Fall cookies...

One of my hobbies is baking, as many of you already know.

For the past year I have been learning more and more about decorating cookies and I have amassed quite a nice collection of really cute cookie cutters.

Of course, it was time to try out the autumn leaves, pumpkins and acorns.

These cookies were all experiments to see which technique I like the best.

It's all about the icing.

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I ordered the acorn cookie cutter at the last minute and I am glad I did.

I think it's really cute and the acorn cookies are just a perfect size for someone looking for a nice dainty sized cookie....

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I really like the pumpkins! The little green "vine" just adds, don't you think?

This maple leaf was made with with icing that was at the "flood" stage.

I think, for the autumn cookies, I prefer it over the cookies that has piping lines.

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Here's the oak leaf.

I used a toothipick to deliver the various icing colors throughout the cookie.

It takes a while to do each cookie and now I understand why they cost a pretty penny when ordered.

No, I am not going into business making them.

Yes, I would consider making you some cute cookies.

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And, in other big news, this was the headline of today's local paper.

I just thought I had to put it on for my family that would... uh.... find it an unlikely headline!

Stacey, this is for you, especially!
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I love where I live.

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My favorite season...

I am a fall person. A winter lover. A spring enjoyer. A summer... ah, not so much..

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Happy fall today!

I couldn't be happier!

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Along with the changing of the seasons, the beauty of fall and even, yes, the beauty of the winter to come upon us soon... I really like the routine of life that begins again as children return to school; families settle into their business of being a family...

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I couldn't be happier.

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I love the little unique ways the maple trees change their colors; some little spots here and there..

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I couldn't be happier.
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And another quick look at the house hubby is building. (not for us)

It's looking good.
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We are thankful every day to God for all the blessings He has given to us!

We couldn't be happier.

Ah... once again, it's Sunday night..

Once again we ready our home for our weekly Sunday evening Bible study.

The table is set with some tasty goodies..

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and the fire is burning.

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Who can resist such good food when it comes along with...
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good fellowship!

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And good friends!

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Although we live in the same community and worship together on Sunday mornings,

we were still excited to see each other once again in this

comfortable setting - as we laugh and share and study God's word..

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Such a blessing.

Enjoying the visiting.

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And ready, now, for our evening study.

We called this group sitting in the dining room the

"peanut gallery."

Perhaps they just wanted to be close to the coffee and cake...

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A good time was had by all.

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Win-Win

Last evening we enjoyed a fine meal and fine fellowship in a beautiful home on one of our area's most pristine lakes.

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This past summer we had attended an event at our Bible camp and bid on a meal for 6 in a silent auction. When we realized we were bidding against good friends, we agreed together to both bid our highest price point together as one bid and sharing the evening.

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It was a win-win deal;

the Bible camp got needed funds from both couples

and we, along with another couple and the host couple, enjoyed a fabulous evening together!

Such a beautiful table was set before us!

The evening was to be "soup, bread and pie", however, the host and hostess made us some tasty appetizers first and then these popovers and salad as well!
(Does anyone remember the "popover girl" at the Patricia Murphy's restaurants in the east?)
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Following the salad course, we had our choice of delicious soups:
potato corn chowder or meatball vegetable soup.
Both homemade and both wonderful.
And many of us had both!


Following the meal, the men had to catch a little bit of Twins baseball....

while the ladies cleared the table in preparation for the dessert course.

Our lovely hostess made us the most delicious apple pie.

Perfect for a fall evening!

The table was re-set for dessert with another beautiful set of dishes.

I love dishes ..

and the beautiful linens on our hostess' table added such a nice touch!

The evening had to finally come to an end;

though the home, surroundings and food was excellent,

it was the deep bond of fellowship and shared faith that gave the evening a

five star rating!

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A good time was had by all.

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The Goal

The Goal.

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The runner.


Completion.

Completion.

The picture.

The faces!

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Congratulations Meghan and Susanne!

They ran a 1/2 marathon today!

Grand View Lodge weekend

We decided at the last minute to book a room at the Grand View Lodge on Gull Lake. We got a nice "last minute" deal on a room in the lodge. When we arrived they had, instead, put us in a cabin. Though we were initially disappointed, we were surprised at the size of the cabin (4 bedrooms, 3 baths...) so we called our son Daniel and invited their family to come join us. (We wished the other sons had been available too but they weren't...)

The cabin was very relaxing, a nice living room, fireplace, kitchen area, screened in porches.. everything one needed.

The lodge was a landmark building and quite majestic.

This is a view of the back, which faces the lake.

There is a beautiful long walkway, lined with flowers in planters and lamp posts, on the walkway.

Another view of the back side of the lodge.

The walk to the lake.

There was a nice pool area, not large, but family friendly.
This was the "warm" tub. There was also a "hot" tub.

Lots of areas for relaxing and sunning.

The front building to your left is "Looney's" where you can buy some ice cream and light lunch foods, or rent yourself some gear for water sports. The building behind that with the tall peak is the pool building. There is an nice exercise room in there as well.

There was a lovely wedding on Saturday afternoon. It was funny, because on our "last minute" 4th of July vacation last year, we witnessed an outdoor wedding by Leech lake.

And I took pictures of that one too!

Brooklyn and I tried our hand at shuffleboard.

There was a wonderful Sunday morning brunch.

I love brunches!

Sean found some entertainment for himself in the lobby.

We rented bicycles and took a ride on the Paul Bunyon trail.

The four children rode along behind their parents

(Each burley held 2 children.)

We had fun!

Bye for now!

Happy Birthday Brian!

Happy Birthday to my brother-in-law Brian!

(Thought I'd throw in your daughters in this picture too!)

Have a special day!

Cookie class

Today I had a visitor from Sweden. Her brother married a good friend of mine and I first met Amelia when she came from Sweden to be in the wedding. We've kept contact after that as she has come to visit Minnesota often.

Her visit to Minnesota is almost over and before she returns to Sweden she came over to visit. I showed her a few things about decorating cookies and she was a quick learner!

She went right to town on some cute cookies and did a fabulous job decorating them!

I hope her family in Sweden gets to enjoy them next week!

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(Since my grandmother was born in Sweden, and I am, therefore swedish, we have a strong bond!)

The artist at work.

The final products!
Amelia is a cute as the cookies!
Come again, okay?