sunshine days

the plumeria from my mom is producing the nicest-scented blooms. they were supposed to be pink but i'm happy they're yellow. they look really pretty in the garden this time of year.

my niece alaina turned five. alaina's the sweetest little soul i've ever known. she gets excited over heart-shaped rocks and gushes over kati-cat's "little feet". she came with me to babysit and helped baby kev go down the slide by himself, saying things like "it's alright little buddy". oh the cuteness!

winter squash is in and i couldn't be more thrilled! kabocha is my favorite for its flavor, but i love that acorn squash is its own flower-shaped bowl. it's perfect with sweet sage butter, toasted walnuts and a side of garden green beans, and tastes even better reheated the next day for lunch.
 

these are the last of the sunflowers. it's actually one plant with multiple heads. i always say it - next year i need to plant more sunflowers! soon it will be time to plant the garlic and tulip bulbs for spring. oh where did the summer go? i'm certainly soaking in these last days!=)

p.s. honestly, it has hasn't been all sunshine over here. i've been feeling sort of sad and frustrated lately, but i like to keep my blog positive and not get into it here. i'm ok and don't want anyone to worry, just know that i haven't been around so much because i've been trying to rest my arm and keep to myself. i'm sure no one wants to read the rants that i'd be posting otherwise.=)