Berry Fields

Over these last few weeks as the late summer days lead into fall, I have been visiting a farm near the town in which I feel most at home where I have been able to pick my own blueberries, raspberries, tomatoes and apples.  It is a family run farm with row after row of lovingly raised products. 

Week after week I see people of all ages there enjoying time in the beautiful outdoors while picking fruit to enjoy over the coming days.  There is a small sales cabin serving as the starting point for all visitors as it has red wagons for parents and grandparents to pull the young ones in and also yellow buckets, cardboard boxes or bags to take to the fields for use when gathering the fruits.

 

Perhaps as a result of the drought that residents of the Northeast have been experiencing for the last several months, the blueberry as well as raspberry picking went well into August.  Picking 5 pounds of blueberries seemed a lot at first but with two of us eating them they would last just a week before needing to be replenished.  

Now the berries have gone by, and it is the apple and tomato rows bustling with eager pickers.

The last couple times I was at the farm I bought an apple cider donut when checking out with my fresh fruit and enjoyed it on one of the picnic tables outside the sales cabin.  The tables are right next to a pen with a couple goats who run over and love attention. 

 I left a few presents for finders.



Something New



The stores are full of back to school supplies, backpacks, new fall clothes, and individually wrapped snacks and treats for lunchboxes.  While September is not the start of a new year, it often does feel more like the start of a new one than even January does as so much of the normal hustle and bustle subsidies during the summer months and picks up again in the fall. 

 

I must say I do like to have a few new things in September (an outfit, a notebook, etc.) and even look at the grocery store for a new snack to include in the lunch I make daily to bring to work.  There is a child in all of us.

 

I have some "back to school" supplies I think someone of any age would enjoy.



 

Tap Into Your Creativity

Recently when reading a home decorating magazine, I saw a design idea involving washi tape.  Having no idea what that was I turned to the internet and soon was watching multiple YouTube videos on all the ways it can be used to decorate pens, vases, cups, electronics, etc. 

Washi tape comes in endless colors and patterns and peels off as easily as it goes on so it does not damage anything it is attached to.  I have put it on pens, iPhone chargers, etc. and find those things so much more appealing with their fun new looks.  It has also helped me not overlook my chargers when packing up and leaving hotel rooms because they stand out. 

I have several rolls to leave for finders and hope they find creative ways to decorate their own possessions.

Dear.....

I have been traveling ALOT lately.  We have just passed the halfway mark of the year, and I have spent 9 weeks on the road thus far. 

When away I am always making notes of expenses or the things I need to do when returning home.  Occasionally I even send a postcard or note to someone.  This is a time of year when many people are out of their routine or going away to one summer camp or another.  Figured some others could use a fun new pen for their journals or summer correspondence.

Oh Those Sweet Summer Nights

Summer weekends are the best!  Friends, swimming, fireworks, outdoor adventures, water skiing, mini golf, outdoor grilling, zip-lining, etc. are just some of the things that make summer so wonderful.   

Lately I have also been playing many games of my youth....Sorry, Clue, and the many games you can play using a simple deck of playing cards.  When a lazy summer day turns into a fun evening of playing, it reminds me that these simple pleasures create memories and happiness.  It is important to forget the stresses of everyday life now and then.   

 

Since I thought some others might enjoy a fresh new set of cards for themselves or to introduce their children to a new game I have a few decks for giving away.

 

Thought Bubbles

Life and work have been so busy lately, and I have been just trying to stay ahead of the voicemails, texts, emails, etc.  When I am driving, cooking dinner, going to bed, things pop into my head that I need to deal with or an additional item I need to add to a response already sent.  I often feel like they are thought bubbles above my head and reach for a note pad to write them down.  Perhaps others have the same experience and can use some thought bubble post-its.

 

Time is a Wastin

Every day I write out a to do list.  Yes, each and every day I have a list that I follow.  Maybe I am addicted to the sense of satisfaction that results from crossing items off the list.  Whether it be a work day or a weekend day, there is always something to accomplish and the lists keep me focused and help me end the day with a sense of accomplishment.

I found some small clip boards with colorful stripe or polka dot designs and note pads perfect for to do lists. 

 Hope they find their way into happy hands!