Divide and Conquer

While Mike and Winona took on the great LA this past weekend, Jezebel and I held down the fort. It's fun spending time with the girls separately (albeit a lot harder--You want me to do what? Where's your built-in play mate?) Jezebel was such a chatter box all weekend long, highlighting how much it is, really, that WINONA talks (and talks and talks and talks) not leaving enough air time for the wee one to get her words in edgewise. I'm not worried-- when it comes to vying for her way in this world, Little Jez is up to the task. Here's what we did while she chattered: 

A little frozen yogurt goes a long way to ease the sting of not getting to go on an airplane. 

 Canning jars (and their lids) kept me busy for a loooooooooooooong time. 

 Mason jars are more fun than UO Volleyball, but the popcorn was good. 

 To find chestnuts, one must put nose VERY close to earth. You don't SEE them so much as you SMELL them.

 We came home with no fewer than 50 chestnuts. Jez got right to work on laying out the painting gear while I did some yardwork.

 And then, we made chestnut critters! 

 Winnie and Mike arrived home in time for W's first rehearsal of The Elves and the Shoemaker-- this fall's production!

They had a fabulous time in LA, and it was fun to have time with Just Jez... but we're all happy to be reunited. :)

Falling Into A New Season

Let's just start with this one and get it over with. I attended a work event on Thursday evening at a local bank, where it became known that I have lived here for 11 years and never attended a Duck Football game. My phone rang at three pm the next afternoon. It was the bank calling--they thought it was time I get addicted to quack. (I cannot make this up. People say this sort of thing 'round these parts.) I swung by the drive-through bank teller that afternoon and picked up two tickets--45 yard line, 8th row. Biggest game of the year against arch-rival Washington Huskies...

 My friend Kari--not a football fan, but a lover of adventure--was the perfect date. We rocked the tailgate scene and dove right into all things YELL-O!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! for a blow-out 55-14 game. Was great fun. Think I can consider that checked off my list, though... :)

 This, on the other hand, is happening a lot this fall.

 Lots of trips to local farms... this last weekend for PUMPKINS! 

 

 It has been stunningly gorgeous these last few weeks. Bizarre and beloved weather... 

 Today, a walk in the woods...

 Ahhh, we love fall!