Weekend Project Complete

We have been working on remodeling and redecorating our home for over a year now. We are getting VERY close to finishing phase 1. (The master suite is the next phase, but it may be some time before we undertake that BIG job). Most of the work has been contracted out, but this weekend Smitty had some time to work on replacing the faucets in the guest bedroom bath. Several weeks ago we had purchased the faucets and needed supplies in order to be prepared when a free weekend was available. After spending several hours in a small, tight space, and finding no dripping pipes, Smitty declared the project complete. Good job husband dear, only one more to go!

New look for an older bath!

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Smitty and I have taught a Sunday School/Adult Bible Fellowship class of married couples between the ages of 30 to 40+ for several years. It has been our goal to have a monthly fellowship in someone's home. We recently met for our 2nd annual pumpkin carving contest in the home of a couple in Alvarado. We began the evening with a delcious fare of chili frito pie and then retired to the patio to begin the pumpkin carving extravaganza. These younger couples take pumpkin carving very seriously and the competition was very stiff. After having just returned from our fall foliage trip, we were inspired to venture from the traditional halloween- themed pumpkin as evidenced by the pictures below. I good time of food, fellowship, and friendly competition was had by all.

Our carving took 3rd place. The scary cat and strobe light just couldn't be beat.

Cool looking even in the dark!!

New England "Leaf Peepers" & More

Smitty and I were in much need of a week away for rest and relaxation. We spent the past week in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts. This was a trip with no itinerary except to see as much beautiful fall foliage and pretty scenery as possible. We started each day with no particular activity scheduled and no end-of-day destination. This is something new for us, but it worked well on this trip. Early in the week it became evident that we were not only looking for the autumn colors and beautiful scenery, but finding as many covered bridges as possible. Smitty actually got into it more than I did because of the different engineering styles. It became somewhat of a challenge each day to "find" the bridges that were marked on the road maps. Trust me, some were easier to find than others. Church steeples became my thing. There is just something about coming into a small New England town and seeing from a distance the white steeple mixed in with the beautiful autumn colors on the hillside. Check out only a few of the 400+ pictures of bridges, steeples, and God's wonderful colors and creations in the pictures below. I will be working on my infamous vacation photo journal this week to share with family and friends.

October gave a party.

The leaves by hundreds came.

The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples.

And leaves of every name.

The Sunshine spread a carpet.

And everything was grand.

Miss Weather led the dancing,

Professor Wind the band.

--GEORGE COOPER