Signs of autumn ... and a fall

A series of rather loud and unsettling noises -- just ask my cats -- prompted me to head outside early Tuesday evening. And what to my wondering eyes should appear but a hot-air balloon! There, in the field next to my home, a balloon was hovering close to the ground.

It was attempting to take off again, firing up the burners and sending flames shooting to heat the air in the balloon.

But, as you see in the photo below, the attempts just weren't good enough. And the balloon keeled over, sinking to the ground.
A bit of a different sign of "fall."

Earlier in the afternoon, I had been out in the garden, taking a few photos of the remnants of a blooming summer. And some of the flowers still are looking pretty good. And there also were other notables, such as SPIDER MAN!

 SHADOW PLAY...

STRIKING BEAUTY.... 

A RECLINER...

MORE BLOOMIN' BEAUTY

AND A WEATHER PROGNOSTICATOR...

YEP, LOVING AUTUMN!

Sweet autumn is here...

Autumn is my favorite time of year! We've had some fabulous weather the past several days, and here are just a few shots from this wonderful season...

This critter was on my porch railing today. It took me by surprise, since I had never seen anything like it. Fellow Instagrammer Wade Fulp said it was probably a leopard moth, and after checking the Internet he appears to to be correct. Too cool!!

Had to have a tree cut down recently. The oak is gone, but the amazingly-shaped trunk  can still be seen. Love the leaf, too.

 A hardy cornflower still smiles at the fall weather.

 Gorgeous swan at Fischer's Park in Towamencin...

A view from my lane, looking down into one of my fields... Hope everyone is having a wonderful autumn!

Who are these people?

Cleaning out a basement is something like an archaeological dig.
There's plenty of dirt and debris, and every now and then you unearth a real gem.
It's embarrassing to say that, after filling up a dumpster, we're still at work on this  project.
But such is life after keeping far too many things throughout a lifetime, storing items after my parents died and having my daughter move back into the house years ago.
But one "interesting" find was "The Inside Story," a company newsletter from February 1976, back when The Reporter was known as the North Penn Reporter. Yes, I worked there back then, having retired as editor of The Reporter at the end of 2011.
Anyone recognize anyone here?
 

It's noted in the newsletter that the photo won first prize in the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association competition for Planned Classified Campaigns  and had been used in The Reporter as an ad promoting "Golden Oldies" in the classified section and was organized by the "classified girls."
If anyone knows Helen Harlow Schwartz, Diana Augustine or Harry Wurster, go ahead and rib them about this photo!
But I can't ignore my own "winning" photo. I'm not sure what year this photo was shot, but I must have been in junior high school. My 4-H entry at the annual Montgomery County 4-H  livestock show won grand champion that year.
Yep, that's me ... go ahead and laugh!

K-K-K-KNOEBELS!!

Saturday was gorgeous -- the perfect day for FINALLY getting back to Knoebels amusement park up near Catawissa. (Remember, you DO pronounce the K!).

Sure, they use an address of Route 487, Elysburg, but I like the name of Catawissa better... Besides, that's closer to where my sister lives, just over the mountain from Knoebels.

The park is great -- free parking, free admission, free entertainment, free use of pavilions if you want to take your own picnic lunch. You can get all-day ride plans or just buy some tickets if you don't plan to tackle many of the rides. There are plenty of places to rest, lots of trees and just a great family atmosphere. Check it out at www.knoebels.com

I've been wanting to ride the Black Diamond, which used to reign at Wildwood as the Golden Nugget   in my youth and had been bought by Knoebels.

The park has changed the ride quite a bit, but it's still great! There's even a small homage to Centralia-- that "hot spot" nearby!

 And of course I LOVE the carousel. I had to have an "up and down" horse, but my daughter chose an "outside" stationary horse so she could grab the rings as the ride spun past that fun challenge.

It's a blur on that ride!!

It's a little racy at the carousel.... and a little grumpy!! But the tunes are catchy!

Of course you have to try the wooden coasters .... The PHOENIX!!

And waiting to ride the Twister...

Should go without saying!!

Waiting to ride the big ferris wheel... the view was worth it!

You have to try the ice cream at the Old Mill ... the salted caramel truffle with hot fudge sauce was SO GOOD!!

Reminders of the floods are seen throughout the park... 

Yep, Knoebels -- k-nothing's more fun!!

Time for Philly Folk Fest!

It's that time of year again ... time for the Philadelphia Folk Festival to take over Upper Salford Township.
As a lifelong resident of Upper Salford, I've grown used to the weekend of music, crafts and, sometimes, mayhem.
But usually it's fairly routine and you're able to ignore the extra traffic and mega increase of people in Upper Salford. Plus, free passes never hurt.
Friday was a great day to head to the fest, as the weather was terrific. So off we went, and I snapped a few photos.
If you get the chance, head to the Old Pool Farm in Upper Salford this weekend. You have to experience the folk fest at least once in your lifetime. Why not this year?

Banjo, anyone?

 Think about it...

Perfect day...

 Cool craft area...

The. Best. Ice. Cream.

And from Vermont!!

Chillin'

 Loving the tunes...

 Philly Folk Fest will leave you smiling!

It's 4-H Fair time in Skippack!

Ah, yes, it's August. And time again for the Montgomery County 4-H Fair!
As a 4-H'er from a few years ago, and then as a 4-H parent when my daughter was involved in several clubs plus a club leader and volunteer, I have always loved the 4-H program.
So heading out to the 4-H Center on Route 113 in Skippack is a yearly treat.
I hope you'll get there on Saturday, if you haven't already stopped by to take in the sights and support the kids.
Here are a few photos of some of the 4-H friends you'll find there.
Don't miss it!