The other night we had a hard frost. I woke up to the sight of our Catalpa Tree dropping its huge leaves…it rained leaves all over the yard.
Rather shocking! We’ve lived here 4 years and this is the first time it has dawned on me that when we have our first frost, the lush Catalpa dramatically drops all its leaves! As does our Black Walnut tree. And I saw this all over the place:
I’m not ready for all this. I admit it. Even though the day was sunny and beautiful, my yard was full of the evidence that winter is coming. Maybe if I close my eyes I can will it away.
As promised, here are my treats from my sister.
While we were at Rhinebeck, we saw these adorable bags. They are lined and have pockets – and this one was made out of barkcloth. As you know, I am in love with barkcloth. Before I knew it, sister dear had grabbed it and said it was an early birthday present. (My birthday is next month.) Oooh, I love, love it. Look at the sweet house in the design.
Yes, I was spoiled by my wonderful sister. But the best present was having her here for a few days. I know many of you understand: it is so hard being miles and miles away from family. And we are. They are in Florida, Michigan and Amsterdam (my family), California and Seattle (Don’s family) – too far. So I enjoyed the luxury of being physically with my sister. I sure don’t take it for granted.
Tomorrow I drive a rental car to Wilmington, Delaware for 3 days of work on The Wizard of Oz. Anyone have some neat antique/vintage stores to recommend on the way? Its not often that I drive to a coaching destination and I’d love to take advantage of the fact that I can stop places on the way.
Hi Claudia,
Sorry to hear about the hard frost and your trees and plants there at the Cottage. All your goodies are lovely, the socks are my favorite, they are darling! So nice you were able to visit with your sister for a time. Have a safe drive and good luck finding some great antique shops. Can’t wait to hear what things you find.
xo~Tracie
Oh, sorry to hear about the frost. I am not a winter person. I need SUN and the warmth . . . . I have all the lights on in the house when it’s dark and dreary.
I just LOVE that knitted purse!! How beautiful is that! And the socks will keep your feet all nice and comfy, cozy on a cold winter’s night!
Fab gifts you received from your sister.
LOL, we LOVE the TB Rays as Richard made a bet at the beginning of the season when the odds were high that they would make it to the World Series $$$
Drive safely. I’m sure you’ll find an antique shop or two!
You’re off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz . . . .
Hugs,
Marsha
Ohhh, your flowers look like mine, Claudia. Isn’t it sad? I especially miss summer this year because we didn’t really have much of one so I feel cheated! Those are big leaves on your lawn!
Love all the goodies your sister gave you! You’ll be putting those adorable socks to good use this winter, I think… It’s going to be COLD!
Have fun on your mini Wizard of Oz trip. I hope you find some good shops to share with us!… Donna
Claudia, I am so not ready for winter either!!!!!! I hate this, lol! I feel so sad when the leaves and greenery go away :(
Your sister rocks! I love those socks so much!! And BOTH purses are fabulous!!!! I am so glad you had such a fun time with your sis :)
Hugs,
Amy
You got some real treasures there! I love the halloween guys!!
Hugs, Lisa
Wow frost how awful for your lovely plants. We saw a high of 95 here yesterday, I haven’t seen frost in about ten years. What wonderful stockings to put on your feet to keep you warm
Blessings,
Heidi
You are totally spoiled!!! Wait you are spoiled by me! I love you and I love knitting for you. I can’t wait to see a picture of the socks on your feet. i will try to post about our trip, and how I made your bag soon.
Love and miss you,
M
What a wonderful sister you have! And taleneted too! I am in awe of those socks! A woman can never have too many handbags or purses!
Blessings!
Gwen
It’s so funny…as I was reading about your tree that dropped all it’s leaves at the same time…It made me remember growing up we had a tree that did the exact same thing!…Couldn’t remember the name of it…till I read further!…The Black Walnut Tree!…It really is weird to go to bed at night…and have a tree full of leaves and get up the next morning…and it’s NAKED! and all the leaves are on the ground!…As a kid…I used to think it was magic!!!…Your sister is SO talented!!!…Love the Bag and the socks!!!…I love squashy, yummy socks like that!…Perfect for these chilly days!…and don’t get me going on barkcloth!…Thanks for stopping by so often!!…Makes me feel loved!!!…see you soon!…have a safe fun trip!!!…Hugs…Lizzie
Meredith sure was busy before her visit to you! I know your feet will love the socks. Both bags are great. I’ve never lined one of my felted bags. I will have to try it sometime.
Glad you had a nice visit and were appropriately outfitted for the festival!
I so happy you have had time with your sister. You are right, that is the best felling. Love the purse she purchased for you. Happy early Birthday. Blessings, Martha
hi claudia!
so nice that you had some sister-time. my oldest sister will arrive friday night and i am so excited! she is probably the only person in my offline life that gasps over things. what way-cool gifts from your sis, too!
way to go on more work! yeah! one of my favorite shops on the planet is in south jersey. i have a hunch you could fit it in along the way. hmmmmm?
http://www.paintedcottage.biz/
xo
Sisters are the best. Oh, wow your sissy sure did spoil you but that is what sister do for each other…spoil you and love you just as you do for you sissy! I especially adore the knit purse and sox. Such perfect gifts for this time of year.
What a wonderful sister you have…such lovely gifts.
I know how hard it is to live so far from family :-(
Have fun on OZ and hope you find some nice stores on the way.
I’m sorry, but you’ll have to hand that knitted bag over to me. It’s just too cute! Love the colors.