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Saturday, October 5, 2013

fall fever



Living with four distinct seasons was one of the reasons we wanted to move from Texas to New England. And, the seasons here do not disappoint!  I have never lived anywhere where I have felt the impact of each season so deeply- physically and spiritually.  All four seasons are events- anticipated and relished for their beauty.  But, "fall" is the queen-bee of them all.  Fall in New England is spectacular!  
You can start noticing little signs of fall in the marshes as early as mid-August.  At first you think "nooo... I'm not ready to let go of summer," then as the weeks pass and more subtle changes start to happen- the cooler temperatures, the sun changes its angle, the first leaves start to turn, you see fields of pumpkins, etc...- you start to cheer on and eagerly anticipate all that is "fall!"
After living in the farmhouse for the last four fall seasons, Dan and I have found that this time every year we get something we call "fall fever!"  I suppose it is akin to the squirrels hurrying about trying to stock all their nuts before winter's arrival.  While we are admittedly project-people;) we turn into overdrive during fall.  The list is long, but here is a bit of what we've been up to!


The first cord of seasoned firewood arrived and has been stacked on pallets.



Several of the balusters on the back porches had rotted, and we had other outdoor issues to address, so our handyman/painter was here for a good two and half weeks doing repairs, painting, and re-painting all the exterior doors.  (For my southern peeps- be grateful for your inexpensive labor; there is no such thing in the north:)



As you can see in this photo, the herb garden did not get its fence this year.  The gate still stands as a folly gate.  Thankfully, I didn't have an issues with deer (which seem to stay away from the house) or other varmints, and probably don't "have" to have a fence, but I still want one visually.  Late this summer we finally found the granite posts for the corners and the gate posts.  We had been looking for old posts which are smaller in scale than new ones and are impossible to find.  Hopefully the granite posts will get set this fall (it's on the list;), so that when spring comes all we  Dan has to do is add the wood pickets,which will be painted black.  (you can see the granite posts lying next to the raised beds)



The front door getting a fresh coating of high gloss black!  We've also been busy organizing closets, planting grass, finishing up fall planting and cleaning all the windows and storm windows- which is no easy task... the farmhouse alone has 31 windows and three sets of french doors;)  We haven't even started on the barn yet!



I thought you would like to see how the vine ended up looking on the new trellis (here)!  Love it all so much- it was a wonderful addition to the courtyard.




The leaves in the front meadow are just starting to turn.  (photograph taken this morning)



As are the maples along the drive.









I will leave you with some more fall goodness.  If you follow me on Instagram you will have already seen some of these photos, but I couldn't resist sharing them here too.
Have I mentioned lately how much I love living here?!!! :)
Happy Fall from around New Hampshire!


I snapped this photo driving home from doing errands last weekend!



Several days ago we took a break from house-projects and drove north a bit to see some color and do some "leaf peeping" as it is called!  We were about 40 miles north of the farmhouse and drove there via back-roads (i.e. no freeways.)  Our leaves are about a week behind these. The following photographs are from that afternoon drive...















We loved this stonework and the large stones that were built into the bridge that with the addition of a chain become the guardrail!



Me thinks this might not pass code today!:)



93 comments:

  1. I can not get over your incredible, jaw dropping view. My goodness how blessed you are. I'm trying to make a new header for my blog, if I do may I use one of yours and write below I got it from you?
    So love your blog!
    Lisa
    leeshideawway.blogspot.com

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    1. hi Lee, Yes, blessed indeed and yes, you may use a credited photo!

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  2. Just STUNNING. I can smell it from here! I always loved the smell of fall....wood burning in the distance...Gorgeous pictures, Joan. Enjoy your fall! I will live vicariously through it!!

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    1. ahhh yes the smells. There is also something in the air that smells like red wine! I remember the smell from our trips to Colorado and now smell it here too all the time. Two days ago on our walk I encountered the wood burning smells in a couple of places. It was only in the high 50's but I suppose that's fireplace burning temps for some;) I still had my windows open on the other hand:)

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    2. Are ya kidding....70 is fireplace weather in these parts! We take what we can get!!

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  3. Spectacular photos!! I love Fall... just wish it would last longer than winter. Your porch looks lovely. Enjoy the season!!

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  4. My dream vacation is to slowly wind my way through the New England states in the Fall. I would start the trip at the beginning of September, visit numerous small towns and spend a week each in Boston and New York in December (Christmas shopping!). Then I would pick my favourite town to return to for Christmas, followed by another trip to Boston or New York for New Year's Eve. Heaven!

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  5. As always, my comment didn't post due to the fact that I don't know what I'm doing! I shall try again: your pictures are breathtaking,and I cannot imagine getting to see that on a daily basis. You and your husband even make work look fun! I do love fall, so these were extra special.
    Betty B.
    Grenada, MS

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    1. hi Betty, You do know what you are doing as both comments came through! Comments don't show up immediately on the blog as are moderated before posting- this enables me to delete any spam (and there are a lot;) comments. Thank you for leaving your comment. It truly "is" a gift to see this much beauty on a daily basis!

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    2. You are so sweet to understand my issues! I realized after the fact what was going on. I will continue to drool over your fall pictures since we are still hot here in Mississippi. Hopefully our fall won't be far behind and tropical storm Karen may provide a bit of relief with her rains. Please keep posting-- absolutely love your home and style.
      Betty

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  6. Thank you for the tour -- you live in Heaven!!!

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  7. O M G!!!!!!!!!!!! Those last photos take my breath away they are so gorgeous! Fall is my FAVORITE time too, it is so GLORIOUSLY beautiful. Plus the fall colors are my colors that I love to decorate with and live with. You and Dan have been busy bees and so have we. We had a deck, hardscape patio and pond installed and are LOOOOOVING it! The darn railings for the deck aren't in yet so that is why I haven't shared it yet but HOPEFULYY next week. Plus Joe is installing the tike floor in the bar right now. He is doing 99% of the work himself; built the bar wall, installed all the cabinets and now the floor. The granite is being done by a contractor and we are having mirrored backsplas and glass shelves done. Then I can reveal it too! I used to hate winter and couldn't imagine living further north but the older I get, the more I don't mind nesting and settling indoors for awhile. I MUST be getting old:):) Thank you again for this beauty!!!!! I hope one day we can come north and see it all in person. XO, Pinky

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  8. Happy Fall Y'all! I enjoyed seeing your photos from your daytrip. I have never seen the beautiful fall foliage in New Hampshire so your photos made me feel as if I were there (almost!)

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  9. Glorious fall! We are in north central Massachusetts stacking 2 cords of wood today along with doing various other seasonal yard and house projects (taking the screens down, cleaning up the yard and garden, harvesting late tomatoes, etc. etc.). Fall projects always cure me of insomnia. :-)

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  10. Gorgeous photographs! We are just starting to have the colors pop around us here in Wisconsin as well. I love the anticipation and surprise that comes with the leaves changing -sometimes it seems a tree can change overnight. Someday I would love to take a "back-road trip" in your neck of the woods!

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  11. Joan,
    Your home looks great and I love the vine, by next year it will fill the metal arbor. Lucky you to enjoy 4 distinct seasons...the leaves alone are fabulous.
    I am grateful for the inexpensive labor we are able to find here in Southern California.
    Happy autumn,
    Karen

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  12. Such beautiful photos, Joan, and what lovely scenes! Boy do I crave a trip to New England. It's been years since I've been. Between your photos and Loi Thai's photos of Maine, I must vow to make a trip there with my husband. He would it.
    Claudia

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  13. Gorgeous photos! Fall is by far my favorite season. One of these years I'm going to be leaf peeping in your neck of the country! ;)

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  14. As a northern girl I will explain to you that part of Fall Fever is sitting back all bundled up and taking in the sun setting over the colourful valley of leaves. Of course there is a beverage in hand to celebrate Mother Nature's new shades.
    I have to say that we are only just starting to get leaves turning here in Southern Ontario. Canadian Thanksgiving is next weekend and I will likely be cooking with the windows open since it is still so mild.

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    1. Ha- that is called "fall happy hour" Katherine, and we do partake! :)

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  15. much older sister SusanOctober 5, 2013 at 6:11 PM

    GORGEOUS! I am so jealous that Jenny and Lucas are coming soon!

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  16. Ahhh! Can you hear me sigh! I love your pictures and dream of a long visit to New England (we've done several short vacations there). Living in Miami Florida we only have one loooong season: Hot! Our only time for outdoor events - gardening, barbecues, picnics, etc., is between November and March. Don't get me wrong, I love Miami - it's a vibrant, exciting fun place but I so would love to experience the four seasons ..... enjoy!

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  17. So beautiful. You are fortunate to live there.

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  18. mmmmmm. what wonderful photos of your property and your area. joan you truly are blessed to call such a beautiful place home. xo

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  19. There's lots to do outdoors to get ready for winter isn't there. Your vine did very well for it's first season on the trellis. Love your gorgeous scenery in your area. Beautiful pictures! Enjoy the fall colours and weather. Pamela

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  20. Gorgeous, Gorgeous, Gorgeous!! Thanks so very much for sharing such spectacular pictures!!!

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  21. Down here in Virginia it has been quite warm this week, and has slowed down our progress on our fall chores. Do you find that your fall cleaning list is longer than the spring cleaning? I've been washing windows, curtains, cleaning out closets, drawers, boxing up things for auctions or good will. We have a good three cords of wood to stack, if it would cool down. whew, all that can wear a girl out. I will be visiting my daughter in Connecticut next week, I'm sure the fall color will be perfect.

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  22. Gorgeous post...autumn is also my favorite time of year. Like y'all want to accomplish a lot of projects, prepare for winter while enjoying all the beauty (sights, sounds, smells & feel) of "color season". It's also especially nice here in the Northern Rockies when you have two or more weeks of "Indian summer"! Autumn can be glorious in the Blue Ridge & Seattle too! Just saw your fall mantle--elegant & beautiful! Where do you find your blue pumpkins where you live? The Jarrahdale are lovely! Thank you for sharing!

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    1. I find them at a local nursery, and also a local farm grew them last year. Sadly, this year I didn't buy them early (wasn't in the pumpkin mood at the time) and they all sold. It is my first year without a Jarrhadale in probably 10 years. I'm still hoping I can find one.

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  23. So very beautiful there - I have dreams of moving there but I think the taxes are a bit too high for me to swing it. For now I'll keep dreaming the dream through your blog :)
    ~JackieVB

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    1. hi Jackie- While New Hampshire "is" known for its high property taxes, it is balanced by no sales tax and no personal income tax! Towns all have individual tax rates- some higher and some low (this seems to correlate with how good the local schools are.) I wouldn't let the fear of high taxes deter you!

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  24. Joan, I always love seeing your photos and autumn in particular is stunning there - perhaps made more poignant this year as there is no autumn here in the desert!

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  25. Fall is casting a wonderful spell on your home...bringing to life so much of the beauty surrounds it. You must be elated. I'm wondering what you are growing on the arbor...always curious!!

    XO,
    Jane

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    1. hi Jane, It is moonflower! It blooms white, but only at night.

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  26. That view is pure heaven!!!!!! Love these pictures and I have to agree NO WHERE is as beautiful as New England during fall. When will it be peak season? We are trying to carve out a day to drive to Vermont just to take it all in...used to do it every year with the kids (this year it will definitely be sans kids since they cannot stand being in the car for more than 2 minutes:) But for me.....that is the most beautiful way to spend a day, reveling in the magic of fall. Gorgeous!

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    1. hi Tina, We'll probably hit peak here in southern NH in about two weeks I would guess. Here is a live foliage map from Yankee magazine that can help in planning a trip to Vermont (or any of the NE states!) I agree, a trip is a great way to feel the magic of fall!

      http://www.yankeefoliage.com/live-fall-foliage-map/

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  27. Thank you for sharing your paradise!
    I have always heard there is no place like New England in the Fall!
    You have definitely shown us why!!!
    Breathtakingly beautiful.
    XO

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  28. Lovely! Our fall to-do list is way too long this year, but I've been soooo ready for autumn anyway! Thanks for sharing... what a lovely way to enjoy my morning coffee!
    xo Heidi

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  29. So beautiful. Thanks for sharing

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  30. lovely, joan. are you near keene, nh? friends from our church have a cabin on a lake there and I am always wondering if you are near....donna

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    1. hi Donna, We are pretty close. In fact that first photo of the lake was on my drive home from Keene! Love Keene- a charming little college town with a great energy. The town square looks like the square in The Gilmore Girls:) We visit often.

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  31. Hi Joan:

    Bev in northern Vermont here. Your pics and house are beautiful. We are at peak here, and I must admit that this is one of the most glorious falls since I've been here, 8+ years. Sunny warm days, cool evenings. Just can't get enough, like you. Just this morning we also started our fall to-do list, and the more we talked, the longer it got. It was time to just do. Love your pics and blog. Our place is very similar, and you and Dan inspire me more than you know. Thank you.

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    1. hi Bev, We've been as far as Montpelier in northern Vermont. We've heard lots of good things about Burlington (that there are some good antique shops) and would go there. It makes for a long day-trip though;) If you know of any good antique shops there would love to get the names. Love hearing that your place is similar!

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    2. Originally from Keene/Brattleboro and now living just outside of Burlington in Shelburne. You check check the architectural salvage warehouse in Essex Junction VT. It is a long day drive, but make a weekend of it sometime.

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    3. I will put the architectural salvage place on our Burlington "to do" list, thank you!

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  32. Gorgeous!! I too love being back in New England to enjoy the Fall season after spending 8 years in Florida. I am in RI so the colors are not as fabulous yet, but it's getting there. This is for sure the season I missed the most as well. Your home is spectacular... as are your pics.

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  33. Joan you've captured some beautiful spots along your leaf peeping travels!! So glad you and Dan enjoy and appreciate the 4 seasons so much.This is my favorite time of year in New England for sure.

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  34. The photos from your drive are STUNNING.

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  35. Beautiful photos,a girl friend and I spent about 20 years being "peepers" miss those days. Started out as weekends ended up being taking a week to go up north ( living in RI not a big trip) How did your moon flowers do this year? last year was awsome 12+ each night, this year with humidity not so good ( 4,5,7,8, each night) But still fun to watch open, yes I sit and watch.

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    1. 4 a night, and that was slow?!! Can't even imagine 12+! I might have one or two and that wasn't every night, but I was very happy with that;) I've really enjoyed the vine and loved how the leaves look so similar to the iron ones on the trellis.

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  36. Happy Fall, Joan! I baked apple crisp yesterday and we're waiting for a half cord of wood to be delivered today! Brian freshened up our front door last weekend with a fresh coat of "Celtic Green" paint. Sounds like we have semi-parallel lives! Although the leaves haven't turned much down here in Connecticut, the feel is in the air! Have a happy day.

    Mary
    Ruth's little sister

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    1. Mary, I made an apple crisp earlier in the week too;) hi to Ruth!

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  37. Hello Joan, I love to see your projects "settling in" and blending in with your old house and its New England setting. It hardly seems necessary to add that I was stunned by your beautiful photographs--perhaps my favorite was the bridge with the spiky projecting stones. It reminds me of something, I'm not sure what--perhaps some medieval defense structure.
    --Jim

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  38. Love your Fall Pics. Living in Central California, we kind of go from Summer to Winter, with very little transition to Fall...................

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  39. Hello Joan,
    We too have been working through our Autumn (Fall) list, preparing for winter, here in the UK.....a form of 'nesting' for the coming season I think! Your photos are just stunning, and my husband and I look forward to one day visiting your part of the world.....
    Sophia

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    1. Sophia, I think "nesting" is the perfect term for our fall fever!

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  40. Love the trellis, and LOVE the photos! The trees, the water, the barn with the swan in the water, just beautiful. Autumn in New England is the best! We've been up Boston way quite a few times during the fall, and you can't beat the area for that "real" fall feeling. We'll be moving to Maryland next spring, where there aren't many trees and it's very flat. We're ready for that after raking leaves for twenty-some years, but we'll have to make a trip up to New England once in awhile just to see that autumn beauty. Thanks for sharing!

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  41. Hi Joan, Dan, and Ella: I spent the week at Lake Winnipesaukee and the weather was fantastic! We did not get the Friday rain that southern NH got. The foliage is starting to turn, the yellows are very vibrant. I loved all your photos. We are so fortunate to live in this area! Cindy

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  42. I have been so in love with this blog since I became aware of it. I am in love with your house and the area you live in and get excited when I see a new post in my email. Your posts always make me want to leave the coast of Central California and come live there. Unfortunately, being a native Southern Californian, I do not think I could not handle winters...but I would want to. Just beautiful.

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    1. Such a nice comment- thank you Crystal! As a native Texan I was a little worried about the winters initially-neither Dan nor I had ever lived with snow, but like most things you learn to adapt and we try to embrace it. I think it really helps to have Ella to walk everyday as it gets you out and in it as opposed to just looking at it. I have been surprised and delighted how natural winter feels to me. And, I adore the sound of walking on snow!

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    2. But does the snow squeak like it does here in Colorado? I suppose because it is so dry? We camped in the high country (Pitkin/Gunnison...did you ever go there?) this week (yes, bbuuurrrr....) and the simple golden aspen against those gorgeous lodge pole pine, majestic mountains and unbelievably blue skies was one long Instagram moment. Have you seen fall out here? Our universe...she is lovely.

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    3. CF- Yes, we have experienced fall in the Rockies, and it is amazing! One very special trip was taking my parents through Durango, Silverton (rented a jeep and drove up and into the mountains),and Telluride. It was over 20 years ago and my mother still talks about the glow of all the aspen turning yellow. And, our last fall there prior to moving from Dallas we were in Gunnison! We both love the area- one of Dan's favorite fly fishing spots is just up from Gunnison on the Taylor river. Now you have me home-sick for Colorado;) :(

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    4. Wow--- now THERE is a trip. Gunny is beautiful, but Durango/Telluride/Silverton, and in a jeep no less, is magical. Prettiest part of the state. The first time I went to that area was Fall, also about 20 years ago, and it definitely leaves a forever impression. Gorgeous. Home-sick for Colorado, huh? Well paybacks for making me crave New Hamphire! ;->

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  43. Hi Joan, from someone who has lived in new england her whole life, we love having you here!

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  44. I enjoyed seeing your preparations for Fall and the gorgeous photos. Living in Georgia, and reading your posts, I have the best of both worlds, without all the hard work getting ready for Winter. :)
    We don't have much Fall color yet, but I did notice our Nandina leaves and berries are turning red, and we have tons of red berries on the dogwood. So, in the mean time, I'm enjoying your photos of NH. Have a great week.

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  45. We went to Peterborough on Saturday and even though the day was overcast, the colors were glorious on Rt 101. I was worried that the last few days of rain and some wind would sweep away the foliage, but it's hanging on. I think that the peak here in SW NH and SE VT will be just in time for Columbus Day weekend :D We will be away this coming weekend, so we get to enjoy the foliage during this beautiful sunny week before all the "leaf peeper" traffic gets here! Last year's foliage was so dismal, what a wash-out! Isn't that the Stone Arch bridge in Stoddard? I can remember when it had damage from the storms in 2005 and had to be repaired. A beautiful piece of history. I'm not so sure I could love another area of the US as much as I love New England, especially in the Fall. Thanks for all the beautiful photos, I can never get enough of Autumn!

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    1. hi Roxanne, Looks similar to the Stone Arch bridge in Stoddard, but this one was in Hillsboro on a little backroad. I agree, we've had gorgeous fall color this year! We have guests arriving on Thursday and so excited to show them New Hampshire!

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  46. Love this post! You are so right about the switch of feelings from saying a sad goodbye to the warmth of summer, to eagerly welcoming all that is a New England fall! I'm in MA and just love autumn! Your pictures are beautiful--especially the cobbled walkway and the bridge!

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  47. I am so jealous of your fall! Living here near the coast in SC, our fall mostly consists of everything turning brown and then falling to the ground! :) I keep telling husband that one day we have to move to New England!

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  48. OMG!!! Such beautiful photos. Lucky you as I sit in southern heat waiting for the new compressor for my air conditioning unit to come in. :(
    It's all just amazing. Kisses to Ella.

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  49. Thank you Joan..I am missing life in New Hampshire in a big way, your photos made my day! Back again next year to carry on with our plans, hope to meet you then! Jeanne xx

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    1. I completely understand the missing Jeanne. Hope to meet then too!

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  50. I'm always so happy when you post. I have been looking forward all year to see your herb garden and what you did with the old gate. Now I noticed a bird feeder and it would be wonderful to see it closer and the garden around it as well. The fall pictures that you took were breathtaking. Best Regards, Wenda

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  51. Hi Joan,
    I, too, love the intensity of each season. And, since moving from Texas to New York, fall has become my favorite season. I don't think I had ever REALLY experienced it before.

    Everything is looking stunning in your part of the world. Those photos are absolutely captivating!!!

    Happy Fall, fellow Texan!
    xoxo Elizabeth

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  52. I am SO with you...loving all that the seasons represent physically and spiritually. After a lifetime in Houston, I feel like a child when the seasons change...full of wonder! Blessings to you!

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  53. ...beautiful...simply beautiful...what would the farmer think of being able to capture...and keep...such beauty with the technology miracles of today...and to be able to pass that beauty around the world in less time than it would have taken him to close his barn doors...the very doors now hanging in your family room...blessings

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  54. I love things that don't pass code.
    pve

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  55. I love coming to visit here! I recently visited NE for the first time and fell in LOVE! Thanks for sharing your fabulous Fall photos.

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  56. What beautiful pictures! Your home looks gorgeous as always! I would give anything to see the wonderful fall colors - I live in coastal Alabama and work on the MS Gulf Coast.... needless to say it is still hot here! One day I would love to visit "up north" and see the amazing fall foliage!

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  57. Amazing post! Hugs from Portugal! Manuela
    cemmanias.blogspot.pt

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  58. Love New England Autumn. If only we could shorten the Winter months!

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  59. What a lovely piece of paradise you have there! I don't care for the cold, but I DO care for the beauty it creates! You've captured some perfectly beautiful scenes! ~Zuni

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  60. You live in the most beautiful area...its gorgeous!

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  61. Hi: I have a paint question: For your shutters and door, do you use a latex-based or oil-based paint? Thank you.

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    1. The shutters and doors are latex. Paint info can be found on my sidebar.

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  62. Quel endroit magnifique vous habitez. Je vous écris de France. Salutations

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Welcome! Thank you for leaving a comment; you have no idea how much your comments inspire me to keep writing- I appreciate each and every one. Comments are moderated by me prior to publishing on the blog, so if you don't see your comment post immediately it will be posted as soon as I receive and read it. joan