Tallest tree in the forest

This is what I see driving to work each morning. This is the biggest dang tree I've ever seen. It's 150 feet tall. Can you imagine being a hawk perched in this tree? He'd be able to see for miles around. Funny how my cell reception is better near this intersection now...

Fall at the Lea house

This is a fall ritual that my family is familiar with. We have lots of trees on our acre and each year we have a serious yard-cleaning and bonfire. We've made some good memories around that fire pit. We've had parties for the Razorbacks for Christ, with singing and making smores (remember Heidi with the melted marshmallow stuck in her beard?). That was the year of the hayride/truck/trailer that burned to the ground due to overcrowding. I guess a farm truck can only hold so many people. When Rico got initiated into our family, he got to have a bonfire. He actually jumped over that fire. When we have friends over, it's nice to fix coffee and sit in chairs around the fire, with the field behind and the stars above. Thank God for life in the country.

New member of the family

This is not a very good picture, but this is Keith's new ride. It's a 2003 Saab 95 Aero Turbo. It has heated and air conditioned seats, tiptronic transmission (switches from automatic to manual), leather seats, power everything, sunroof, 50,000 miles, and it's nice. And guess what? No exhaust fumes inside. My sweet husband doesn't have to smell like the city bus any more. But... we're keeping the green Saab convertible...for the weekends.

The Patient

This is Polly, the little girl that stayed with us while Susan and Larry were in St. Louis last weekend. See that front leg? BB gunshot wound. That's what happens when you go prowling around in someone else's yard. Don't get me wrong. I'm not against prowling. You'd just better know the neighbors. She's not bitter, though. She's just glad to get some lovin.

Arnie and Repunzel

See what happens when you leave Arnie here with Repunzel?

Ruthie's Big Adventure

Well, as you can see, Ruthie's making the big move to Colorado to work in Keystone Resort this winter. What an exciting adventure. She'll also be working with Summit Resort Ministries. She was welcomed by two inches of snow, new friends and roommates, and a new pair of warm boots (compliments of her Dad). Keep us up to date on what's happening on the mountain, Ruthie. I'm jealous.

Our Little Dogwoods

We planted these little dogwoods soon after we married. They speak different languages all year long. In spring, they burst with pink beauty. In summer they leaf out with moles gathering around their roots, blocking the view of the new shed I'm so proud of. But in fall, which is my favorite time of the year, by the way, they say that they are light deprived and their feet are cold; they will have to go away for a few months to hibernate. But, as they go, they will leave some pretty red leaves for us to admire. We'll see you next year when Ms. Wren comes back to her box to raise another family.