Summer's Last Stands . . .

We experienced a taste of the "blah's" yesterday. 

What started out as another pretty September day soon turned cloudy, windy and cold.  

And, as that was happening, I could feel my mood sliding into a blah-blah state. 

Funny how weather changes can do that---even in September. 

In spite of the weather, I could still find a few pretty images around the place, but it's evident that what's left of our summer loveliness of 2018 is making its last stand.

Leaves are falling. Grass is turning dull brown. And, there are too many hints, signaling all the work that lies ahead to prepare for winter. 

I did give myself a few moments of fun.

Well, one was the underwear. 

I often wonder what guideline people who do not travel very often use as an indication that it's time to purchase new panties. 

In my case, travel provides the excuse, even if I don't really need them. 

I guess I took on that trait from my mother.  

One time, after learning she had been invited along  on a last-minute road trip to a National Arabian horse show in New Mexico with her friends Etta and Pearl, Mother raced to the IGA (which sold clothing at the time) and bought herself some new undergarments. 

That anecdote stood out as she scurried around to get ready to go, and it left a lasting impression on me. 

Hence, my mind figures that when there's a trip of several days involved, it's time to get new step-ins, as my husband from the South likes to call them. 

So, that turned out to be one of the highlights of my Saturday.  Now, if we can't find a laundromat in Ireland, I'VE GOT UNDS for every single day.   

It's a good feeling.  

I also have made sure to include a couple of wash cloths among my traveling items.  

Seems the Irish don't always provide them in hotels.  I learned that on the first trip and have come prepared ever since. 

In other fun news from a blah Saturday day, I climbed aboard the tractor and used the loader to stir up our manure pile behind the barn.  

It's gradually turning to black gold, and twas a fun job, lifting large portions of aging manure clods and watching them break into finer soil. 

One more time at the pile before winter, and we ought to have some more fine garden dirt for the Lovestead and, of course, the Gehrings. 

Not a lot of other news around here, and it's looking like another gray day ahead. 

Oh well, we have enjoyed an outstanding September, so no complaints. 

Happy Sunday.