Weekend tidbits

I've been trying to capture the beauty of autumn before it fades.  I think I've been failing miserably.  So many colours, so many.  I love the crunching leaves underfoot and the smell of crisp, clean air.  Nature gets a little quieter, more contemplative, as the season passes along - a readying for winter's solitude and muffled silence.   

I received a delightful package in the mail the other day.  A little note, a little gift, a friendly hello. Such a sweet bit of mail love from a sweet lady.  Thanks for making my day, Kim!  All of us here have been dipping into that body butter tin.  (She made it herself!)  

We have been busy spending time together the kids and I.  More than the past few weeks, and most of it school-type work.  I should say school play, but anyhow.  For some reason, my kids are into school "work" right now.  Sounds good to me.  They ask to read, to write, to spell, to do math, whatever.  I think most "subjects" are like games to them.  Like a puzzle to solve.  Even little S feels happy when she does her "work".  (Umm, her work is putting little pegs into a pegboard... but she loves it and takes it very seriously.)  

That's not to say we aren't relaxed.  On the contrary, we seem to be more relaxed when we work together like this.  Or perhaps, because we are relaxed we are able to focus better on our work?  I don't know.  Usually I have to tell the kids it's enough, or redirect them to more creative processes.  (Dinner needs making!  That bathroom needs cleaning!)  Sometimes, they become part of the dinner process.  Sometimes they have their own projects.  It's a beautiful rhythm this life of ours.  

Also, they love to help out when it means a spoon to lick.  The spiced pumpkin butter from the weekend turned out great.  I've enjoyed it on my toast.  I can imagine it in pie or other baked goodies. A little pumpkin, two roasted apples, some lemon juice, ginger, cinnamon and a little nutmeg.  Along with maple syrup and a little sugar to help preserve it.  Delicious fall goodness bottled into a little jar.

Incidentally, I realize some photos have been less than mediocre.  I have to mention here that I think our camera is on the blitz.  I don't know what to do.  I am debating between a Nikon and a Canon.  Both entry-level DSLRs.  If anyone has any tips, I'd be grateful!