Monday: The Pleasant Valley Report

Who would've guessed we'd have two perfect weekends in a row? After a spectacular Labor Day, we were treated to yet another perfect Saturday and Sunday this September 10 and 11th. Skies were blue, temps were comfy, and people were out enjoying themselves.

On Saturday, the Farmers' Market was bustling with activity. Got some delicious home-baked bread and grass-fed beef at local vendors. There was also a classic car show in the streets of Old Town. It was fun to wander around looking at restored vehicles from days gone by, although I will admit, it took me aback somewhat when I realized these "oldies" cars were ones from my youth. Here in Laporte, people exhibited their own classic cars at the Overland Foods/Laporte Hardware parking lot. Antique cars and trucks, as well as farm machinery and engines, from days gone by were featured.

Although it hasn't offically become "autumn" yet, it sure seems like it's fall. Sunday morning we experienced a low of 40 degrees. The pumpkins in our front yard pumpkin patch are ripening nicely, the days are getting shorter (the chickens go to bed earlier and earlier), and the way the sun moves around the homestead is changing. It's good to think of these gorgeous days later in the year, when the cold sets in, daylight is limited, and trees and grass go brown. "To everything, there is a season." If there was no winter, would we appreciate late summer days like these?

This Saturday, considering attending this event, right up the street from our place:
Wild Shots Exhibit 2011 - Photographs of Local Wildlife - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, Sept. 17, Bellvue Bean Coffee Shop in LaPorte, CO (Poster)(News Release)
This exhibit comes to us compliments of the Rocky Mountain Cat Conservancy. Think big cats--mountain lions! The photos on display were taken by heat and motion-detector cameras in wild areas and feature mountain lions,bears,coyote and foxes. There'll be interactive booths and wildlife experts on hand to answer questions. The Bean serves great coffee, homemade pie, and delicious ice cream, as well as sandwiches. I suggest driving your bikes to Lions Park on Overland Trail in Laporte and then biking the few miles to the Bean via the Pleasant Valley Bike Trail.