Apple Picking at Greenbluff

One of my brothers decided to tag along with The Hubs and I while we went apple picking at Greenbluff. It's a tradition of ours to go apple picking and it ties into my birthday month so well. Normally we go around my birthday but this year it worked out better to go 2 weeks prior.

And it was an absolute beautiful day. Normally the weather is 'iffy' when we go but since we were early the sun was out, the weather was warm and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect Fall day.

The Hubs and I always hit up Walter's Farm first for the apple picking. And of course, The Hubs gets his twice a year treat of cheddar kettle corn while we are at it. It was extra special this year that my brother came along. We got to show him our favorite parts and share stories of years past.

Look at the apples! There were tons and we had our choice of pickings since we came early this year. Woohoo!

Just some more photo's of the beautiful orchards and our beautiful day!

At Walter's they also have pumpkins, a petting zoo, playground, concession stands with food and live music this time of year. It's really something to be able to be a part of year after year.

When we are finished at Walter's Farm then we head over to the main event, The Harvest House. This is where a ton of action is. They have a corn maze, wagon rides, booths of all kinds and of course the only reason we go---PUMPKIN DONUTS!!

My brother and I waited in line for almost an hour to get pumpkin donuts but it was totally worth it. They are so hot and fresh and rolled in cinnamon sugar mix. Oh heavenly! You must have at least 2 straight out of the fryer so we got a dozen. I know you probably think I am crazy but these donuts are crazy good and their not terribly big so a dozen isn't that nuts.

If you live in this area I recommend taking a trip to the Greenbluff area and trying out the experience for yourself. If you don't, I would also suggest researching for a similar experience near your home. The produce doesn't get any fresher and the experience can't be beat.

Casual Family Dinner

I enjoy entertaining family and friends; it's my special way to say "I care" or "I love you". Today we invited the in-law's out for a relaxed 'Sunday Supper'. I have a few party "rules" that I try to live by but will explain those later.

The Hubs and I decided that pot roast was on the menu tonight. It was a beautiful fall day and what better to serve then comfort food. I also decided that I would make an apple crisp since we hit up Greenbluff today; that will be on another post so stay tuned. I prepared the pot roast this morning before heading out to the apple orchards. My recipe is pretty standard, I think, and everyone seemed to enjoy the food. My favorite part of course is the company and then a close second is the vino. :)

My entertaining rules that I try to live by:

1) Set a budget; this is super important especially when you have invited more than two people over
2) Create a menu and stick to it. Also be sure to check with guests about dietary concerns if you don't already know.
3) Prepare as much in advance as the items will allow.

4) Always make a homecooked meal, even if it is something as simple as throwing items in the crockpot, like I did. It's always a great meal and requires little to no effort on my part. Score!

5) As the hostess, or host, you are responsible for setting the tone of the evening. So be sure to take a deep breath and relax at least a half an hour before your guests are to arrive. If you are rushed then your guests will feel the same.
6) Turn off your cell phones and TV, unless your TV is what is providing the music. Which brings me to my next rule...
7) Keep the music just loud enough that people can still enjoy the tune but not so loud that they have to shout to have a conversation with another party-goer. And while we are on the subject of music-ALWAYS keep it appropriate. Don't choose heavy metal or rap.
8) Keep the party simple; don't fuss over every detail and take everything so seriously. Things happen and while you may be upset that it didn't go just "perfectly", the events will be something to laugh about later. *(this one is a hard one for me)*
9) I never impose a seating arrangement. We may all be friends and family but sometimes you just want to sit where you want to sit. And that should be perfectly acceptable.
10) Candlelight; it's the most flattering light and it is a definite mood setter. I made cute little candle holders right before the in-laws arrived. I will show you that post later as well.

Oh and I just saw that in the November issue of House Beautiful magazine they have 101 party do's & don'ts. I opened it up and instantly saw a couple that I totally disagree with. Like don't use plastic or never use paper napkins but I also saw a couple that I might have to incorporate into my own tentative rules. For instance, always start with an empty dishwasher and warm plates before serving hot food on them-genious! Wonderful, wonderful ideas. You should check out the article yourself; for me I'm going to indulge in another glass of wine and read all 101 party "rules".

Shop Update

Woo-to-the-freakin-HOO! The exterior of the shop is complete peeps! Well almost; we don't have a garage door yet but in due time. We are beyond exhausted, I mean excited. Okay...so maybe a little both and I can actually, truthfully say that I helped. I did...I swear!

So the last you saw it it looked like this

So the first step, after The Hubs got it to this point, was to put on the roof. Then the walls, taking into account the doors.

Each piece of metal had to be cut to size; basically we touched each piece at least two times. I will spare you the crazy pitfalls but looking at it today it was worth it. Every two feet and across the entire length you put a screw through the metal and into the wood frame behind it to secure the piece in place.

It's a total construction zone around here and a complete eye sore but finally, this weekend, we get to pack it all up and haul it off. We are done! Well again with the exterior. The inside still looks like this...for now.

Over the winter though we will attempt to put in electrical, insulation, drywall and most importantly shelving so that by Spring 2011 I can start putting our storage items out there. Oh and of course have the professionals pour the concrete floor.

I'm not making any promises or putting a timeline on this because it's Murphy's Law that when you do something goes tiddlywinks. Besides, we want it done right and the first time. :)

Before: barren land

Sorry...it was the only picture I could find of this area. I know...I'm putting some sort of vibe into the Universe to cause this white, fluffy stuff to fall. I'm sorry, I totally didn't intend to. I TAKE IT BACK...I TAKE IT BACK! :)

After: A shop! A real live, bigger than all get out SHOP!