The gnomes of Aurora

Although the multi-colored sprinkles distracted her for a moment, the cake was defenseless as Herself had her very first birthday cake (and party) on Sunday. It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm as our hearts (awww) and she was cuter than ever, even while devouring the bakery. Her Mom said that it was the most she had ever eaten of anything.
These little folks were doing some fall chores, perhaps gathering fire wood for their home under the steps. I wonder what it's like inside and if field mice feed on their young.

Lastly, for today, the amazing willow trees; beautiful, sad and melancholy weep-a-day wooden mirrors of life. My grandmother told a story of how the willows drooped because a young lady who lost her love cried for days under the tree, the details of the tale are long lost but the essence is fresh. Fresh as fall in Northern Ohio.