The best thing about Halloween

The best thing about Halloween . . . is seeing your 14-month-old grandson at the door. :)

This time of year

This time of year...fall, when the leaves have turned golden and red and have become crunchy underfoot, makes me think of dad, probably more than any other time of year. Dad was never crazy about fall. With all its vivid colors he liked the beauty of it; he just didn’t like what it signified. To him it meant the beginning of a long cold winter and dad was definitely not a fan of winter. I’d say it was his least favorite season of all. He and I had that in common. He and I had many things in common and this time of year makes me miss him more than ever.

Dad loved the beautiful bright fall color of this sweet gum
tree but boy did he hate the spiky balls it dropped.

I can still see him standing there and mixed with
sadness is hope that someday I will see him again.

My favorite little pumpkin

Happy Birthday Mandy!

I always wanted my first child to be a girl and with you I got my wish. For 31 years I've loved you and watched you transform into who you are today, a beautiful, caring, and intelligent young woman. For a child that was as shy as I you have come so very far. I am so proud of you for pushing yourself when you were afraid and for taking what you thought were weaknesses and making them your strengths. No more peanuts and raisins for you! ;-)

You my dear Mandy are a wonderful daughter and I love you.

Then: (all 7lbs and 9ozs of you)

and now:

Note to self

On nice October days the wineries of Augusta, MO are very very VERY crowded. Bring lawn chairs so you don't have to sit on a rock.

I love the wineries of Augusta. I love wine. I’m not sure which I like more, the wine or the wineries (the real ones with vineyards). I think it’s the wineries. No, I’m sure it’s the wineries...the land, the hills, the trees, the grapes, and the incredible scenery, that’s what I love most about going to a winery. With lush rolling hills and high winding roads, Augusta, Missouri is a beautiful place to visit with or without a glass of wine in hand. Every time I go there I find myself wondering if the residents of Augusta take its beauty for granted, or do they feel incredibly lucky to live there year round? Like I believe I would.

A few of the many wonderful Augusta wineries:

BLUMENHOFF, a small winery on the outskirts of Augusta in a town called Dutzow.
http://www.blumenhof.com/

LOUIS BALDUCCI, a winery with a spacious open feel, and with a barn, but always one of the most crowded and what one acquaintance called the “party place”.
http://www.balduccivineyards.com/

NOBOLEIS VINEYARDS, open for only a year and our first visit here. Very nice and will definitely go back.
http://www.noboleisvineyards.com/

MONTELLE, always my favorite winery in Augusta, and not because of the wine...it's the view, the incredible view, especially at sunset.
http://www.montelle.com/

Nothing like a relaxing drive in the country

Noboleis Vineyards

all ready for Halloween

Hey that's my dog

Mark and Winnie, best buds fast :-)

How I love this boy

As time goes by and Jude grows more and more into his own unique, funny, and interesting self I realize that there's no one else quite like him. I love everything about my grandson. I love the way his inquisitive mind never stops being inquisitive. I love the way he gazes and studies people, objects, and every thing. I love the way he give his smiles away sparingly and makes you really work to earn one. I love his silly gibberish and his sweet Hi!’s. I love the way he presses the button on his glow baby and then glows himself. I love his determination and perseverance when he sees something he wants. I love the way he loves bananas and ice cream. I love the way he gets excited playing with pillows on the bed and then lays his head down and pretends to sleep. I love his head bobbs, foot stomps, and funny little noises. I love his round face and beautiful blue eyes and chubby arms and legs. And when he reaches up those arms to me? I love that most of all. Oh how I love this boy.

Happy Birthday Hannah!