The Smell of Fall

Once upon a time while serving in the Ellensburg WA area in 2005 I had an experience that I have not forgotten.  I was in Ellensburg for most of the summer going into fall.  My companion and I were riding our bicycles back into town from being out in the country a bit.  While astride my red Giant a cool breeze wafted by bringing with it an amazing sensation.  Being a cool breeze it felt like summer was coming to an end but more amazing was the smell.  I had never before associated a particular smell with the season of autumn but I surely do now.  This smell instantly made me think of all things fall; changing colors, cooler temperatures, comfort food, warming by a fire, wearing thick sweaters the holidays approaching.  I cannot describe this smell other than the feelings it created.  It felt peaceful, calming, serene, elegant and comforting. 

A couple weeks ago it started getting cooler in the evenings and it felt like summer was coming to an end, but alas, no smell.  Believe me I tried to find it.  I walked around outside sniffing to try and get just a hint of that smell.  Maybe fall smells different in North Dakota, too bad.  So if you know what I'm talking about and you live somewhere where the start of fall smells heavenly, go take a big drag for me.

Just a little video

3 little bags

Here in the magical land of North Dakota we don't have yard sales or garage sales, we have rummage sales.  These differ in slight ways from your lowly yard/garage sales.  The major difference is price.  You show up with a pocket full of quarters and walk away with more loot than 16 hobos could carry (that's another difference up here- measurements are taken in "hobos").  I guess each year the local Lutheran church hosts the granddaddy of all the rummage sales.  It's so big they have to use the civic center.  It lasts for two days and the last day is special.  See they really want to get rid of all of this stuff so you buy a bag for a buck (that's a hobo 20) and then you stuff it as well as you can.  We bought three bags and walked out with 24 articles of clothing: sweaters, shirts, jeans, jackets and such; 11 yards of fabric and 4 miscellaneous items.  Not bad getting clothes for 12 cents eh?   

Oh and here's a cute picture of Loreli. Apparently she was dressed by a hobo because it definitely isn't Halloween yet.

No Respect I tells Ya!

Loreli has started already figured out that her cuteness over powers my authority pretty much every time.  She has started this thing that every time I tell her "NO!" she blows a raspberry at me.  "Loreli, don't eat that marble. NO" - "pbbssspb".  " Loreli, don't pull the bath drain.  NO" - "Pbssssbpt" 

Little rat. 

A bit of this and that...

We realize that September is about halfway over and we haven't even done a post yet. So unlike us. We post about everything and even the stuff no one really cares about. But for whatever reason Loreli has not come up with any new material. So this weekend we made it a point to get pictures and a bit of dull video for you folks that care. Nothing too exciting, just a bit of this and that!

In the mornings while making breakfast, Loreli likes to help by playing with the bowls and measuring cups.

Shea trying to take Loreli to work with him.

Watching her boyfriend Beto. She loves zumba!

She's getting two teeth! This picture does no justice to her little chompers, but they are there. I promise.

Yesterday I was making breakfast and after turning my back on her for less than 10 seconds I turn and found her digging in the baking cabinet! We really need to baby proof our kitchen since now no cabinet or drawer is safe.

Flying.

This is the face she makes when you discipline her. It's almost like she's saying, "I'll just smile and nod at what you're saying, but I'm so cute that I can do whatever I want."