Our first autumn in Virginia has arrived!  A few weeks ago we had five days straight of rainy 45 degree days. brrr  My husband insisted on taking me tree shopping on two of those days and I am sorry to say that I mutineed on him. As much as I enjoy gardening, I am close minded to it when it is bitterly cold. I am sure any northerners reading this are going to laugh, but I have lived in Louisiana, Hawaii and Texas all of my life. Now living in Northern Virginia has been a new experience. If this is autumn, what is winter going to be like? 

     Last Saturday was warmer, but extremely rainy. It was a cozy day to sew.  Then Sunday arrived with cloudless blue skies and true autumn cool (not frigid) weather. The kids hit dad up for a drive to the mountains.  I sat back and smiled as I listened to the discourse.  

Kids: Dad, can we drive to the mountains today?

Dad: Why?

Kids: So we can see the colors!

Dad: Let's wait for nice weather to see the colors.

Kids: It is nice weather! The sun is out.  

Son: I didn't realize the colors were changing until I saw all the colors in the mountains in the distance.

Daughter: If we don't go now, the leaves will be all gone.

Son: I have never seen the colors before, Dad. Besides, you said you wanted to see the autumn colors in the mountains.

Dad: Hmmmm, what does your teacher say about your school work? Are you behind on any schoolwork?

Mom: The colors can be school today. This is their first year to see the colors. I've only seen them once before.  If we don't see them now, I'm afraid the leaves will drop by next weekend.

Dad: Okay, we'll go.

We decided to drive out to Shenandoah National Park's Skyline Drive. We drove over 3000' in elevation.  That was sort of funny to us, because we've driven over 14,000' in Colorado.  Nevertheless, the views were gorgous. Enjoy!