The Enchanted Forest

This title isn't really accurate in the fact that although the woods around my house are alive, they are not exactly enchanted. The word enchanted conjures up images of fairies and sprites, singing birds and dancing princesses. The trees in my woods are enchanted for sure, but not in a good way. Honestly, sometimes I think they are out to get us. As fall begins the acorns start to come down, with such force and gravity that at times I think the children should have to wear helmets outside. When we got the new mini-van I almost didn't want to park it in my driveway! Then a strong wind blows and branches come flying down as if they were attached to the trees with no more than bits of scotch tape. And then the leaves, the beautiful fall leaves. The trees shed and shed and shed and we rake and rake and rake. Every fall as I rake I think about this book I read when I was in middle school, Blubber by Judy Blume. Anyone remember this? In the book these two girls "egg" this old man's house on Halloween night. They are caught egg-handed (ha ha) and as punishment have to rake this man's enormous leaf riddled yard. That's what I want. Not to be egged, obviously, although if it would buy me the time of a couple of pre-teens to come and do my raking I would gladly accept.

I still love fall though, it is my favorite season and I'm sure the trees don't have anything personally against me, it's just their way.

On another note, this marks my 100th post. When I started writing this I never imagined I would write 100 times! I want to extend a GIANT thank you to everyone who reads, whether you check in religiously or once in a while. I know that the Internet is a big vast space, with lots to read and see, so I thank you from the bottom of my heart that you come and visit me.