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It is evident that autumn has officially arrived with trees gradually losing their leaves. It was windy yesterday, helping blow some of the leaves away. We mowed the grass, which got away from us with all the recent rains. I wonder how many times we still have to mow before we are done for the winter? We sure had some bumpy places to mow with all the construction equipment that has pulled through the yard this year to build our new house.

It is still early as I write this (4 a.m.) and my husband, Joe, has left for work. I know I have to get this letter out in today's mail. The days have a way of slipping by and I realized this morning that it is the deadline for me to get this column in the mail.

We are once again in a routine of having the children come home with homework. So we are settling into our "school year routine." Evenings are short with the children doing their homework, getting supper, doing chores, taking baths, brushing teeth and then getting settled down for bed earlier than in the summer. A good way to make the younger ones sleepy is to read to them once they are in bed, which is something I enjoy doing.

The children's school had an open house and supper one night this week to welcome in the new school year. Our children were disappointed that we were not able to go. It's just been so busy around here in the evenings working on the new house. It would be nice if we could get moved in this fall. That is our hope. Joe continues to work on the drywall. Some places are now ready to start sanding.

Today my brother-in-law Jacob and sister Emma and their 4-year-old Benjamin will come here to help with our new house once again. Jacob has a few days off work this week, and Joe is grateful for his assistance. My 4-year-old Joseph is so excited to have his cousin Benjamin coming today. Those two never get tired of each other.

On Saturday, Jacob's family took our Joseph and 2-year-old Lovina home with them for the night. They sure were tickled to be able to go, it is a treat for them to spend the night at their aunt and uncle's house. We then went there Sunday evening for a good fried chicken dinner and to bring the children back home.

I neglected some exciting news around this homestead. Our rat terrier, Frisco, had four little puppies recently, although she lost one. Joe came home from work in time to save the other three. This was her first litter. She is a good mother and very protective of her young ones.

With this being apple season, I've had readers asking for apple recipes. Try this delicious one for apple brownies

Amish apple brownies

1 cup butter, softened

1 3/4 cup sugar

2 eggs, well beaten

1 tsp vanilla

2 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking power

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

2 cups baking apples, peeled and chopped

1/2 cup pecans or walnuts

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until smooth.

Combine dry ingredients and add to butter mixture. Mix until flour is moistened. Fold in apples and nuts. Spread in a greased 9-by-9 inch baking pan and bake in 350 degree oven 45 minutes or until done. Serve warm with a drizzle of vanilla glaze using 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon hot water and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla.

L

ovina Eicher lives in rural Michigan with her husband and eight children. Readers with questions for Lovina can send them to: Oasis Newsfeatures, P.O. Box 2144, Middletown, OH 45042.