of his tiny little house...and four little dogs and two cats to boot! Now that I've had time to think about it, I wouldn't really want it any other way :)