Awww Autumn!

We had our first snow of the year this past Tuesday. That kind of slow, silent snow, where everything is hushed and the snow falls gently, straight down and molds itsself into images. The ground was covered, the leaves were covered and no one could quite believe it. You see, it had been so warm, no frost yet and the leaves had changed quite gradually. With no frost the trees are still full of leaves, all quite brilliant, due to their slow changing. Then the snow!

And now the snow is gone. And we are left with the usual Autumn weather. The dark, hovering clouds and that bite in the air that says apples and pumpkin pie. (And to me that it's time to get shooting, but we won't go there:) The leaves are still quite unbelievably brilliant. They survived the snow surprisingly well. And I still hear people who are waiting for Indian Summer.

So, that's Autumn. It changes in an instant. You don't know what to expect. That tang is in the air. The feeling of nostalgia as you watch summer slide away on a trail of colorful leaves, or snow, or usually both.

Train Robbery

Unbelievably this past Saturday was one of those perfect fall days here in the mountains. The entire previous week had been nothing but cold and rainy. But, fortunately, Saturday morning slowly turned bright and sunny, with just enough chill to know it is Fall. I had scheduled a "train ride" for my son, Tristan. This included an "Old Tyme Faire" in Hollidaysburg with a ride on an old train through the fall foliage. Tristan only found the old dude with the muskets and knives interesting. He is no longer fascinated with the hoop dresses and costumes having been to too many civil war dances at my friends farm.
We had the privilege of riding in the caboose with the "bad guys", since my friend's husband works on the railroad. This was great and Tristan enjoyed grilling the bad guys on their costumes and weapons. we then enjoyed the ride, until the train stopped and was robbed! Sure enough, the horses came running out of the bushes with guns blazing. It was quite impressive. I would like to know what shoes those ponies had on though, cause the way they were spinning on the huge shale along the railroad was unreal. i've ridden in that stuff and never knew a horse who liked it! After all that excitement, it was back up, literally, to Hollidaysburg. Being in the caboose, Tristan got to drive the train back, lol. At least he thinks he did.
I then let T enjoy the huge play area there at the park. it is quite something, built into the side of a hill with a huge slide and climbing wall. just the thing for the boy:) Then it was off for pizza and visit to Grandma's to see my sister before she left for home in Atalanta. Quite the perfect Fall day!

Charleston

There are no words to describe this town. Especially when you have the right tour guides. And we did. My son and pseudo-daughter-in-law are the best! With them it is all good.
We started the weekend by checking into the Fulton Lane Inn. This is an inn within walking distance of just everything. After ditching the luggage and freshening up, we went for a quick tour of the shops available. This includes probably everything you could ever want. We then returned to our rooms and changed for dinner. Dinner was at Magnolia's, which is as charming and elegant as its name. Everything here was beyond delicious. And even though I was quite full had to finish dinner with creme brulee and port, because I could:)
From there we took the Ghost Town Tour walk. This included quite interesting and historical stories of all the spooky and haunted places of Charleston, of which there are many. The town is apparently famous for its ghosts! So, after being regaled with stories of the beyond, it was only fitting to finish the evening in Club Habana with cigars, bourbon and champagne, in that order.
On Sunday we began with brunch at the Hominy Grill. Once again all too good. I had a corn waffle with chicken, spinach and veggies that was just indescribable. Then, of course, had to finish with the famous chocolate pudding, because I could:) Sunday continued with a trip to the aquarium where there are.........SEA TURTLES:) I waited patiently and finally got to see the large sea turtle, who had been napping. After this it was a short break to sit and watch sail boats in truely balmy, sweet sea breezes. Then off to Sticky Fingers for yummmmy ribs followed by a long walk through old southern houses and along the Battery to view the old southern mansions. These buildings left my husband speechless and lagging far behind us trying to take it all in. Such a perfect day could only be topped off with a visit to an Irish pub, Tommy Coogan's, with Guinness, of course, and a couple of redneck guys playing Irish music, as well as some old oldies we all knew - In the Pines, anyone?
Up on Monday to check out and continue with lots and lots of shopping. A good time had by all wandering through all the shops and the Market. Lunch, quite late, was at Hyman's, where I had cajun shrimp, red rice and cole slaw. It has been so very long since I've had some for- real shrimp! So very good, and yes, I keep saying that. Sadly, our weekend had to end, later than we had wanted, but no one wanted to leave. The long ride home was enhanced by my techie son with his laptop and an incredible show of The Incredibles. It just does'nt get any better.
And I must mention, this lovely weekend was begun Friday night at Playmakers with tons of wings and beer, topped of with Ben & Jerry's no less, and a top rate hockey game.
Then it was home again to cold weather, a colder house and lotsa work to do. Thus begins my winter here in the hollow. But, the memory of those balmy sea breezes will get me through.