Autumn in New England is special, and I don’t take it for granted. Not for a minute.
People come from all over to experience the beauty that is Autumn here in New England, and why wouldn’t they? If there is anything more spectacular, I have yet to see it.
On my way to the gym, (at least twice a week. You didn’t think my Beyonce-like body was come by naturally, did you?) I pass this property and have been crushing on it. I posted this picture on Facebook October 4th, and four weeks later I noticed a ‘For Sale By Owner’ sign. Serendipity perhaps? I think not. Fisherman would rather lose an appendage then give up…
this. Where he spends a great deal of time on his boat, weather permitting. Can’t say I blame him.
I dug this next picture up from the archives from a few years ago. Looks like it might have been around September, as the leaves are just beginning to turn.
(When my daughter saw the picture of that property on Facebook, she said it looks like the kind of place where someone would drag her into the barn and murder her. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she was left on our doorstep.)
Vistas like this are commonplace around here.
A few days ago we went to the Smith College Chrysanthemum Show. I took lots of pics, but here’s one of my favorites. Completely unedited except for the watermark. Isn’t it gorgeous??
This Japanese Maple was located on the property of the college, just outside the greenhouse. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one quite this vibrant. These are such fabulous specimen trees, and it looks like this one has been around a while.
Now for the ‘tidbits’…
Last month Susan Branch was having a book signing at a library and a friend and I went. The library is housed in a beautiful, old, historic building, the likes of which you rarely see anymore. I think it might have been a bank at one time. Nowadays, banks are utilitarian boxes with as much character as a zit.
(Excuse the blurry picture por favor. I take no ‘credit’ for this one.)
I have my own special greeting from Susan! How cool is that!?
I didn’t get her book while I was there, but I picked it up this past weekend at a small, family run book store. Just like the beautiful buildings of days past, it’s getting harder and harder to find businesses that haven’t succumbed to the onslaught of the horrendous big box stores.
We took the grandkids to The Springfield Museums a few weeks ago. It’s a cluster of museums in one spot that truly has something for everyone. I learned that Springfield is where the automobile was invented, and that Dr. Seus grew up there. Here’s Maddox striking a pose in the Dr. Seus sculpture garden.
There was an aquarium in one of the museums and I couldn’t resist the colors and textures of this display.
We later went to a Halloween Event at Forest Park in Springfield and he wore a police uniform. That’s where we saw the ‘creature’ I showed you in this post (it’s actually a turtle!).
Do you get the feeling he likes having his picture taken? He looks so angelic in this picture…if only. 😉
The next day we went for a walk, looking for ‘big leaves’.
And just in case you missed it the first time…
In other news…
We’ve got some projects in the works. I’m hoping to add some crown molding to the tops of our kitchen cabinets. Last week, some trees were cut down and I’m thinking about using some slabs for a walkway, and maybe some smaller ones for plate chargers. Next week I’m going to a fundraiser that will be showcasing about 30 tablescapes for the holidays. I’ll be sure to share that with you!
Lavender Dreams says
Looking for big leaves….that photo is so sweet! You should get it printed and framed! And the Japanese maple is magnificent! I’ve never seen one with so many leaves and all the same brilliant color! AND look how cute you look with Susan B. How wonderful to get to meet her….what an honor! And the book looks wonderful, too. I haven’t bought it but I would love to have it someday. Enjoy your week! Stay warm! Hugs, Diane
Nana Diana says
Those are all wonderful pictures of Autumn in New England. How great is that about the Susan Branch calendar autograph?! Love it. She is one of my favorite “down home” artists ever. Great picture of you with her. Love all your tidbits, too- especially the “angelic child”….lol
Hope you have a wonderful night- xo Diana
Jann Olson says
Doreen, I have heard so much about Fall in New England. Hubby and I are planning a trip there next Fall. The pictures are stunning and oh how I would buy that property up in an instant if able. Maddox is so cute and it looks like you had some fun looking for big leaves!
hugs,
Jann
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
What a nice array of goings-on ! And yes, he does look angelic 🙂
Denise says
Great post! You seem to really be enjoying retirement! xxDenise
Poppy says
What a lovely post – everything I’m missing – family, especially my daughter, the leaves, the beautiful farms, the charming venues, the interesting events!! What a wonderful keepsake from your meeting with Susan Branch! Your grand is TOO cute; what a little gentleman he is. Looking forward to the highlights from your next group of activities!
Have a wonderful week!
Poppy
Cecilia says
Oh Doreen! Those are some stunning pictures. I agree…there’s not much that competes with a New England Autumn. Those two trees are spectacular-wow! Your daughter is too funny. I think the property is charming, not scary lol.
And Susan Branch! I love her art. Her book looks like something I’d enjoy…might have to find one. I love old buildings and wish for more charming stores too. Thanks for sharing your part of the world.
Hugs
Cecilia
Peggy @ Decorating Files says
Beautiful pictures, Doreen! When I think of fall, I think of New England. My mom was from Boston and we lived there when I was a little girl. Even now, I still miss the colors at this time of year. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Cindy says
Thanks for sharing all this beauty. What a beautiful drive.
Cindy
andi says
So, so beautiful! I’ve never been to New England, but when I finally make it there, I know it will be in the Fall!!!!
-andi
Brenda Callis says
How I wish we got the color here in TN that you do there. Ours is lovely but it’s not New England-ish. Now that red house and barn is one I’d probably lose my heart to, with nary a thought to murder and mayhem. That photo overlooking the valley below is breathtaking! I would loved to see the chrysanthemum show but even more to see the grounds of Smith College would be a treat as I associate it with Anne Morrow Lindbergh and her mother. I’m not that familiar with Susan Branch except that I remember that she is a fan of Gladys Taber, as am I. It’s so nice that you were able to have that personal time with her.
Reading about your plans to maybe make chargers out of the wood slabs made me think of a picture I saw in Southern Living last year where they used wood slabs painted a rustic red as chargers under the traditional Spode Christmas Tree plates. It was a great look.
Now, Maddox, he does look angelic and I can’t imagine him looking anything other than that!
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
The colours of the leaves are stunning!
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
Spectacular colors of the season, Doreen! I wish we had planned a New England weekend to see the foliage. It’s breathtaking! Your little grandson is adorable!
Julie says
WOW Doreen, all those all photos are just beautiful! You really took some great shots and yes it is beautiful in New England in the fall. I once stayed many years ago in a B&B in the fall before I had my daughter with the hubs and we had a fabulous time! That book signing must of been so nice and would have loved to be there with you. I wrote down this author and book and thanks I can add this to my list. Thanks for your visits and wishing you a wonderful week. Take care.
Julie
Feral Turtle says
Amazing pictures! Love all the gorgeous fall colors!
Vicky Hunt says
So gorgeous! I have never been to the New England states, but it is on my bucket list. I would especially love to visit during this time of the year…simply stunning! Have a blessed and beautiful Friday..
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Definitely New England has to be the best place to be on earth for the Fall….had to laugh at your daughter’s barn statement!!!…
How wonderful to have met Susan Branch…I love her work!!!…
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
Oh my goodness, the New England landscape is truly beautiful. I’ve got to take a trip up there during autumn. I’m going to have to start going to the gym again. I want a Beyoncé body too. 😉 Loved your photos. 😀
Amy @ StowandTellU says
Having officially seen Autumn in New England for myself, I wholeheartedly agree, there is nothing else like it!! It was such a lovely trip, being in your neck of the woods, Doreen. I loved every inch of New England and hope to go back again and again! It looks like you have been getting out a bunch to enjoy the Fall in your parts. Your little “officer” is adorable. How fun that you were able to enjoy some Halloween time with your grandkids!