The Hazard Chronicles

It's Autumn time and this is my favorite time of year!

No need to elaborate any more than that. Just living day-to-day life seems like a celebration in this weather. Crisp breeze. Sweet, earthy smells. Vibrant colors. Kind of a sentimental feel as the year starts it's preparations for winter's darkness. It's lovely.

Here are photos of some of the things we have been up to.

Cross-country has come to a triumphant close. Both kids had personal goals that they crushed at their last meet of the year, putting up their best times ever. They know what it feels like to give it all.

Our ongoing project of Rachel's office. Here I am getting crushed by attic insulation. I can't wait until this thing is over. 

Rachel, looking a little more composed

Big scout meeting court of honor thing. Jack got some awards along with everyone else (he's kneeling in the front row). Sometimes he complains about going, but usually he is excited. This is a group where all his quirks and eccentricities become virtues- where he has friends and can belong. He is picked first for teams, and invited into circles of conversation upon entering a room. In short, these are his people. And, to be honest, they are some pretty cool kids.

We went and picked apples. Rachel and I have done this every Fall for fifteen years. It's an established family tradition. But it is also a tradition that might be coming to an end. A part of me feels sad about this, but a part of me doesn't. Our family is growing up, and so is the community around us. The experience, though fun, just wasn't what it used to be. It was still a lovely afternoon though, and it would be difficult to find a prettier place to walk around and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of Autumn. 

Several years ago, Rach told me about a great band she had found in the area. My first time seeing them was a gig for the opening of a business that doesn't even exist anymore. Since then, we have sort of become groupies of "The Powers," and they have enjoyed quite a bit of success for a small-town group. Well, some of them are moving to Alaska and as a consequence the band is breaking up. They threw a small going-away party at a quiet venue in the woods. There was a stage, but rather than a concert, it was basically just a big jam-session for all the local musicians. We hung out, roasted hot dogs around the campfire, talked with friends, and listened to some great music- all in all, a great night out for Rachel and me.

Yes, this is just a cropped photo from the one above. I just really like Evelyn in this. She is a cool kid.

And that is also a pretty cool kid. Get it? Ha!

Have a good week!