The view from high on our hill over looking the corn field. The far tree line and bluffs follow the tributaries of the Grand River. The nearer trees follow the water ways or the creeks. They are bone dry since we've had no rain for weeks. The harvest is now done in our area.

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Almost exactly a year ago I had my knee repaired. A torn meniscus. Up until I tore it I didn't know I had one. Once torn it let me know 24/7 that it was there and it was torn.The repair went well but the sugeon told me I'd most likely not be able to return to my hour long, lovely hikes up and down Wilson's hill.(our neighboring land) I had not torn it hiking. It really broke my heart since hiking had become such a joy to Fritz and me. I tried to be content simply taking walks but recently the autumn scenery and the wonder of the sights on the hill tempted me to try hiking again. I am so delighted, so very happy to have no pain or ill effects from my daily hour long hikes over hill and over dale. What joy! I had missed it so much.

Sights like this:

Evidently an apartment house for wood peckers.

Life is good here in Lucy's little corner of the world and I hope it is good wherever you are!

Just saw this ad:

FREE to a good home, a large mixed breed dog named Barkley.

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Methinks I would have left out the dog's name in order to get rid of this dog.

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I was tagged to write 7 things about myself and then to name 5 other Xanganites to do the same. Fun idea and interesting to learn more about others. I was tagged by several and I have lost their names, so I apologize for that. Also since my Xanga circle is not very big most of the ones I'd name have done their 7 things earlier. But if you are reading this and have not yet participated please consider this an invitation do so.

#1  I learned very early in life that I had a choice, I could laugh or I could cry I decided to laugh and whenever possibly to look on the bright side. It has served me well.

#2 We've lived on our little acreage 41 years.I have been married for nearly 48 years. We have 3 children and 8 grandchildren. My heart almost bursts open with joy and pride as I see them. I am a hugger, many in my family are not but I am so I grab them, even if this is rude I do it anyway. The grandkids all know this now and all come to me with arms extended and hug me. They know they could not escape me. Most are taller than me so they bend over and hug me....I love it more than I can say.

#3 The older I grow the more I appreciate my family and friends

#4 I've held several jobs but my 2 favorite were as an activity director in a nursing home and being an antique dealer.I am thankful we never depended on me to bring home a paycheck, it was always something fun and things I enjoyed doing, when it was no longer fun I could quit. I have been blessed that I could do that. I always helped on the farm when we raised cattle and could run after a stray calf while I was bundled in my 40 pounds of  insulated coveralls and lined heavy boots in foot deep snow and keep up fairly well before falling face down in the snow. (or mud)

#5 I have earned more college credits as an adult and over 40 than I did as a younger student. Learned to play the piano and guitar and took instruction in Judo after 40 also. Fritz and I took up cross country skiing at 50 years old but wisdom has prevailed and we no longer ski. Golf suits me much better now.I enjoy learning new things and find life to be an adventure.

#6 I am a born again Christian, not a good sheep but follow the Good Shepherd. If I thought I was perfect I'd not need a Savior. Politically I probably am a conservative but really do resist most titles. Believing that God is in control and not man certainly eases my political concerns.

#7 I enjoy life and think I have a zest for living. We live surrounded by such beauty it often brings a lump to my throat as I look around. As I learn more about photography my vision for beauty has improved and I see things with new eyes through my cameras.

Please anyone reading this if you wish to participate I'd enjoy reading it. Sorry I can not tag anyone since I do not know for sure who has done this.

I do know Dominie my sister has not done this.

Cold here today 37 degrees, brrrr.  The flip flops need to be put back in the far corner of my closet.

Fallen from this nuisance tree.

Very common in Iowa. These balls when placed inside are reputed to keep crickets from entering your home. But I have had no reason to try them....so far.

This was taken 22 years ago after  Ethan's mother harvested her pumpkin crop. This remains my very favorite autumn picture. Ethan is our 1st grandson. Now he is nearing completion of his college studies and he is a really nice young man.

I have permission to walk in these woods so with my camera I sought out a Kodak moment. Through the trees and brush I saw this ahead of me. Looking like some kind of building among the trees

Growing closer to it I saw it was a shed of some kind

But what is that thing on top? An old cupola?

Oh wow!

And more wow!

And even more wow. Not only an old cupola but one in amazing shape, ornate and with a great weather vane atop an old shed.

I love nature pictures. Love the trees,clouds, sunsets etc but this man made item is also very stunning to me and a grand surprise to see.

One of life's little pleasures to stumble upon such a beautiful thing!

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The familiar music pounded out of the speakers

and in he walked..

Mighty fancy for this assortment of farmers, red necks and business men gathered in a machine shed on the Iowa-Missouri border last Saturday night.

Elvis...

He gave me a hug...
*swoon*

My photographer was so excited evidently her hands shook as she snapped this picture

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He performed the songs all of us know and love

The crowd went wild.  Shown below with a cousin, Boy Genius(in the hat) enjoyed it also.

We have a cousin who each year hosts a pot luck gathering with a band, hay rides, a place for campers and this year our cousin who does actually do Elvis impersonations in Las Vegas as a fun hobby joined us. His lovely wife applies his make up,wig and side burns and also operates the sound system. As he sings 'Elvis' directs much of his attention and teasing to her.

Everyone enjoyed his singing and he sounded very much like Elvis himselvis.

Then it was announced that "Elvis had left the building" and the country western band resumed their entertainment. They were good but no one felt like swooning as we had for Elvis.

It was a lovely evening, made even better by this visitor

One of our 5 grandsons. Fritz had just showered and put on his pj's but posed for these photos with Sam.

Family resemblance?

Sam is a senior in high school. Of our son Boy Genius's sons this fellow has the most mannerisms like his dad and also sees the world much as his dad does. He sees the humor in people and situations and entertained us with several very funny stories. Below is one of his senior pictures done in b/w since he knew I have a wall with only b/w photos.

Here is his recent family's picture that I made b/w for my wall. Oops in the process of scanning and editing it I have

made it too small and can not enlarge it on here. Anyway here is Boy Genius and his family. The 2 older ones are in college, one finishing up and the other in his 3rd year, Sam's a high school senior and Paul is a freshman.

I've been very busy and having a lovely time enjoying this beautiful fall weather.

I hope this finds you well.

Suddenly my washer quit. Fritz carefully looked it all over and diagnosed the problem. A check online for parts revealed it would be  over $100 for the replacement part. Older washer by today's standard of 7 years (don't get me started on that issue as someone who remembers 25-30 year old appliances still perking away doing what they were designed to do). The decision was made to go the 140 mile round trip to Des Moines to get a new washer.

Easily accomplished purchase  and a lovely afternoon to take a drive and admire the autumn trees in their height of color.

We pulled behind the store and the little pick up truck was quickly loaded with said washer filling the bed of the little Toyota.

and then......he saw this row of riding mowers.....

on sale no less.............

After nearly 50 years of loving this man I can often read his mind so I noted the decision making process rattling around in his mind as he looked to the loaded pick up, back to the greatly reduced in price riding mower and them back to the loaded bed of the pick up....then he looked at me....I said,"hey it's up to you, either way we 'll have to return for either this mower you'll use next week or the washer I'll use tonight, the decision is yours". He disappeared inside the store, paid for the mower and will pick it up today. I praised his good thinking and his appreciation of having a constant supply of clean clothing as we headed toward home with the washer.