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As you all know, I LOVE Autumn. I LOVE Halloween. And I LOVE Pumpkins.

(and I love the word LOVE)

So, do you know what I did this weekend? I took a train to the burbs and spent the whole day outside enjoying everything I LOVE...the crispy, cool Autumn air...Halloween decorations...and Pumpkins.

Here in Philadelphia, Autumn has been pretty much uneventful because up until late last week, it's been unseasonably warm and humid. The leaves on the trees have barely changed because they've assumed it's still summer. I'm hoping we get a really good cold-snap in November so that the leaves morph into their traditional Autumn splendor.

Believe it not, even though Chestnut Hill is only 30 minutes outside of the city, the temperature is always a bit cooler, which is why I longed to escape there because I knew it would feel more like Autumn. And it did. I actually had to wear a light jacket, which felt euphoric to me.

I had soooooo much fun walking around the quaint little town of Chestnut Hill, eating, window-shopping, talking to people, and taking pictures. I was there for about five hours.

Oh, and speaking of pictures, this post is heavy with photographs. Sorry about that, but I just couldn't help myself because everything I looked at on Saturday was utterly fabulous. I just kept snapping picture after picture; especially the pumpkins.

Pumpkins to me are one of the cutest things in the world. Anytime I see them, I instantly smile. And not just with my mouth, but with my whole heart.

My heart...literally smiles💖😁

Please enjoy my Autumn Saturday in Chestnut Hill...

Yaaaaaaaay.....PUMPKINS!!!


And look at this adorable little scarecrow...


These next several photographs were taken inside a family-owned garden shop, which had all sorts of festive and detailed Halloween decorations...




I spotted this baby pumpkin tucked inside a flower display...


See, even Buddha loves pumpkins...


While there, I purchase three baby pumpkins from this bowl...


I had no idea there was such a thing as a Halloween II plant, did you? It's a black pansy...



Don't you love these bright orange sunflowers? They are so perfect for Halloween...


Every October, Chestnut Hill has a Harry Potter festival, in which everything is themed around all-things Harry Potter...



Apparently, this witch enjoys drinking Stella Artois CidreAnd even though it only contains 4.5% alcohol, you can tell from the look in her eyes that she had a major BUZZ going on...


Found this in a gift shop. Isn't it deliciously creepy?



This pumpkin was smokin' hot!....


Cake pops in the shape of bloody eyes...


Even though spiders freak me the hell out, I loved this Halloween display...


These next two photographs were taken of an abandoned old house that looked haunted.
When I got home, I edited them a bit to make the house look even MORE haunted...


I got the feeling that someone was staring at me through the windows.


Oh, and look....even witches text
Who knew?


Happy Pre-Halloween everyone!
X


32 comments:

  1. I'm glad you're getting some Autumn weather finally, Ron! Chestnut Hill looks like a lot of fun. We have not been to a pumpkin patch out here yet, mainly because i haven't researched where to find a good one. Plus, you know, it's sort of felt like winter already.

    I absolutely LOVE the disembodied hand holding the dangling candle. Please tell me you bought that!

    Enjoy all your pumpkins. They make me smile, too.

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  2. Wow, what a great way to spend the day! And once again you've given us a treasure trove of beautiful photos!

    These images really bring out the mood of Halloween. Your heart must have been smiling ear-to-ear with all these pumpkin pictures! And Chestnut Hill looks like such a beautiful little place!

    By now I'm sure you've noticed that it's freaking cold today, so I hope you're freaking satisfied!!! You KNOW how much I hate cold weather so I'm holding you personally responsible for the sudden drop in the temperature!! (Just kidding!)

    I think it's great that you can capture all this beauty and share it with the rest of us. Now go have a pumpkin latte and a slice of pumpkin pie. And if it gets any colder I'm gonna throw a pumpkin at your head! :)

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  3. Ron, I love pumpkins and Fall, too!! And please don't apologize for writing a post that contains so many photos -- by seeing what you saw on your outing, I felt like I was right there in Chestnut Hill with you!!
    We've got the same problem with Fall here -- it's weeks behind schedule! The grass and trees are still green, but at least the farmers have had some lovely cool days to get the corn and soybeans harvested.
    I haven't heard of a Halloween plant, but a black pansy seems appropriate for the season. And I so love that bowl of baby pumpkins -- glad you snagged a few of them! xo

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  4. Meeeeeeee too, Mark! And it's about time, you know? October started out feeling like July - HA! Yesterday and today were perfect Autumn days - crispy cool and invigorating!

    "We have not been to a pumpkin patch out here yet, mainly because i haven't researched where to find a good one. Plus, you know, it's sort of felt like winter already."

    I bet you'll find a faaabulous pumpkin patch where you live. Oh, how I've envied your fantastic Autumn (and Winter). Can't wait until we get our first snowfall of the year!!!

    Isn't the disembodied hand holding the candle stellar? I asked the woman in the store (the owner) if I could take photographs of the cool things she offered, and she said..."Yes, of course you can!"

    Aren't pumpkins the best? :)

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great week!

    X to you and Tara

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  5. Aw...thanks, Rob! I had so much fun getting out into the burbs and finally enjoying AUTUMN, that I couldn't stop taking pictures.

    "These images really bring out the mood of Halloween. Your heart must have been smiling ear-to-ear with all these pumpkin pictures! And Chestnut Hill looks like such a beautiful little place!"

    Yes, I sure did smile! My mother's side of the family used to live in Chestnut Hill. I remember going out there on Sundays and having dinner at my grandmother's house. It's such a charming and cozy little vintage town, but at the same time, very hip and modern.

    "I'm sure you've noticed that it's freaking cold today, so I hope you're freaking satisfied!!! You KNOW how much I hate cold weather so I'm holding you personally responsible for the sudden drop in the temperature!! (Just kidding!)"

    HA! Yes, I HAVE noticed how freaking cold it was today because I had the whole weekend off, therefore, I was outside enjoying every second of it. I know most people love warm weather, but I can't help it, I LOVE the cold of Autumn AND Winter. And speaking of cold, I was finally able to bring out my warm, cozy blanket to sleep with at night.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a faaaantastic week!

    X

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  6. Thank you, Debbie! :) I got so carried away with all the photos I took yesterday and decided, "Oh what the hell...I'm just going to post them ALL!" I didn't actually post all of them, but most of them.

    Aren't pumpkins and Fall faaaaaaaabulous? This is my favorite time of the year, so I'm savoring every second of it. I spent the whole weekend outside, enjoying the colder weather. OMG...I LOVE it!

    "The grass and trees are still green, but at least the farmers have had some lovely cool days to get the corn and soybeans harvested."

    Yes, I've heard that from many of my blogging friends from all over the US. But I'm glad to hear that the farmers had some cool days for the corn and soybeans. Yahooooo!

    I hadn't heard of a Halloween II plant either, so when I spotted it at the garden shop, I had to take a picture of it. I think it's such a cool color; especially for Halloween!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantastic week ahead!

    X

    P.S. I made a little centerpiece using those baby pumpkins for my apartment. I added some fake fall leaves and spice-scented potpourri to make my apartment feel and smell like AUTUMN.

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  7. Oh Ron, I LOVE this post! See, I love the word LOVE too LOL! No really, this post was such a joy to read because you can feel your love and joy for Halloween, pumpkins, and Autumn. I love this time of the year as well. What wonderful photographs. Chestnut Hill looks like such a beautiful and fun town. The photograph of the witch texting was hilarious. Love the speech bubble! I like the editing you added to the haunted house because it really does look haunted.

    Fun post, Ron! Happy Halloween X

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  8. Ron, you had me smiling all through this post! These pictures are SO GOOD! And you reminded me that my husband and I need to take a trip out to Chestnut Hill while it's still Autumn. We usually drive out there, but may take the train like you did. What do take, Septa Regional? And where does it leave you off?

    " And even though it only contains 4.5% alcohol, you can tell from the look in her eyes that she had a major BUZZ going on..." Oh my god, that made me laugh out loud. You are so funny! The look on her face is hysterical! The little Harry Potter dress is so adorable.

    I too am glad to finally get some cooler fall weather. The summer seemed as though it would never end. Do you know what I love about fall? Drinking a nice, dark, dry red wine because it goes so well with cooler weather.

    Thank you for sharing your love of pumpkins and fall, Ron. It's contagious. xo

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  9. Hey there Candice!

    " See, I love the word LOVE too LOL!"

    HA! I can't help it, but Halloween, pumpkins and autumn bring out the LOVE in me!

    Chestnut Hill is such a great little place to visit, especially during the holidays because it's so festive. They people there go all out during the holiday's with decorating.

    I took that photograph of the witch as I was walking past her. I was hoping it would come out because I was walking rather fast and thought that the picture might be blurry.

    That haunted-looking house I spotted on my walk from the train station to Chestnut Hill. They homes in the area are old and still standing. There is something so delicious about the architecture back then. The craftsmanship was incredible!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a grrrrrreat week and Halloween!

    X

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  10. What a fun day! I did something like that a week and a half ago, though it was the last warm day we had. Went with a friend and my middle child to a farm that sold all sorts of pumpkins and gourds, plus they had an old fashioned general store and a free antiques village to look around in each building. It was so much fun.

    Your two photos of those pumpkin headed men remind me of my kids making one every year and putting him on our front porch. I miss those days. The final photo of the texting witch is awesome. Thanks for brightening my day. XO

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  11. Hello there Elaine!

    Thanks :) Yes...I take Septa Regional from Center City to Chestnut Hill East. It's the last stop on the train and takes about 30 mins. It leaves you off about a 5 minute walk to Germantown Ave. Alternately, you can take the Chestnut Hill West train, which leaves you off directly on Germantown Ave. so that you don't have to walk at all. However, that train seems to frequently have issues with being down.

    Isn't the Harry Potter dress soooooooo cute? I forgot about the festival being in October, so it was VERY crowed. But that's okay because it was still relaxing and fun.

    "Do you know what I love about fall? Drinking a nice, dark, dry red wine because it goes so well with cooler weather."

    AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-men to that! This time of the year is the perfect time for red wine! Me too, I am so glad for this cooler weather. The summer was endless!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor. Have a fantabulous week!

    X

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  12. OMG...that sounded like so much fun! I'm hoping (next month) to make a trip out to Swarthmore, Pa, where they have the BEST Fall festival. I went there several years ago and LOVED it! I purchased the best pumpkin pie and cinnamon apple cider.

    Aren't the pumpkin head men a hoot? I love all the detail!

    I snapped that photo of the texting witch so quickly, I didn't know if it would turn out. And it's funny because after I took her picture, I walked past her and she looked up and said, "Hello!", as if she KNEW I took her picture. HA!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a most excellent week!

    And Happy Halloween!
    X

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  13. Ooooer, that hand gave me the creeps...lol. Loved all the photographs but have to confess that I had no idea it was Halloween time. The sun is blazing as I type and although quite cool nobody has gone into winter clothing. So unusual as to be slightly worrying!

    You certainly had a great time with your camera. I particularly liked the old houses, absolutely right for the time of year!

    Hope you have a good week.

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  14. HA! Valerie, isn't that hand so deliciously CREEPY?!?

    I know, hasn't the weather been incredibly strange? It's only been the past couple of days in which it actually felt like Autumn. It felt so good to finally be able to put on a jacket. Our summer here has been endless, so I'm incredible happy that it's over.

    I had such a great time. It's been awhile since I took out my camera, so it felt wonderful to be snapping pictures. Autumn always does that to me, it makes me feel more creative and inspired.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaantastic week!

    X to you and Charlie

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  15. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comMonday, October 22, 2018

    Witches text! Love it!

    Wow - what a fabulous outing you had. I must say, you guys really know how to do Halloween in style!

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  16. HA! I saw her sitting there texting and took a quick snap shot. I took it so fast (as I was walking past) that I didn't know if it would turn out.

    " I must say, you guys really know how to do Halloween in style!"

    Yes, here in the US, we REALLY go way out for the holidays. Halloween is such a big deal and I LOVE it. Lots of decorations and festivities.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a lovely week!
    X

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  17. Ron, the witch texting is priceless! I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan, so I loved the HP baby clothes. That dress is adorable! I'm happy to hear that you finally got some fall weather because I've seen on the news report that it's been a warm October. That's one of the things I miss living in Florida, we don't get that weather change that makes it feel like fall.

    Chestnut Hill looks delightful! What a festive little town! Your pictures are all fantastic, Ron!

    Happy Fall and Happy Halloween! X

    P.S. Are you getting dressed up this year or going to any parties?

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  18. These pictures ROCK, Ron! And I literally laughed out loud at the witch with the BUZZ going on and the one who is texting. You crack me up! The picture of the haunted house really does look haunted. It gave me the creeps. My girlfriend and I are Goth fans, so we love getting dressed up on Halloween. Last year we dressed as characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

    Fun post, dude! Happy Halloween!

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  19. I forgot to mentioned in my previous comment that I love the animated picture at the top of the post. That is so cool!

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  20. isn't that picture fantastic? It's called a cinemagraph. The photographer who creates them is so talented. Go visit his website where you'll find more!

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  21. Hiya Matt!

    HA! I loved the looked on the witches face so I couldn't resist the humor. That house looked haunted to me, so my imagination got carried away. I could have swore I saw a face staring at me through one of the windows - tee-hee!

    "My girlfriend and I are Goth fans, so we love getting dressed up on Halloween. Last year we dressed as characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas."

    OMG, that's faaaaaaaaaaabulous! I love that movie. In fact, I love anything by Tim Burton!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a excellent week!

    And Happy Halloween!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  22. Hola Denise!

    I spotted that witch texting as I was walking past a bookstore. She (and other witch) were reading Tarot Cards for people. I couldn't resist snapping a picture! Isn't that dress adorable? I love how small it is, it's so damn cute!

    Yes, we FINALLY got some Fall-feeling weather. And it's about time, the beginning of the month was incredibly warm and very humid. It truly felt like summer.

    " That's one of the things I miss living in Florida, we don't get that weather change that makes it feel like fall."

    I know what you mean because I felt the same when I lived in Florida. The seasons all seem to blur into one - summer.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Happy Fall and Happy Halloween to you too!
    X

    No, I'm not going to a Halloween party, but I will most likely dress up for work because I'll be working that day.

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  23. Ooooooo! I love everything about your post! Pumpkin spice and everything nice! This looks like it was a gloriously fun afternoon. I love, Love LOVE the ivy covered building/home. Then texting witch made me giggle. :-) It's finally turned chilly here with highs in the upper 50s to low 60s. The trees are turning, but not to peak yet. Hope you have more enjoyable Autumn days before the snow flies. Take care and be well, my friend.

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  24. Aw...thank you, Lisa! I was so happy to be out in the burbs, enjoying this season. Even though only 30 minutes outside of the city, it truly felt more like AUTUMN!

    "I love, Love LOVE the ivy covered building/home. "

    Isn't it faaaaaabulous? The homes in Chestnut Hill are magnificent because they are a reminder of how glorious the architecture was back then. The home, although very old, still stand there so beautiful and proud. The home in the picture was being renovated, which is why it appeared abandoned and empty. They don't make like that anymore.

    Glad to hear you're getting cooler temps where you live. Same here. Yesterday and today it was actually COLD, however, I'm not complaining because I've been longing for this after our FOREVER LONG summer.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantastic weekend!

    X

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  25. Wow Ron, every single one of the cinemagraphs on the website are amazing! I shared the link with my girlfriend who is a graphic artist and she was blown away!

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  26. Aren't they phenomenal? It's like watching a still picture come to life! They're just the coolest things!

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  27. Pumpkins are just so darned cheery. I need to get one.

    I really like that old, spooky house. It's so beautifully weathered.

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  28. Yes, I agree...pumpkins are just so darned CHEERY. Just the sight of them makes me SMILE :)

    Isn't that house fantabulous? You're right...beautifully weathered. I like how you said that.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're feeling well and that you had a peaceful and relaxing weekend.

    X

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  29. Ron, great selection of photographs! I love Halloween as well. The photo of the texting witch was hilarious!

    Happy Halloween!

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  30. Greetings Daniel!

    Thank you! Isn't Halloween awesome? Ever since I was a kid, Halloween has been one of my favorites because my parents both love it, so they always made feel festive and special!

    I saw the witch sitting there and couldn't resist taking picture!

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a fantastic Halloween and week!
    X

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  31. I saw this post a while ago, but must have forgotten to comment. That's where I am in life now. Days rushing by... cannot believe it's November and Ron just made reservations for his parents for Thanksgiving dinner. Crazy! Well, you know I enjoy Halloween... just not as much as you and my daughter do! haha She actually still has some decorations up!
    Delightful photos. Love the Buddha one! And sunflowers... ooh, one of my fav flowers. The abandoned house... soooo creepy, yet cool!

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  32. I know, Mary, can you believe how all the holidays are quickly approaching, one right after the other? I'm trying to take the time to stop, relax, and enjoy them before they're gone.

    Just was at your blog and read your Halloween post. LOVED it! I really loved decorations and how "all-out" your family goes with Halloween. So festive!

    I knew you would love the Buddha! Isn't it beautiful?

    "The abandoned house... soooo creepy, yet cool!"

    Isn't it? I reminded me a haunted house you see in a really scary and creepy movie. Speaking of which, I watched the original "Halloween" movie on Halloween night and had so much fun being scared. I turned out all the lights and sat in dark, while watching it. Which made it all the more scary.

    Oh ...and I also had a glass and a half of red wine- HA!

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