Peaceful autumn days

Yesterday was the the sort of day that I spend the entire year waiting for. It was beautiful outside. The sun was shining. The leaves were changing ever so slightly. I had no obligations, no appointments and nothing that had to be done.

Cynical and I spent the largest portion of our morning sipping coffee, me knitting while he surfed and watched television. Soon thereafter I packed my camera, my cash and my knitting for a little escapade. Cynical, not feelling well, opted to stay at home. I would have to go this one alone.

I began my little afternoon excursion with a stop by the pumpkin guy's. You see there is a man here in our community that each fall fills his yard with pumpkins. The entire front of his home is typically one big sea of orange. A friend of mine that we lost several years ago first took me there. My return each fall is my own little tribute to her. It's something I must do.

The owner of the pumpkin place generally sits in his garage, fiddling over a wood-working project, while you stumble through the mass of pumpkins, sort through the baskets of gourds and peruse the Indian corn. No high pressure sales. He offers to help you, but only if you need it. Otherwise, make yourself at home. He has afterall. There is a red wagon and a big brown dog there to help you get your haul to the car.

A black box reminds you that this is all on the honor policy, you calculate what you owe and you dibby up, no middle man here.

I spent quite a while there admiring the colors and shapes. After I finally made my selections, an assortment of colorful gourds, a small green and orange pumpkin and a few tiny, tiny little pumpkins.

Afterward I hit a few thrift stores in search of old knitting needles, books and whatever else struck my fancy. I came home with two vintage etiquette books, one set of needles and a small pelican for the cat.

Soon thereafter Cynical called and we met up, every so romantically, at Target, followed by lunch.

The rest of the evening was spent watching movies, eating pumpkin bread, snuggling under lots of blankets, and working on After Bertha.

It's the kind of day I wait all year for.