Fall's arrival

The end of summer is officially here. And what a great way to celebrate the coming of fall, with a beautiful day of apple picking. We found an orchard not too far from the city to go to this weekend. Of all the years living in New England, this was our first time (see post on experiencing the new every weekend). It was pretty great fun and the since we only picked as many as we could eat, we won't have to be making apple-everything for the next 2 months.

They had so many varieties of trees and the apples were just delicious right off the trees- juicy, crisp, and tart. And not to mention, the weather was just perfection- sunny, but with a cool, slightly brisk breeze. Really a perfect fall day.

Not only was the farm all about apples, but there were some pretty happy-looking chickens in the chicken run.

There were other crops, like fields of corn (not really for picking, but that was up for argument). Much to my dismay, peach season is over so no peaches to be picked, but we did meander through the peach orchard.

Free cron (no, not a typo) and the hill of apple trees in the distance.

Sampling a fresh apple off a tree

To top it all off, we had warm, freshly-made cider donuts and apple cider after picking! Donuts and cider may have been the driving force for going to the orchard in the first place!

La Renaissance

I read an article in Vogue (Sept 2012) about Chelsea Clinton. She talked about how when she was growing up, she and her family would do something new every Sunday- whether that be something quite minor (like cracking open a coconut for the first time) or major- like going to some new destination in the world. I think that this something-new-on-Sundays idea is a wonderful goal, however small or big. [Although, I may stretch it out to something-new-on-the-weekend].

This past Sunday, we spent the afternoon at a Renaissance-type festival in MA. I have been to a similar type of thing before, in grade school and had a blast. I couldn't wait to show Chris what a good time a ye old renaissance festival can be! It was plain fun- lots of people dressed up in medieval clothing, knights on horses, potions, swords, and fairy trinkets for sale. I especially loved that it was in the middle of a forest of trees- its own medieval village, almost.

We found a seller selling...swings! Not entirely middle-ages, per se, but (see previous post on swinging) fun nonetheless. (I had to convince Chris that we don't have room in the apartment for one)

total relaxation in the enchanted forest

swing with a swinging foot rest

Amongst knights' jousts and maidens in bustiers, we saw some pretty fun games like archery...

bull's eye

We also watched several gentlemen and ladies take a swing at the good ol' hammer and bell game, and lots of knife and axe throwing.

the shield and crest shoppe

Finally, it wouldn't be a proper faire without a proper feast- bloomin' onions and fried dough galore! (Actually, the fried dough was appropriately named "Peasants' bread.")

A perfect new-thing-on-Sunday event on a perfect fall afternoon. We'll be back next year!

Country mice

Recently, I've extolled the benefits of country living. It isn't necessarily that I want to move to the country (probably never going to happen), but I feel that ever since school, I've had a greater, new-found appreciation for the country. There is truly something to be said about being in isolation, enjoying the outdoors, and the slower, relaxing qualities of life. We try to at least once a year, get out to the country for a long weekend. Each year, for about 4 years now, we've headed out to the Catskills, rented a nice, quiet house with acres of land, and just enjoyed ourselves. This past Labor Day weekend was no exception.

cabin in the woods- total seclusion

Not only do we enjoy our time out there, but Harry absolutely loves "vacation," as we call it.

It's the only real vacation that Harry can enjoy with us and that's another big reason we love going out there. Even though we joke around about how much he loves the country, he actually does! He sort of perks up, has great run of the yards, plays outside, and just has an extra spring in his step. This time, we found out how much he loves swinging...he actually ASKED to go outside to get on the swing on the front porch.

frisbee time!

just. so. happy

 grilling in the evening

game time

 chelsesa and me, just hanging out on the front porch

We grilled, we ate, played cards, read, and just took it easy. Next, it's time to look for a vacation home in the country!

*first photo: Harry swinging on the front porch- didn't even get off of swing until I picked him up out of it 30 minutes later!