It always surprises me how green Indiana is in summer.

This part of the country that is not often visited by tourists, passerbys, or much of anyone besides the local residents, is a brilliant emerald in summer. The long, hot, humid days with afternoons scattered with rain showers keep the foliage lush; you can feel the transpiration. I look out my window and the well-established suburban neighborhood could almost be mistaken for a jungle; so much so that wild creatures, furry and otherwise, make it nearly impossible to harvest much from a backyard garden.

Summer in Indiana is the time when everything goes wild. Children are released from the over-scheduled confines of school and break forth to run and play at camp. In the evening, the buzz of insects creates a cacophony that can only be silenced by bats swooping overhead. Birds have returned from the south, searching for seeds and mates, while chipmunks create havoc. Even adults are enticed by summer to leave work early to play.

Only vehicle with capacity for 100

tetherball!! 

Summer at the lake with lush green grass and lily pads, a dip in the water to cool you off, early morning coffee and donuts on the boat, dogs, water sports, appetizers on the porch, and time with family. You can't beat it. Summer in Indiana is the best.

old wooden boats!

the bridge that causes so much strife!

everyone skiing and showing off!

barefooting at 60+ !!

This weekend has been rainy and dark

... which reminds me exactly of when we went to find the tree right before I left Indiana! Summer rain in Chile is not quite the same as winter rain in Indiana, but both recent experiences have been torrential downpours. This weekend I have enjoyed hearing the pitter-patter on the roof from the safety of my cozy home, tree hunting in the rain was somewhat less enjoyable. But on the day after Thanksgiving, the show must go on! Tis' tree hunting day.

a tree farm like no other

drying off in the wreath barn!

despite the rain, the place was packed! lines of trees being wheeled up for wrapping

I think Happy found a good one.

Let us not forget the joy of tying the tree to the car. In the rain. 

I know I'm really behind here, heck we're already a fourth of the way through December, but here's a little recap of Thanksgiving in Indiana... my first since 2007!

After two weeks of pies, and pies, and more pies, stuffing, bird, 'taters, and so much else, I must say I am happy to be back home in Chile where summer abounds, radishes can be pulled from the garden, and long sunny days keep us active. It was, however, wonderful to spend time with my family and friends, I miss you all already!

I must say that I think I know my way around a pie. 

What's your net weight in beans? 

Only way to make a moist bird is to get up close and personal.

pumpkin is really the easiest of pies and with Libby's its fail proof

so much relish tray...

few problems G&Ts can't solve... 

happy holidays :)

And then it did. Snow that is.

Last weekend, we awoke to a winter wonderland. Today, on Thanksgiving Day it has all melted, its not even that cold outside. Indiana weather at its finest, one day below freezing, the next 60F and balmy. While the softness of snow would make this holiday feel particularly cozy as we tuck into piles of stuffing, potatoes, pies, and turkey, we will be thankful for what we have just the same!

Happy Thanksgiving!