Carving Out a New Future

A lot of Autumn-y things are going on around the farm.  Hayden went to a pumpkin patch in Hood River with his kindergarten class and brought home a lovely pumpkin.  Kristi took Caleb to one here in town so they'd both have one of their own.  They got a carving set which included stencils, so they had help from their mom, dad and grandpa.  I'm staying inside so wasn't able to help except to admire the results and snap a photo.  

The pumpkin on the left has a smaller pumpkin carved in with BOO in his mouth.. :-) and the one on the right is a skeleton!  Kristi got these neat pumpkin lights that turn from one color to another.. very cool.

Grandpa and Hayden working on a pumpkin.

Mommy working on carving.  The chickens loved the pumpkin innards!

Our son Travis carving..  remember what I said in my title about carving out a new future?  WELL.. we have good news that I can finally share.  Travis has worked for 15 years at our local newspaper, The Oregonian, and the internet and craigslist have made a huge impact on the old fashioned paper news.  When he began in the pressroom, there were 150 men running the presses.  Travis worked his way up to press supervisor, foreman and running the entire press-room several nights a week.  They have been having lay-off after lay-off and are now down to a skeleton crew of 18 or so.  It was like working in a sinking ship, they cut his hours, his pay, his medical benefits and retirement.  

GOOD NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT!  He has been hired to work in the engineering department of Nabisco!  They make Oreos and other goodies there.  There will be free parking and it's closer.  He starts in 10 days or so.  WooHOO!!  :-)  (Edited to add:  Also they make Premium Saltines, Ritz Crackers, Chicken In A Biskit, Chips Ahoy and Wheat Thins!)

Here is Caleb at the pumpkin patch.

We've got the scary thing going here. :-)

I was hoping to get some fall color in our woods, this is a vine maple and they are known for their brilliant oranges and reds.  But This is all I got.. wimpy yellow.  :-)

My Japanese maple usually has a fleeting day of color before all the leaves drop at once.  But not yet.  

I can't believe how big the koi are getting.  They're leaving the pond goldfish in the dust.

I've been very pleased with the little miniature rose we got for the 4th of July - we planted it in an old clay pot and it just grew like crazy!  It's still blooming.  

Pretty little red and white stripe-y roses.  

This is all that is left of my 4th of July rose, the climber.

The begonias are still blooming too.. but soon it will be time to bring them in for the winter.

I'm actually worse with my cold now.. but I'll get better eventually.  Hopefully. :-)  I think I need some chicken soup and tea with honey.   Do you have any fun plans for the weekend?  We don't have any plans much, just resting and crocheting.  ((hugs)), Teresa :-)