Kitchen, pumpkin, and Palin...oh my! October was full of wacky fun for the Howards. First, we started our grand kitchen renovation. And when I say we, I mean Geoff. He worked so hard sanding, priming, then painting the cabinets. Things actually look pretty good (except for the hardware he mounted without the guiding tool, which I specifically asked him to let ME handle)! Here's a pic of my handyman! The new stove is installed, and the last 2 steps are painting and tiling--which should be a grand adventure. Please stay tuned...
We also carved a pumpkin. And when I say we,
I mean Geoff. Here is a pic of his ingenious use
of the electric knife and his obvious determination
to have the best jack o'lantern on the block!
Last, but certainly not least, we dressed for the occasion.
And when I say we, I mean WE (haha--ticked you!).
Here I am as Tina fey's version of Sarah Palin.
Geoff was my secret service agent who could not be photographed for security reasons.
So the Glenn family piled into the Honda CRV and drove the 12 hours to northern Virginia to see their lovely daughter (sister to Connor and Shannon), and so the three women could participate in the national Walk Now for Autism. Mom, Shannon, and I got all dressed up in Auburn orange and blue and walked the two miles around the monuments downtown while the men slept in, cooked a big breakfast, and eventually made it downtown to see the last part of the walk (and Bob Dole at the the WWII Memorial). We capped the visit off by watching LSU fall to Alabama (BOOOOO...) and scarfing down wings--just like old times! I so enjoyed having my family here, and each time they come (or I go home), I realize more and more how much of a homebody I truly am. I miss them and the downhome comfort of small town Alabama much more than I ever thought I would. I love the opportunities here--museums, theatre, mountains, vineyards. But 
there just is no replacing the feeling of home. Sigh...
