Gorgeous Gourds (not what you're thinking)

When we were at the Arboretum two weeks ago for my birthday, we hurried through a  part of the botanical garden which I am certain totally merits a return trip (honestly, it was growing dark, but candidly, we were rushing to get home to watch the first Presidential debate. Because, let's face it, I'm not missing that). Anyway, 

I have NEVER seen more pumpkins in one place in my life!

Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater's House

I failed to capture a photo of  Sleeping Beauty's carriage, but borrowed this one from the Arboretum's website:

Check out those topiary horses!

A pumpkin tree!

All I can say is pumpkin shortage? What pumpkin shortage?

It's Fall, Right?

Fall has a way of sneaking up on me, especially since living in Texas.  After all, who in their right mind would describe days where the temperature brushes 90 degrees "fall"?  Where I'm from, that's not even Indian Summer.  Most annoying is that no one here seems to know what to wear; the calendar says October but the number on the thermometer screams June (at least in most parts of the country).  At church on Sunday, I observed folks in shorts and sandals and others brazenly wearing boots and sweaters.  Oh, the disparity!

Perhaps all this head-scratching is why it's taken until today for me to even think about my autumnal and Halloween decorations.  Last year, I posted about how many fun and interesting fall and All Hallows Eve decorations these Dallasites seem to possess.  I'm even tempted to post a few more this year.  Believe me, there's a lot to take in.

I noticed last week, that one of my favorites is back:

Since I'm more inclined to focus on the scarecrows, mums (though for the record, not really a fan) and pumpkins rather than the bats, skeletons and witches, this is a favorite spot in my kitchen 

Isn't that little ceramic scarecrow candle topper adorable?
And I love when my kitchen smells like pumpkin spice.

After Halloween last year, I did stumble upon this cute, yet somewhat spooky, picture  frame on sale at Target.  I couldn't resist.  

I used a few of these photos and I'm thinking this may be a new favorite. 

My friends tell me I should be perusing Pinterest, but I'm more interested in the fall decorating that I can see in person and that help define where we live. I'm keeping my eyes open for more clever and creative decorations. If I stumble on some, I'll share, even if it requires that the air conditioning be on while I do it!