*Entering* Autumn

Melissa at The Inspired Room had a wonderful "Drive By" treat for everyone. In following her lovely lead, I offer my version!

I have always loved to see a happy front door! How well it sets the mood for the entrance into our cozy, warm homes. You know what I mean right? A pretty entry way all dressed up and ready to greet visitors. And isn't it fun to change the door and porch finery with the coming of each new season?

I took a drive around the area last week and found some lovely homes that were tickled orange to see Autumn's *entrance* and had added a bit of seasonal magic to their own *entrances*! Come on, let's take a peek...

Upon returning to our own neighborhood, I took a little walk to see some of my neighbors' entry ways. Oh how I love Fall and how I love a happy door!

Hmm...well, here we are back at Rabbit Run Cottage. Uh huh, the little blue house. It may be small but oh how we love it here. I have been having a bit of fun with Fall decor...

This weekend, after these photos were taken, we added even more pumpkins and planted some burgundy mums as well. Have I mentioned just how MUCH I love Fall? Okay...so I HAVE but oh how I LOVE it!

I do hope you are all well and that your week will be sweet. I apologize for not being as good a bloggy friend as I should be of late. Real life has a way of sneaking in and stealing a bit of online time! Each one of you is so special and so appreciated.

Please know I think of each of you often and when I do, I break into the happiest grin...

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

Fruity Goodness Of A Weekend

Yum...doesn't this look good? It IS and the perfect thing for a Spring or Summer meal. Bill is out working in the yard, Grace is with a friend for the day, Daniel is getting ready for a date (Would you believe I actually purchased my son a hair gel containing pheromones? Yes I did. I was making a run (Okay, a slow trot) to the store and he asked me to pick up some of that slimy gunk. My words, not his, Ahem. I grabbed the tube that looked the most interesting, got home and voila! Gel with pheromones. Guaranteed to keep your hair frozen in place during a Category 5 hurricane AND attract females of every species at the same time. What a Mom I am right?) and I am inside futzing and puttering away. It is what I do best. Truly. I have a Master's Degree in both futzing and puttering. Graduated Summa Cum Laude in puttering. I am still having a great deal of problems with allergies this year and can not work outside too long so I am back indoors and planning dinner. Nothing better than a sneezing cook with red, weepy eyes is there? And yes folks, another couple will toss caution to the winds and brave dining with us. Poor souls. Neighbors who are very special to us are coming so I do hope I keep them alive. Fingers crossed! I apologize for being away from our sweet bloggy world so much this week. I am trying to make my rounds to visit all of you as I can. My allergy related eye problems are aggravated further by computer ! I can only be here a little at a time. Phooey. I had such a fantastic surprise yesterday evening! I had a call from the witty and glorious Mama P! I had the best time chatting her ear right off and even got to speak to her precious little guy, "Stink". Her daughter "Pip" had the good sense to decline a conversation with the "Bunny Lady" and I applaud her for that. We also plan on watching "Juno" after dinner. I have heard such wonderful things about it. Last night, we watched "Lars and the Real Girl". Such an engaging and heart warming film. Yes, Lars does order a "Real Doll" and begins to pass it off (To his family and the small town in which he lives) as his new girlfriend. That description might scare off some potential viewers but do not be mislead by this premise. This little gem of a film is anything BUT lewd or tawdry. It is sweet and absolutely delightful. Give it a try. I hasten to recommend films as not everyone adores indie, off the wall films as Bill and I do. So, I am simply *sharing* my affection for this little movie. Enough said! I do hope you are all having a sweet weekend...I just wanted to stop by and say hello and let you know that each one of you are so special!

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Fruit Tart

Cookie Crust
1	cup all-purpose flour
6	tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
2	tablespoons sugar
1	egg yolk
Filling
1	package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
3/4	cup marshmallow creme
3	cups assorted fruit
1/4	cup apricot preserves
1	tablespoon water

1.	Heat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, mix all crust ingredients, using fork or pastry blender, until soft dough forms. Press firmly in 12-inch pizza pan to within 1/2 inch of edge of pan. Prick thoroughly with fork. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely.
2.	In medium bowl, beat cream cheese and marshmallow creme until smooth. Spread evenly over crust. Arrange fruit on cream cheese mixture.
3.	In 1-quart saucepan, heat preserves and water over low heat, stirring occasionally, until preserves are melted. Cool slightly. Spoon over fruit. Store in refrigerator.

You can use refrigerated sugar cookie dough instead of the scratch cookie crust and it works just as well!

Variation

It is easy to customize this fruit tart by using fresh fruits of the season! Choose blueberries, raspberries or sliced kiwifruit, nectarines or strawberries to name a few. You can also vary the preserves to add your own personal touch.