This and that

*We have been working on leaves here and there. Just after the front lawn was cleared (a few weeks ago), we got a big rain and wind storm that knocked most of the remaining leaves down. There are so many it's unreal. I say the same thing every year, but each time it still catches me off guard. We have not bagged any this year though. They will all go to the edge of our property where I'll let them decompose. I started composting this past spring with some of the leaves left from last fall so I plan to do more. It's a slow process with so many leaves, but sure beats filling 50+ bags and still having leaves left to deal with.

*Jason had his annual check up with the specialist for his liver. Everything seems to be okay so he won't need to go back unless his primary doc sees something else down the road. Good deal.

*Harley's been a pretty good pup. She loves to play and is still very curious. Whenever I sit and scrap at the coffee table, she's right there sticking her nose in everything. We have not succeeded in training her to vacuum and mop, unless you count licking the floor as she's been doing a lot lately. For now we're satisfied that she can sit, stay, shake, and high-five. "Lay down" and "go to bed" are the current works in progress. She just doesn't get it.

*I've been making a lot of cards. I found out about Operation Write Home through a contest at Elle's Studio and will admit I'm hooked. They collect blank handmade cards to send to the troops overseas so they can use them to write home. I'm finding it's a great way to play and be creative while using up some of my overwhelming paper crafting stash, not to mention it's a great cause. Here's one of the Christmas cards that I sent:

*I've been in the holiday mood ever since I started making Christmas cards. I've pulled out my CDs and am ready to start putting up the few decorations we have. I'm holding off for a bit since it's still a little early. Maybe in another week or so.