OHIO's Fall Beauty and Christmas In The Woods, Shaker Woods that is !!

I would like to make a border for the Blog of Fall Foliage photos, but I would not know how. So will do my usual. We have been taking some photos of the leaves changing when weather permits. There has been so much rainy and cloudy days, that it has been difficult. I still have not any brilliant orange or red photos. We have seen them but either do not have the camera or the driver does not stop the car! In the past year and a half of travel, we still think that Ohio's sugar maple country is the most colorful when leaves start to change! And that is compared to the northeast states. Could be we are just a little prejudiced. Even the beauty looking out from our door over the back yard here at the apartment is just beautiful!! We love it! Then going down our steps we found this beauty! Beauty, you say? Yes, no activity there now!! It is amazing looking at the structure. And Wayne, you thought the one near the power pole going on to Rt. 90 was unique !! And we thought the bird nest on top of a power pole going on to Wellesley Island in New York was unique!! Guess they will build anywhere to avoid us humans! Also thought this truck that we followed down from Rt. 90 was interesting , but could be dangerous also. Amazing that there are vehicles using such huge tires!! We have been wondering for a couple years what this house is being renovated for, is as we drive through Sebring, Ohio. Gary has heard recently that it is supposed to be a Bed and Breakfast. It sure is beautiful and has been enlarged during the renovation process. I think that I would love to try it out!! It would have to be grand inside also! Yesterday we braved the elements and went to Columbiana to Shaker Woods to go through the booths for Christmas in the Woods that is held every year in October. It is fun but much of the same stuff. There is one booth that sells all forms of Santas. Each year she always has a new style Santa, probably 24 to 30 inches high, that sells for $115 this year. I had heard that she has put all of her children through college with this income. People come from the states around us to buy these each year! So she sure has a good market for them. They did not want her booth photographed, so I heeded the request. The rest of the booths are more crafts of all kinds, as well as good art. Gary had a booth there for about three years, for his pencil art, but the majority of the people going through are looking mostly at crafts to buy. This year we went so Gary could find a blacksmith working with iron to have a tool made to use when winching the straps on the car while putting it on the tow dolly. And we came away with one!! But we are paying today with hurting joints from the dampness and SLOW walking. There is even a little chapel for church services on Sunday morning for the crafters!! And Christmas carolers for the shoppers ! A booth for Dulcimer enthusiasts !

Booth after booth and many people making trips to their cars and coming back for more! Sandy, you would just love this place!! My favorite is the Boswell's booth of Dips and Sauces. I have to get my supply refilled. I have even ordered from them by mail and had it shipped ahead to wherever I would be for the Holidays. I find it the easiest way to make dips of any kind.

And my most favorite is sitting on benches listening to B E Taylor playing and singing !! I would like to see him sometime with a larger variety of his music. He has his own twist to the traditional Christmas music and it is great! The season will be upon us before we know it. I am getting ready to begin some cookie baking. The boys and my daughter-in-law are looking forward to it. It may be the last year for a while if we get to go west next year, so they had better savor it!

And updating on my health; surgery is over and only radiation, as a precaution, to go. Actually, I have been feeling very well. You wouldn't know that I had surgery, unless you lived with me.

So we are looking forward to getting out of the cold! This coming week is promising some warmer temps, but I am sure it will not last long. I just hope the freezing and snow holds off!!

We will try to keep you updated more through the Blog! Try!

Take care and God Bless you all!!