Friday Favorites: Perfect Hiking Weather!

 We had such a wonderful week!  It was packed with lots of hiking and outdoor time since our weather was just beautiful.  



Ian, Evan, and I went hiking with our hiking group on Friday.  We checked out a new trail at Natchaug Forest and it was just beautiful! 








We had tons of frosting left over from Evan's birthday cake and it was just sitting in our fridge.  I looked up what to do with leftover frosting and found a recipe for frosting cookies. I baked up a batch and they were a huge hit with the whole family!



After getting home from Alec's karate class, I spent part of my afternoon crafting another set of Christmas cards.  I am loving this set!  I whipped up another set of cards on Sunday too.



We saw a spectacular sunset on our way home from Lowe's Sunday night; I had my husband stop the truck so I could get a picture!



Evan and I headed out hiking on Monday.  We checked out Sprague Farm Town Forest and hiked a portion of their trails. 





Ian came with Evan and I on Tuesday and we hiked at George Washington campground... getting in a much longer hike that we had planned on or anticipated!  It was great but I was really worried that I was going to be late to pick up Alec!





Alec had Veteran's day off and I planned a hike for us all.  We did have to turn to our app for a bit as part of the trail was flooded and we had to find a way around.  It was a beautiful hike though.







I eat fresh fruit with nonfat Greek yogurt and a small (1/4 cup) scoop of granola.  I am always trying out new varieties of granola and am just loving this protein packed variety by Nature Valley.  Even on my new PersonalPoints plan it's only 3 points for my whole breakfast!



Linking up with: On the Edge, 





Comments

  1. Julie's Creative LifestyleNovember 12, 2021 at 6:50 AM

    That’s awesome that you were able to get out for all of those hikes this week. I enjoyed looking at the photos of the lake and trees. Have a nice weekend Joanne.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne November 12, 2021 at 11:41 AM

      I know the cold weather is coming soon and I am trying so hard to soak up all the beautiful weather while I can!

      Delete
  2. HollyNovember 12, 2021 at 7:21 AM

    More beautiful hiking pics- love them! Have a great weekend :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Memphis BridgesNovember 12, 2021 at 7:24 AM

    Such beautiful scenery captured! Have a good weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Tamar SBNovember 12, 2021 at 7:42 AM

    Oh my gosh, that sunset!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dara @ Not In JerseyNovember 12, 2021 at 7:49 AM

    Is that a snake? I love the sunset! I have leftover frosting too, frosting cookies sounds interesting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne November 12, 2021 at 11:42 AM

      It was a snake! Thankfully my sons didn't spot it until I was well away from it and I just zoomed in with my camera. Yeah I was intrigued too but the basic premise is that since buttercream frosting is just butter and sugar creamed together and most recipes start with "cream together the butter and sugar" that it works by adding just a few other ingredients in!

      Delete
  6. Lindsay's Sweet WorldNovember 12, 2021 at 8:35 AM

    Your Christmas cards are beautiful! I love that you make your own. It adds such a special, personal touch.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Andrea NineNovember 12, 2021 at 8:41 AM

    Gorgeous Cards! I have never heard of frosting cookies before with the frosting inside but gosh it sounds delicious! That is my idea of perfect hiking weather as well! Unfortunately it’s cold now and winter has arrived in Indiana. But hoping for some more weather like this!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasNovember 12, 2021 at 10:35 AM

    Joanne,
    Gorgeous scenery! I used to love hiking but now after my Knee Replacement, I am fearful of falling as my balance is not good.....Thanks so much for stopping by !! It is pouring buckets here today...again!!!
    Have a great weekend!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne November 12, 2021 at 11:36 AM

      It's pouring here today too; and it looks like we'll have another rainy day tomorrow so I try to get out whenever the weather is nice.

      Delete
  9. the 4 M'sNovember 12, 2021 at 10:51 AM

    The sunset! The snake! Those are gorgeous shots. Love any hike with water.
    www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne November 12, 2021 at 11:43 AM

      Thanks! Though I'm not really a huge fan of finding snakes on our hikes...

      Delete
  10. Good Better Best FoodNovember 12, 2021 at 11:39 AM

    You always have the most beautiful photos on your site. Hope you have more time to enjoy the outdoors this weekend.

    Patty
    Goodbetterbestfood.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Maria JanssonNovember 12, 2021 at 1:09 PM

    I really enjoy your nature photography. Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Sparkles and LattesNovember 12, 2021 at 1:22 PM

    I love granola bowls like that. And it does look like beautiful hiking weather there right now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne November 12, 2021 at 3:04 PM

      It has been wonderful this fall... just very wet because on those not so great hiking days we've gotten lots and lots of rain!

      Delete
  13. R's RueNovember 12, 2021 at 2:30 PM

    Your photos of nature are stunning. Your breakfast looks delicious. I love those Christmas cards.
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Kim CarberryNovember 12, 2021 at 2:39 PM

    What lovely weather you've had. It looks great for all the hikes. What gorgeous scenery x

    ReplyDelete
  15. Michele SomervilleNovember 12, 2021 at 4:21 PM

    Beautiful pictures, except
    of course, the snake! Loved the pumpkins too. Michele

    ReplyDelete
  16. MicaNovember 12, 2021 at 5:11 PM

    That sunset is just amazing! We always get the best sunsets and sunrises in autumn and winter too! :)

    I've never heard of frosting cookies before either, thanks for sharing!

    Hope that you are having a good weekend :) Thankfully the rain has stopped here.

    Away From The Blue

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne November 13, 2021 at 5:35 AM

      Thank you! We're in for another big storm today but then it looks like our weather will be clearing up a bit.

      Delete
  17. Jodie's Touch of StyleNovember 12, 2021 at 5:52 PM

    It's so impressive all of the hiking you do. Which is exactly why you needed those frosting cookies, haha.
    I just LOVE the cards you made. I used to make cards but nothing as beautiful.
    XOOX
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne November 13, 2021 at 5:36 AM

      LOL! I often say I need cookies or ice cream after hiking too but in all honesty I think it's the sweet tooth that necessitates all the hiking!

      Delete
  18. Women Living Well After 50November 12, 2021 at 6:04 PM

    Gorgeous scenery and hiking is great to stay active in mind,body and spirit. Loved your photos I'm visiting from #weekendcoffeeshare

    ReplyDelete
  19. Nancy 's Fashion StyleNovember 13, 2021 at 2:36 AM

    What a amazing hikes! I made my own granola bars last week for the first time, so good! Your Christmas cards are beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne November 13, 2021 at 5:37 AM

      I haven't made my own granola bars in along time but I used to love trying new things in the mix.

      Delete
  20. DawnNovember 13, 2021 at 12:59 PM

    So many gorgeous hikes. I love them all. Also, your Christmas cards are stunning.
    Blessings, Dawn

    ReplyDelete
  21. Janet AlcornNovember 13, 2021 at 1:42 PM

    Love the pics and the Christmas cards. And cookies made from frosting?? If I ever had leftover frosting, I'd totally try that.

    ReplyDelete
  22. NatalieNovember 13, 2021 at 7:11 PM

    Beautiful hiking trails and sunset. Good thing you didn't step on the snake. Thank you for linking up with #weekendcoffeeshare.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne November 14, 2021 at 9:52 AM

      I was so glad I didn't even see that snake until I was well passed it and my younger son pointed it out. I don't mind them from afar but really do not like when they are close to the trail where I am!

      Delete
  23. csuhpat1November 13, 2021 at 7:38 PM

    So very beautiful. What an amazing hike, very lovely. #weekendcoffeeshare

    ReplyDelete
  24. Sunshine and BooksNovember 14, 2021 at 7:45 PM

    You have the most beautiful hiking trails near you. I love that you can always find new places to explore.That sunset was gorgeous! I hope you had a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne November 15, 2021 at 5:06 PM

      Thank you! I love finding new trail to try out; though it does seem to get more and more challenging.

      Delete
  25. NatashaNovember 15, 2021 at 6:23 AM

    Your cards are so elegant. And I would have made someone stop so I could get that sunset picture too -- it's stunning.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Gary A WilsonNovember 15, 2021 at 9:39 AM

    Hi Joanne, Your photos are always great. I think you enjoy that camera a lot! Living in such beauty -- must be such a blessing.

    If you are a Sci-Fi fan at all, consider yourself invited to spend an hour with my new story, 'Defending Canopy Station',
    I spent my weekend finishing it and it's a David v Goliath, space battle, nerd fest.
    https://garyawilsonstories.wordpress.com/defending-canopy-station/
    Have a great week

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne November 15, 2021 at 5:06 PM

      It's not my favorite genre but I have definitely read sci-fi before; I'll go check it out.

      Delete
  27. LyshaNovember 15, 2021 at 9:57 AM

    Beautiful hikes! Great shot of that snake.

    ReplyDelete
  28. NY Foodie FamilyNovember 15, 2021 at 8:39 PM

    Wow you had some really great hikes last week! That sunset is beautiful and so are your cards! Hope you had a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  29. KirstinNovember 16, 2021 at 12:30 PM

    Your cards are so pretty. The cookies look yummy. That was a very cool shot of the snake. Hope you're having a great week

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne November 16, 2021 at 12:39 PM

      Thank you! The cookies were delicious; they even held up to my baker's high standards.

      Delete
  30. LeanneNovember 18, 2021 at 2:07 AM

    Loved all the hiking pics and that beautifully coloured sky. It sounds like you're making the most of the weather while you can.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne November 18, 2021 at 5:53 AM

      Thanks! We sure are. I just know ice and snow will settle in soon and that makes hiking so hard.

      Delete

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