October Giveaway #1 and Local Color

It was one of the most beautiful weekends ever here in western Massachusetts. The highways, dirt roads, orchards (Apex Orchard in Shelburne is a must see! What a view!), pumpkin patches, coffee shops and restaurants were crowded with people out to see the leaves. We have a fond nickname for them - "leaf peepers" (as opposed to spring peepers which are little frogs that sing a lovely song which heralds the arrival of spring around here - listen to the spring peepers on this page). The local economy depends greatly on a good fall season. Bus loads of tourists travel through this part of New England and this year, nature is putting on a splendid show.


I've been out for a good walk with the dogs the past few days enjoying the local color knowing that November brings the somber tones of grays and browns. Truth is, this is the last natural color here on the blog until April. Are you ready for it? I'm not!



The lambs and ewes' fleeces are growing nicely - they are definitely getting ready for a winter wearing their warm woolen coats.


Yesterday, our neighbor Sid was haying. I loved the way his John Deere tractor and his orange baler looked against the autumn colors.


He'll be selling his round bales of hay all winter long to people who raise cattle and horses. Each bale weighs about 800 pounds.


This old farmhouse up the road has seen better days. Although it is rather run-down, it looks beautiful with its red roof from afar.



Lastly, today is the first of my October Giveaways. Here's what I have for you to win donated by the kind folks at Storey Publishing. Just in time for winter reading, I've got a stack of goodies for one lucky winner. (Please only US addresses - thanks.)

Jenna Woginrich's "Made from Scratch" (Jenna writes a nice country inspired blog here.)
Amy Cotler's "The Locavore Way" (Amy's food blog is here.)
Organic Body Care Recipes by prolific author Stephanie Tourles


Like many of my contests in the past, you'll have to answer an easy question in the comments section. Also, please be sure to leave an easy way to contact you with your comment.

What is your favorite autumn food? What do you just have to cook, bake or eat during the autumn season to herald its arrival?

Contest ends at midnight on Thursday, October 14th. I'll post the winner's name on Friday at noon. Good luck! There will be another contest next week so check back!