Happy Halloween!

Bob works on the exterior Halloween decorations--a little over-the-top perhaps. We do get lots of little trick or treaters on the 31st.

I try to sprinkle a few pumpkins inside the house for a little feeling of fall. Most of this can be carried through to Thanksgiving. I do like folk art, so many of my fall things are from folk artists that I love. Many pumpkins came from The Cottage in Leesburg. That round flying witch is a favorite of mine, and I've had it for many years. Matter of fact, I saw in the RSH catalog not too long ago. That flying witch is usually in the powder room.

Snow? How can that be? Let's hope that our Halloween decoration won't be covered with snow this weekend!

What have you learned about life?

I was just reading Washingtonian Magazine this month, and I found an interesting interview with Jim Weinstein, a career coach and life consultant. Good thoughts:

What have you learned about life?

"There are three qualities that are important to finding success and fulfillment: a positive attitude, even in the face of negative circumstances; showing up, or doing one's part to move the ball forward on a daily basis; and the consistent building and feeding of relationships, both personal and professional."

Walpole Mailbox

I love my new mailbox from Walpole (www.walpolewoodworkers.com). Our neighborhood originally had the old style mailbox with an unfinished pole. The posts at Walpoles are made of a PVC-type material that will still look good for many years--no painting required.

I think the white post with black mailbox is classic and works for me. I had the people at Walpole install the mailbox, and he worked at it for such a long time to get it solid, straight and just right. It was well worth the extra cost to have them install it.

I've seen a few Walpole mailposts in the neighborhood with different colored mailboxes--red, burgundy, taupe. They all look great. Little things like a new mailbox sure can add to the curb appeal.

Linda Eder at the Strathmore

Last night I went with Willie & Peter to the Strathmore in Maryland to see the very talented Linda Eder sing. I have been a fan of hers for awhile now, and I've seen her 4 times in concert.

The first time I saw her was at the Kennedy Center where she sang with the National Symphony Orchestra, and I was mesmerized by her beautiful voice.

The show that I really loved was a Christmas show at the Kennedy Center where she sang with Marvin Hamlisch directing the National Symphony Orchestra at the Pops Concert. It's a thrill to hear a fabulous voice with a full symphony. Matter of fact, I thought about going back to repeat that show the next day, but it was sold out.

Her Christmas CD is one of my seasonal favorites. By the way, she is originally from Minnesota--another plus in my book.

Even though the traffic was somewhat difficult on a Thursday at rush hour, it was well worth the trip. I hope that she is at the Kennedy Center for her next tour here.

What a wonderful evening! Pure enjoyment.