SEASONAL STARTS AND SNIPPETS - AUTUMN 2025
Touring the U.S.A., Tucker's Tail, and Thanksgiving
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Hello, Family and Friends!
It’s fall, y’all!
Are you finding it hard to believe it’s autumn already? Maybe you’re more than ready for the cooler weather. Some folks wish summer would continue indefinitely because this pause before winter is all too brief.
I get it, and I’m certainly not one to cheer the advent of shorter, sunless days filled with snow and ice. However, a lovely meme reminded me today of whose I am, and He is in control. That knowledge calms me and puts a stop to the what ifs. I pray it does the same for you.
Let’s leave our worries behind and enjoy a glimpse of unforgettable autumn splendor. I’ve saved you a seat, so climb aboard this luxury bus ride for an all-expenses-paid tour of some top places to see fall foliage in the U.S. * As soon as our seat belts are in place, the waitstaff will serve coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or apple cider.
Ready to get rolling?
First stop:
Along the rugged coast of Maine, this park covers 50,000 acres of stately trees, breathtaking foliage, and awesome views of the Atlantic Ocean. After a hike, we’ll stop in a nearby town to shop, eat, roam the beach, or just gawk at the beauty surrounding us.
Now that our wallets are empty and our tummies are full, let’s hop onboard and snooze until our next destination.
Ahh, another view of autumn’s finest! A few hours west of Boston, our search for fall’s finest takes us to Mount Greylock—just shy of 3500 feet above sea level, making it the highest peak in MA.
After a hike, we can shop, eat, and explore the many cultural activities in this area. But don’t take too long. We’ve got more places to visit!
Oh, how I love this one! While we’re driving through the Shenandoah Valley at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rust, amber, and cranberry-colored leaves flutter down carpeting the road ahead. Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello home beckons, and eateries and tourist traps entice us, too.
All too soon, we’re back in our seats, awash in the sights and smells of autumn’s beauty.
In the essence of time, we’re going to zip through beautiful destinations i.e., Hudson, NY; Bucks County, PA; French Lick West Baden, IN; the Mississippi River Valley, MN, etc., infinity, and arrive at another favorite spot of mine:
Bounded by the lofty peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, this freshwater lake’s depth is second only to Oregon’s Crater Lake (1,645 ft.). Thought to be formed by the shifting of tectonic plates, the lake offers peaceful tranquility as well as numerous water sports. However, its incredible views draw Californians and visitors from near and far again and again.
Since we’re this close, we’ve convinced our driver to travel a mere two hours to Camino, CA where the ambience includes cinnamon, apples, wood-burning fires, pine trees, and chilly temperatures. One of my favorite destinations ever!
This concludes our tour for Autumn 2025. I hope you’ve enjoyed this brief but beautiful visit to a few of America’s gorgeous destinations. By God’s grace, we’ll be on the road again next September, searching for more spectacular sights and sounds of fall, y’all.
* Travel.usnews.com/features/top-plces-to-see-fall-foliage-in-the-us
TIME FOR TUCKER’S TAIL
Tucker here and time for me to add to my tails (ha!)!
Bert clips my coat as short as possible so I can tolerate the summer heat. This year wasn’t the scorcher previous years had been. Still, that doesn’t mean I’m not looking forward to cooler autumn and winter temps!
This morning, a lovely 52° and sunny, Bert and Erma took me for a walk around Freedom Park in Star, Idaho.
I had so much fun walking on the trail around the lake, sniffing everything in sight (the smells ranged from grotesque to delicious), and meeting new furry friends. I got worried when an off-leash, four-legged furry charged at me. Thank God, his parent took control and pulled him away. I wonder why more parents don’t leash their pets to keep them and others safe too?
The best part of my day came when we stopped at Starbucks. Did you know they give out free pup cups (whipped cream in a cup)? The barista patted my head and served me this delicious treat. I wanted to eat the cup, too, but it didn’t taste as good.
Well, until we meet again, happy tails to you all!
Bread, Book Reviews, and Bargains
Thanks to our friend and neighbor, Joy, we learned to make sourdough bread! Yes, we’re late to the craze and, no, we won’t share! It’s too yummy!
BOOKS
Fire Lover by Joseph Wambaugh - Good writing, a few too many f-bomb IMHO
Instant Family by Donna Gartshore - Good, predictable
The Italian Holiday by Nicole Sharp - Author should’ve stated the rating: R - X
Protected by Paula Peckham - Good writing/story, sweet
Under the Tulip Tree by Michelle Shocklee - Good writing/interesting, predictable
When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer - Good writing/story, definitely predictable
The Puzzle Within by Gina Holder - Good writing, a well-woven tale
Love Thy Neighbor by Debbie Macomber - Interesting, MMC character erratic IMHO
BARGAINS
Journaled With Love by Erma M. Ullrey ($0.99 on Kindle/free to KDP consumers!)
New Books You May be Interested In:
Link: Love Redeemed
Link: Unconditional Love
Link: Fall in Love
A Thanksgiving to Remember
Would you mind indulging me while I take a fast-paced ride down Memory Lane?
1970 something: My cousin Paul sat on my mom’s raising rolls. What a hoot!
1980 something: We dropped the turkey, washed it off, and everyone said it was the best turkey ever!
1990 something: We stored some dinner rolls in the back of the pantry. Fast-forward to a house fire in:
2002 - We found the rolls!
2007: The kids all came to our Virginia home to celebrate. One of our best, most memorable Thanksgiving feasts
2024: Our neighbors John and Darlene invited us to their home, along with another couple (Dan and Debbie). We celebrated our first Thanksgiving without kids/g’kids – sad, but still had a wonderful time!
2025: Our oldest son, wife, and 2 daughters plan to visit, weather permitting. Either way, we’ve been counting our blessings and storing them in our overflowing Joy Jar.
What about you? I’d love to hear about your Thanksgivings, past and present!
I pray you are thankful for a lot or a little, for answered prayers and those yet to come, and for grace – (G.R.A.C.E.) God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.
So until we meet again, from our home to yours, Happy Autumn and Happy Thanksgiving!
God bless America, and God bless you! <3