Fall-la-la-la-la

Fall in Richmond is glorious -- the days are pleasant and there's a morning bite in the air that makes a scarf a necessity.

This morning we made hot chocolate and sat outside to cheer on the Richmond marathon runners (the course passed right by our front door). "Good job, blue shirt! Keep it up, orange socks guy!" we shouted from the sidelines. "Moms everywhere are proud! You're going to remember this day forever! And hopefully in a good way!"

A Little Halloween Green

Chris decided to swap his strategy analyst job for a green apron and a blender this Halloween... I'm a Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino with extra whipped cream (and I sewed the costume myself!).

Fall, Come Quick!

Fujis and Staymans galore at Carter Mountain in Charlottesville, VA. It was a hot day -- I could barely tolerate that pumpkin colored scarf, but it's one of my little ways of urging autumn into existence.

Busy Bees

Yeah, we've been a little busy. BBBS gala at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, glazing some wicked fine pots (note the progress!), working later hours, waiting patiently on fall weather to arrive and impulsively buying house plants, dabbling in Christmas gift making (hint: I bought a zipper foot), and gearing up for some pretty sweet volunteering opportunities. I think I'm one of those people that functions better with a slightly fuller plate, so we'll see how this autumn plays out.

Only two months until we're back in Portland for the holidays!

Popcorn

During a weekly farmer's market trip, my friend and I came across what looked like decorative corn cobs at our favorite produce booth. Turns out these little cobs are for making popcorn, and per the friendly gal's directions it was quite a success! All I had to do was place the corn cob in a medium sized paper bag (think Chipotle to-go size), roll up to the top, put it in the microwave on the popcorn setting, and voila! All natural popcorn. Shake in a few seasonings and you've just impressed the visiting out-of-state in-laws.

Raku!

To commemorate the end of last semester's clay class, we did a raku firing out in the courtyard of the Visual Arts Center. Pieces are placed in the kiln and heated through until they are red hot.

With big tongs and thick oven mitts, each piece is placed in a metal trash bin full of sawdust. Because the piece is so hot from the kiln, the sawdust will catch fire and the smoke will fill the cracks in the glaze (made from the temperature shock from kiln to open air). Dousing a piece with water will give it a coppery effect.

After a cooling down period and a good scrub, pieces are ready to take home that night!

Seasonal Switch

Just a few weeks ago we were still running the AC, and in a few weeks from now it'll be time to caulk those single pane windows for the season.

Welcome, fall!

The 2011 Summer Collection

Have Funn, Go Nuts!*

I was so excited last week I could hardly stand it. My mom came into town over Labor Day weekend -- she hadn't been out to the East Coast since we got married and moved out here. We drank yummy Lamplighter coffee, explored the city on foot, and lounged on the balcony with glasses of wine and homemade dinners. We boosted the economy with a trip to the Williamsburg outlet stores, dined across the street at the VMFA, and took in the last Flying Squirrels game of the season. (Sorry to say the Squirrels lost terribly, but the fireworks were spectacular and we got hugs with Nutsy THREE TIMES!!!) It was a most fantastic weekend.

*The official slogan of the Squirrels. "Funn" must be more fun than "fun" I guess!

Irene vs. Mom

"I am hoping Irene will have left by the time I get there...two strong females in the same area is more than the East Coast can handle!"