Caitlin needed a model for part of her photography project, and the neighbor's tree is just so perfect right now.

And then I spent the afternoon baking bread and began working my way through that 30 pound pile of apples.  The crockpot is simmering away with cider butter, while juice strains overnight to make jelly.  I'm hoping to turn the rest into sauce or preserves, before I drive down to Kentucky Friday morning.

The sky was gorgeous tonight, as I stood by the kitchen window, peeling and chopping.  I kept rushing out the back door to capture the clouds and light.

I'm making my escape, for a few days, need to clear my head.  I baked a loaf of banana bread on Saturday and left out 1.5 cups of sugar. It took an entire day of pecking at that disgustingly bland loaf to figure out that I'd forgotten the second main ingredient.  Trivial as it may be, I never forget things like that, and it's a sure sign that I need change.  I need to get out of this house, find something to do, get my life back.

~RLM

And now I'm dreaming more than ever of a lovely little Mac with MagSafe power connectors and a battery life greater than my IBM's measly 43 minute endurance.

~RLM

My brain doesn't seem to be working right now, so I'm blaming daylight savings time and leaving a photo instead of trying to write anything remotely interesting.

~RLM

And I need to get back in this space, need to get back in the habit of writing again.  The words are still there, floating around in my head, I just need to force them into some semblance of coherent thought.

But that attempt will have to wait until tomorrow - DLST is doing a number on my brain today, and nothing I say will make much sense.

For now, a list of November goodness will have to suffice...

• There's a Vestvember movement going on amongst the knitterly peeps, I've got a pile of blue Malabrigo destined to become something adorable.
• A roadtrip to Kentucky and Tennessee to see some of my favorite people is in the works :)
• Grad school applications are due in a few weeks
• the new Vanity Fair hits stands on the 10th.  I might have to frame it. (the twifans will understand)
• A fresh stack from the library - cookbooks and Louisa May Alcott
• A friendly Twilight party and the New Moon premiere (my inner fangirl can't wait)
• Thanksgiving, golden holiday for the food obsessed
• Another round of block party fabric to work with
• A day spent in the kitchen with 30 pounds of apples and two dozen canning jars

~RLM

I have to say, despite the absolute insanity of this past year, it was incredibly good.

And out of all the photos, I think that last one just might be my favorite. 

Year two starts today :)

~RLM

Sharing said 300 photos is problematic, at best, so I'm going to split this up into a few different posts, with the highlights. 

So, part one, the Apple Works.  Located in Trafalgar, Indiana, it's a pretty half hour drive from the madre's house, and well worth the trip.  The apple selection is immense, the scenery is gorgeous, and the fresh cider donuts are of the best I've eaten.  Caitlin says Dunkin Donuts will never be the same.

Caitlin and I talked yesterday, about how odd it is to actually like it here.  To find ourselves out and about and actually enjoying Indiana after so many years resenting our presence in this state.  But Brown County is beautiful and reminds me so much of North Carolina, that I find myself wanting to go back again and again.  The winding tiny roads lined with looming trees are reminiscient of my savored drives out to Fuquay and Holly Springs, and a welcome counterpoint to the South Side and proximity to the city. 

I fear my inner city girl may be disappearing completely, as I felt more at peace, more at home, out in those trees this week than I have at any other point over the past three months.

Back tomorrow with scenes from the Beanblossom Covered Bridge, it's gorgeous there.  In the meantime, I've got to hunt down some canning jars to deal with a giant pile of apples.

~RLM

Mainly because I don't have anything to say. 

I'm bored and boring.  Really.

I'm torn between wanting a job, any job, just something to do, and knowing that I spent the last five years of my life studying and working to do something more than bag groceries.

I miss school. Learning things.  Feeling like I have a purpose. 

Except when I start looking at graduate programs, I seem to be entirely incapable of making a decision as to what I want to study.  Because I have no idea what I want to do with my life.  You can't exactly get a Master's degree in knitting/baking/photography.

And while I've come to the conclusion that I do actually like Indiana, I miss the personal space of Raleigh.  Which brings me right back to the job/school conundrum.  Being unemployed tends to limit one's options in that way.

I'm counting on NaBloPoMo, which starts next Sunday, to get me back into this space.  I miss having things to say.

~RLM

It means fall.

And I LOVE FALL.

Because Fall means PUMPKINS!

Pretty trees with changing leaves.

Plaid flannel shirts and hot apple cider.

Practical use of handknits: I wore an Ishbel today for the sole purpose of staying warm.

Socktoberfest and a Mystery Sock knit-a-long. (more on that soon?)

And an overwhelming quest to find the perfect boot.  Which I found at Aldo and then subsequently discovered only exists on the internet in Canada and is not actually available for purchase anywhere, let alone the United States. 

Enter the next-to-perfect boot. Flat, leather, cognac brown. Will look cute with jeans/pants/skirts/dresses.  Guaranteed to keep my feet/legs from freezing in the impending Indiana winter. Actually for sale and available in a 6.5. Yes, please.

~RLM

I've been listening to him all morning, blasting the surround sound speakers while madre is at work, since this is about as close as I'm going to get.  Seeing him live is on my life list and it's killing me to know he's going to be mere minutes down the road tonight, working his musical magic, while I sit at home and knit by myself.

So, everyone, please pray I get any one of the many jobs I've applied for in the last month, I'm tired of only having a life that revolves around free activities.

~RLM

Sonia and I spent Saturday at Conner Prairie, for Smithsonian Museum Day, since they were offering free passes.  There was a slight chill in the air, the leaves were starting to change, and the light was taking on that diffused autumnal glow that I love so much.

It was a gorgeous day, absolutely perfect for a walk through history.

I've got a pile of sweaters and coats on the bed this morning, so it would seem that fall is finally here to stay.

~RLM