IT'S PUMPKIN & MUM TIME

Fall is beautiful, cooler temps, the Canada geese are returning, leaves just starting to get a hint of autumn color and of course not to mention the pumpkin patch.  A stop at Councell Farms, a farm stall on Rt. 50 on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.  A great place to pick up a amazing and hard to beat selection of pumpkins, beautiful mums, and not to mention the selection of vegetables.  They have a wonderful pumpkin patch, I was not risking walking back down the highway to take photos, as tempted as I was.  The last pic taken on Rt. 33 to St. Michaels, Maryland - a fall display out on the grassy verge of a very grand entrance and driveway to a magnificent home.  A beautiful drive today - all part of a day's work!!!

WHITE TAILED DEER - RESIDENT DAILY GUESTS IN MY GARDEN

Yes, they snack on my plants but there are enough to go around and share - I love the wildlife and would rather have them around than not.  I don't use toxins in my garden and sometimes use Irish Spring soap around the plants I want to deter them from, or spray with eggs blitzed up with water in the blender - this has been very successful for me, you do need to reapply after it rains.  Their favorites are the Hostas, Oakleaf Hydrangeas, Roses, and the ripe figs that fall of the tree onto the grass.  I plant enough other deer resistant plants, they don't touch my ferns, grasses, Purple Cone Flowers and Black Eyed Susans, so I interplant.   4 newborn spotted fawns have made their appearance this year and we have one buck with a rather nice rack!!!!  A regular little family that are most welcome guests.  

Annapolis City Dock

Ego Alley, where boats strut their stuff, hopefully do perfect turns at the end with everyone watching.  Ice cream and pizzas while sitting dockside watching the boats, the people and the ducks.  The Kunte Kinte memorial, great place for reflection on the role that Annapolis played in slavery, and where little ones climb all over and explore the bronze statues with fascination.  Pubs-a-plenty with great oyster shooters.  Oysters,  Blue Crabs rule with lots of crab soup - love them both - Cream of Crab and Maryland Crab, crab cakes and steamed whole crabs by the dozen, drenched in Old Bay Spice to be found in the market place and restaurants.  Cute shops, great place to hang out, listen to music, relax and enjoy the beautiful weather.

FUNGI VISITORS THAT POPPED UP IN MY GARDEN, ONE SUMMER DAY.

SHOPS OF THE HISTORIC "MARYLAND AVENUE", ANNAPOLIS, MD

Maryland Avenue is quaint and historic shopping street in the Historic downtown area of Annapolis, a narrow cobbled street flanked on either side by old 2-story buildings and Victorian homes, restored and some lived in, some bustling with business.  There's a coffee shop, an Irish Pub, a barber, a flower shop, and then numerous art galleries, design and living shops and gift shops.  It is off State Circle and well worth a meander to discover treasures, or just enjoy the atmosphere of a lovely area.