My muse

I'm nearly exiting my third Alaskan autumn and it is by far the most beautiful fall we've had since we moved here.   

Fall has always been my favorite season and it was what I missed most about Michigan during our time in the south.

 

The fall this year almost compares to Michigan, but our color scheme is limited to dark golds, bright yellows, and browns,

 

at least when it comes to trees,

 

and I miss the orange and red hues that Michigan has to offer.

 

I was waiting for a sunny day off of work to head down to my favorite spot,

the hayflats,

 

which has become my muse of sorts.

 

It seems that I was not the only one with that idea.

 

I've never seen the place so busy.

 

Everyone was out to enjoy the beautiful weather and gorgeous views.

 

I can't blame them,

 

although I kind of like having the place to myself.

For my mom

Ah, where do I even begin? It's been a short summer with a lot packed in it and now it's over. The kids are back at school. I had my first day of class with my preschoolers today and my first Scout meeting tonight. The kids have both started gymnastics as well. Let the crazy school year begin! 

Since I don't even know where to start with posts about everything that happened this summer, I decided to make my mother happy and put up some pictures of my garden like I promised her I'd do. So all who don't get a big kick out of flowers, I'm sorry. But my mom will be thrilled. 

My hanging baskets have nearly recovered from my month long absence. DH told me he'd water them if I reminded him to. I remembered to remind him once. Can't say he didn't warn me. 

I came back to find the rest of my garden had really taken off. That tends to happen with about 20 hours of daylight. 

I threw some wildflower seeds down and they exploded! I had to weed about half of them out and my garden still looks like this. It's quite fecund. I think that's my favorite new word. I've been dying to use it. And I'm not sure that I used it properly, but hey, I gave it a go.

This is the first time I bought snapdragons. I think they are a definite yes for next year. The kids loved them. And look, the pansies I started from last year's seeds actually grew. 

 Except for this one. This one I bought. I have a hard time walking by flowers and not buying them. It's genetic. Thanks mom.