Wordless Wednesday

 

An Autumn Drive

The other day, we were having a day at home just doing our normal things.  The sun came out and we both remarked about how beautiful it looked with sunshine on the brightly colored leaves.  We decided it was too pretty to just do chores at home and we headed out for a drive. Here's a few pictures I took along the way.

When wandering the countryside near us, you are sure to see barns.  Since I love barns, we often stop to take photos of them.  (You'll see a few more!)

A beautiful tree on a corner. I don't know what the reason is for the stone. There was nothing on it.

Another beautiful barn.

We came past this old, country cemetery and drove in to see it.  I think a cemetery in the Fall is a beautiful thing.

Another old barn with lots of pumpkins in front of it.

One last barn, this one is very near to our house.

It was a great way to spend an afternoon, admiring God's Fall artistry!

Shopping report

Last weekend I told you it was shopping weekend! As I said then, my sisters and I go on a Christmas shopping trip every year in the beginning of November.  We've been doing this for at least 30 years.  When our kids were little the packages were bigger with purchases like Fisher Price toys.  As they got older the packages got smaller and now with the ability to shop online we don't spend as much time in the stores.  However, we've always enjoyed this time together and it's good to get lots done before the Christmas rush begins so we want to keep it up.
We shop in our own area so if anything needs to be returned, it's easy.
I have two sisters; Terri and Cheri. This year Terri was in Hawaii so it was just Cheri and I shopping.

(On a side notes, several of you asked about our rhyming names; Mari, Terri, Cheri.  Yes, they do rhyme.  However, our parents didn't set out to do that.  Our real names are Maribeth, Terri and Cheryl.  We also have a brother named Duane, so he really doesn't rhyme!)

We started off visiting several stores that were closest to us, and then it was time for lunch.

We stopped at Panera's for salads.  We both got out our notebooks and updated our lists with what we had purchased.

Then we headed off to stores that were a little further away.  This year the stores all seemed very busy, like lots of people were shopping early.

We stopped for supper shortly before 5.  We split a lasagna and enjoyed it!

We had a few more stops to make and then it was time to head to the hotel.  By this time, we were tired with sore legs!

Here's the back of my car at the hotel - quite a few bags!

We checked into the hotel and those lists came back out.  So did our computers where we ordered the things we were getting online.

The next morning we went to a big craft show and then to a town about 45 minutes from us.  It's always a fun place to visit, especially this time of year, plus it has some really great shops.

There's a dam near the downtown area that is always a beautiful spot.

In November and December this cute little train runs on the weekend.

A charming town - reminds me of a Hallmark movie!

By 1:30 we were back home, unloading the car and getting everything put away.  Soon it'll be time to wrap things.  I think I have all my shopping done!