squirrels of september

Every week in September has brought armfuls of fallen leaves off the pin oak tree that stands in front of our house. I've raked, bundled, and piled them on Saturdays. But they're still green.

Fall may be approaching, but the local squirrels are determined to hurry it along and de-leaf the old oak before it even has a chance to enjoy the season. They baldly, gleefully chew off bunches of green leaves, hunting down green acorns. The small, molested branches fall gracefully onto the lawn, the driveway, the hill of myrtle.

Here are some action shots of the property damage (and accompanying acrobatics):

We're guessing that squirrels are a protected species in this progressive, urban county. But that hasn't stopped Wes from pricing BB guns.

shorter days, snazzier lighting

My industrious in-laws visited over Labor Day weekend, quickly adopting the honey-do list as their own. We learned a bit about hard-wiring, caulking, and problem-solving ... and now we can remember their invaluable help every time we flip the switch.

The first project was upgrading the mismatched and poorly functioning outdoor lights. We added a touch of industrial chic:

Next, we installed a modern gray felt pendant in the dining room. Perhaps my love for the color gray is some kind of subconscious effort to balance my extroverted personality? The dining room in morning light:

In the picture above, you can also see my grandmother's mirror and a framed old map of the great state of Iowa, which we found at the Capitol Hill flea market. Look through the pocket door to the kitchen, and you'll catch a glimpse of the new gas range and OTR microwave ... our only significant "upgrade" so far. Finally, I can cook again! Just in time for fall soups and sauteed apples. Speaking of fall, please enjoy this close up of my harvest centerpiece (shades of grandma), composed of gourds from the farmers market: