Fall Beauty

I haven't posted for awhile, it seems like I am teetering on the brink of the same depression I fell into last year at this time.  I just turned 49 and though I don't think it affects me that deeply, it may well be a part of my issues!   My parents, 82 and 84, are still here but are leaving this week for their trek back to Palm Desert.  I have loved having them here but I guess it's time to see them off and for me to try to get back to my routine.  Mike, my husband, says that he heard that if you want to avoid depression, the minute you feel down, go do some vigorous exercises.  I tried that today and it seemed to help!  So I have my exercise bike all ready for action and will keep trying it. 
I want to share with you a fun and happy looking squash someone left me at our farewell/birthday party.
This squash lifted my spirits tonight when I saw him (her?) and I put him in this cup at a jaunty angle so he could be displayed nicely and show off a bit before I decide to eat him!!! 
I got my mom to make another of her pie/tart things out of some blackberries I bought in Tacoma at the farmers market last month.  I think she just mixes a little flour and some agave, and uses a pie crust from safeway that she lays over the top only.  It seems easy and very tasty. 
I have really enjoyed the tomatoes that mom and dad have grown for me here on my patio, they are great patio gardeners and have really done a wonderful job beautifying my house. 
One of the presents I was given for my birthday was this exceptionally cool lily pad food cover, from the Greenhouse in Bellingham.  Thanks Drew!
I just noticed that the Greenhouse also sells Envirosax, my favorite designer shopping bags.  They roll up into small light tubes that fit in your purse easily.  These have actually changed me from a wannabe to a real "no/minimal plastic" shopper. 
I have the usual problem with fruit flies every year so my solution for the most part is to create these little traps for them.  I discovered they like witch hazel so I made a recipe that includes a little witch hazel, some red wine and some apple cider vinegar.  I put these in one of those oil/vinegar bottles and the little bastards go in and die!!    :-)  I also use the wine stopper things that have an opening and closing lever for pouring and use old wine bottles to catch them.  You can rig up any number of trap types, just search the net. 

I've lost about 11 pounds.  So has Mike.  We are trying to do a whole bunch of stuff to improve our bodies and our relationship.  I've started Tai Chi back in August.  I'm going to the Chinese Martial Arts Academy and it's been good for me! 
I'm really looking forward to all the harvest celebrations in the next month or two.  Next weekend are our local Pagan Pride and Fall Equinox events.  I'll be doing something at each of them; come visit me!
Next month, I get to visit my pal Angie in Boston, and our pal Lori, from Austin TX will be coming too! 
Ok, I've rambled on enough. 
Blessings of the fall and harvests upon you!
--Betsy