Hi, I 'm back!  We spent time with our daughter, son-in-law, and grandson in the Midwest.
Celebrated birthdays.  Caught up with each others lives.  Took in the exceptionally
beautiful Fall scenery, while hiking trails and strolling by lakes.

 

The colors were brilliant!  The air was cool!  The time was too short.

It took a while to reacquaint some with others.  In fact, it was bit devastating at first.

We had time for coffee and fruit together.  Rare time to just sit and talk.  I am convinced that
"time" is the best of gifts that we can give to each other, and yet, a sacrificial gift to say the
least.

This sign was sitting on their fireplace mantel, and I found the words a blessing.

The weather led us to believe that winter was right around the corner, although those on the
many sailboats in our view, were still attempting to prolong it all.

Our two gifted tour guides:)  They know their state so well, and are so happy to share
it all with us.

Huge homes graced the shores of some of the lakes we passed, with colorful

leaves adding to the beauty of it all.

 

 

Speaking of beauty...walking into one of the local mall stores, we were

overwhelmed with the exquisite attention to details that we found in

this Restoration Hardware Store.  Breathtaking! 

 

We visited a quaint, bustling cupcake shop, founded and run by one of the winners on the
show "Cupcake Wars".  It was a treat just to walk into it's doors, and sit in it's small dining
room.

 

One little guy was especially happy with his cupcake choice. 

  

 

And, was thrilled that there were stools to sit on that were his size. 

 

 

After too brief of a time, we boarded a plane for home, holding many

special memories in our hearts.

 

Thank you for stopping by today.