Howdy-do gals!
My goodness, it’s hard to believe my daughter just started 5th grade this week! Kids are back in school, the days are still warm but the evenings are cooling down and I just noticed yesterday several leaves peeking through my maple tree have already turned the color of butterscotch! I just picked up a few Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin and Fresh Balsam candles from Bath and Body Works and I’ve already started burning them! I just couldn’t wait! Their wonderful fragrance has got me in the mood for the change of the season. As soon as school starts, I like to get a head start on ushering in the glories of fall! So this next week I will be pulling out my bins of Autumn leaves, pumpkins, acorns, twigs and branches and begin to festoon my home with the sights, sounds and aromas of fall. It may seem too early for some of you, but I’ve got ants in my pants…I just get so excited when it comes to this time of year! (Why delay the joy?)
Before I get going with my fall decorating I wanted to tell y’all that I just got back from a delightful trip to a few darling Missouri towns that were just dripping with charm! It was our last Hurrah for the Summer. I’m so excited to share with you pictures of my trip….I’ve got lots to show you so go grab something yummy to drink and settle in for a rollicking arm-chair tour of our beautiful small town America…
Our first stop was the quaint town of St. Charles, Missouri. St. Charles is on the banks of the Missouri River, the exact spot where Louis and Clark began their expedition to explore uncharted territory west of the Mississippi back in 1803. It is one of the most documented American adventures. Here in the heart of old town, it truly is Main Street USA! So Disneyland-ish! A canopy of lush trees hung over cobblestone streets and lamplights glowed a festive ” welcome neighbor” to passers-by in front of Centuries old homes and shops. 
Main Street is polka-dotted with Turn-of-The-Century homes, outdoor cafes and quaint shops. Each one is lolli-pop candy for the eyes…the architecture is stunning and whimsical…look at all of the detail, it’s all so sweetly scrumptious!
Don’t you just wonder what the folks who live here are having for dinner tonight? I wonder if there is a pie in the oven? If there is, I bet it’s peach! (my favorite).
I wanted to take this sign home with me…but they said no. (that’s not very nice.)lol
How adorable is this scrapbooking store?! I love the flag garland and rick-rac trim along the roof line!
This dollhouse of a shop is called Cobblestone. It’s filled with all kinds of primitive and colonial goodies….come-on lets go inside!
Oh my! They’re all ready for fall! Cozy pumpkins and cinnamon colored garlands graced every nook and cranny…
I love all of their autumn goodness…now do you see why I’m in the mood for fall?
Summer Rose and I in front of an old fashioned front porch….I love a home painted barn red with white trim! You may notice my hair is way darker and shorter…well, there is a story behind that! The day before our trip, I stopped in a hair salon to see if they had time to give me a color touch up and a quick trim (normally my daughter in California styles my hair)….two hours later I walked out with BLACK hair….yes black…Elvis black. Not the “golden brown” I asked for. Not quite the farm-girl look either. And it was quite a bit shorter than the simple trim that I asked for too. Oh dear. Not good. I could have easily cried, but this wasn’t the first hair-do disaster I’ve had, ( Yes, I’ve had some doozies…just ask my sister Sherry….let’s see, there was the Star Trek Spock haircut…the Poodle-Do and the Brillo Pad Perm…oh boy could I tell you some stories!) I knew that it was a temporary situation. But I was still shocked when I looked in the mirror. I called ahead to my hubby to lament a little and to warn him about it. My hubby (being the funny guy that he is…always trying to make sweet lemonade out of a lemon) sang an Elvis song when I got home ( “she’s a hunka hunka burnin love”). Such a funny boy. He did give me a big hug and reminded me of what I had been telling myself…”it will fade in a few weeks”. I had made up my mind that I wasn’t going to let this spoil my fun. I also knew that I had to keep my chin up for my daughters sake. She is at that pre-teen age and very impressionable, she didn’t need to see me falling apart over something like this. I was honest in letting her know that I did not like it, but that it was temporary and would be over in a matter of a few weeks. Our kids are watching how we react to life situations. Sometimes, for our children’s sake, we need to put our big-girl-pants-on when we would rather melt in a puddle of tears. Hey life goes on….and it is short and precious, and I don’t want to waste a minute of it being depressed, so if it means I have to go around with Elvis hair for a little while….then so be it….I choose to be joyful….. “Thank you…thank you very much”. LoL
Now, back to the charm of St. Charles…..Just across the street from this adorable turn-of-the-century cottage was a darling outdoor cafe called Little Hills….
The sun was setting, the crickets were chirping and the air was balmy and warm…the perfect setting for a relaxed evening summer supper. We brought my mother-in-law with us on our trip…her name is Ruth too!
After dinner, we walked down to the river….
Passed the train station….
and came upon an outdoor summer concert. Just beyond the gazebo the Missouri River gently rolled by. Reflecting the setting sun, shimmering like liquid gold. Spectacular!
We spent a little time in St. Louis…..the arch is amazing…you just don’t realize how big it is until you get real close!
Summer wanted to touch it…here she is at the base of it. They have an elevator inside the arch that will take you up to the top so you can view the city on one side and the river on the other.
The St. Louis Arch symbolises the Gateway To The West and faces the Mississippi River…this is the view.
I took this picture out of the window as we were driving through downtown St. Louis. The ivy and flowers flowing down look so lovely…I love that someone took the time to add more beauty to this already stately building.
We headed north….our destination: Hannibal Missouri, birthplace of Samuel Clemens, also known as Mark Twain, famous writer of the beloved classics Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. We drove about and hour and a half passed beautiful farms and forests. A summer storm was brewing up a dark sky which made the green fields that much brighter.
We took a picture of this sign for our daughter Ashley…love you pumpkin pie!
Hannibal Missouri….a town that has seen a lot of history! If the mighty Mississippi could talk, I’m sure it could tell some facinating stories!
Mark Twains boyhood home…208 Hill Street. It was established in 1853. Mark Twain wrote about his experiences here and the people he knew, changing their names and embellishing the facts to produce his amusing american adventure stories. The sign says ” Tom Sawyers Fence: Here stood the board fence which Tom Sawyer persuaded his gang to pay him for the privilege of whitewashing. Tom sat by and saw that it was well done.”
Is that Mark Twain peeking through the upstairs window?
Becky Thatcher’s home is right across the street from Mark Twain’s. Becky was the fictional character in Twains book Tom Sawyer, but she was a real person and her true name was Laura Hawkins…a dear friend of Mark’s. As you can see it was in the process of renovation.
How romantic is the last line in this sign…”Tom thought Becky to be the essence of all that is charming in womanhood.” Ahhhh!
We took a tour of the town on the Mark Twain Clopper….
Barney was the name of the horse.
I just love this photo…it would be gorgeous blown up and framed! Look at the detail…just stunning!
It is the Hickory Stick Quilt shop….take a look inside….
Here is Summer, modeling a darling apron made from blue jeans! Love the red rick-rac
They had a pattern for the Lilly Apron which I thought was adorable!
If you are in Hannibal, you just gotta ride on a riverboat on the Mississippi River! It’s a thrilling experience when you think about the history and stories of this famous river! As a little girl, I used to jump rope to a rhyme that went:
Spell Mississippi with a capitol M-i-
Crooked letter-crooked letter -i-
Crooked letter- crooked letter -i-
Hump back-hump back -i
Down the Mississippi where the steam boats push!
(And now I was on the actual Mississippi! So fun!)
The water was a little muddy….it made me think about Mississippi Mud Pie!!
A view of Hannibal from the water.
Oh my goodness! This is the REAL Tom Sawyers Island!! If you’ve read the book or have been to Disneyland, you know what I’m talking about! I had no idea that it actually existed!
Me and Summer on the old Miss!
This is what the banks of the the Mississippi looks like. A close up of Tom’s Island.
Many of you have asked about what camera I use….I have a couple cameras: This is the one I carry with me in my purse all the time…you just never know when a great photo opp. will arise! I like to be ready! I love this camera so much I’ve already married it! I used it to take all the pictures on my trip. It ‘s small and lightweight, comes in this pretty gold color, and takes fabulous photos…and it’s easy to use! LOVE IT!! It is the Canon Powershot SD880 , you can click here to find it on Amazon…I got it for Christmas last year.
Well, we had a wonderful time exploring parts of our wonderful America! I’m so glad you took the time to stroll down Main Street America with me! Now I’m back home and it’s time to get my nest all comfy and cozy as I look forward to the joys of havest time. Thank you Sugar Pie Sistas for always leaving me such heartwarming comments…I so love that you take a few moments to let me know you like what you see here. It means so much to me!!
Sugar Pie Blessings to y’all!!
Aunt Ruthie
P.S. If you haven’t checked out the Girl-Talk forum, please do! Our Sugar Pie Sisterhood is a wonderful group of gals who are so welcoming, encouraging and full of great ideas to help you make your house a home. They couldn’t be friendlier…..it’s like chatting with a sweet neighbor over the backyard fence!! I am so proud of all of my Sugar Pie Sistas who participate!
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Thanks for taking us on vacation! And I think your hair looks great. :)
Ahh, I’m so glad you got to visit Hannibal. Such and interesting place and I love the shops. The Breadeaux Pizza place is our favorite place to eat in Hannibal. My daughter just graduated from Hannibal LaGrange college there this past Spring. I am going to miss visiting there after 4 and a half years.
Cheryl
Looks like you had a great trip. Love your hair short, you look younger!
I think your hair looks great ! You will have the hair you love back again soon. Wonderful pixs! I grew up in St. Joseph, Missouri, and looking at all the scenery brings back memories ! By the way, love the “thank you very much” line. Very cute ! Maybe you don’t blog every day, but when you do, it’s like reading a favorite book ! God Bless your happy fall !
Ruthie, that looks like a very fun trip! You are so right to choose to go with the flow on your darling hair…I just got mine done too..by my regular girl. It came out a little striped. It looks like something a 20 year old girl would have. Oh well. I do have a question for you. Is that a cherry necklace that you have on in the picture of you and Summer? Where would a girl get one of those?
Hi Ruthie,
Love the pics and am just as excited as you about Fall! I have two little ones and we are already planning their costumes for Halloween. That one St. Charles building in your picture (called the Mother-in-Law House) is where my company had their Christmas party last year.
p.s. Love the hair! It makes you look more “Italian”. I’ve always wanted dark hair, but could never pull it off. I’m envious!
Oh Aunt ruthie-I want to go on your nest trip with you!!! I love the posts-you make us all feel like we belong right there with you!!
Thanks for sharing some good old fashioned goodness with us Sugar pies sistas!!
Hugs,
Colleen
Loved your vacation pics – and I’m in LOVE with your hair! You really look younger with the shorter, darker hair style. No foolin’!
Hi Rutie,
Thanks again for yet another amazing post and allowing us to “go on vacation with you”. What a wonderful trip! It looks like you and your family really enjoyed yourselves. Makes me want to plan a trip out that way soon!
And by the way, I honestly love your new hairstyle! But I understand where you’re coming from. I think we are our worst critics. Good for you for not letting it get you down. But really, I think it looks great!
Melissa
I think your hair is fine! I really like the length and if anyone can pull off Elvis black – it’s you! LOL. Glad you had a fun family trip. I am going to be doing something similar in my home state this fall. I can’t wait.
It looks like you had a terrific trip. And I gotta say, I know it’s not what you wanted, but I think the Elvis hair is cute! That’s probably because of your sparkling personality that shines through. You’d probably be adorable even with one of those old nylon bathing caps that women used to have to wear in community pools :)
Ahhh, you ARE Italian, Ruth Ann! LOVE the hair…yes, you DO look younger…hipper…refreshed!
Ruth, thank you so much for sharing photos of Mark Twain’s hometown, I love everything he’s written, especially his autobiography, and it’s lovely to see the actual town; so bucolic and charming!
We are all revved up for Autumn here, too. Promised myself I would wait until August 31st to decorate for fall and pull out my Susan Branch cookbook Autumn.
Thanks for another great post! Oh, and I think your hair looks mighty fine.
Yours,
Country Girl
I loved all the photos you posted..what a magnificently cute, charming yummy town…Oh and I love your hair and cut!!! I’m just sayin…I think it looks really pretty on you..but I have had horror stories too and this is not what you asked for..so I know what you are saying…I think you look good though..have a wonderful weekend.:)
What a wonderful holiday. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous photos. I soo want to live in St Charles!! Lisa
I’ve never stopped in St Charles, but Hannibal is one of my favorite places to spend some time. So much to see and do! Isn’t that quilt shop wonderful? I’ve picked up some great things over there in the antique shops. Great pictures, great fun. Wish we’d run into you there. We’re a jump ahead of you; we’ve already started to deck the house in \fall\.
Debbie
Ruthie,
You were in my neck of the woods! I live about 40 miles from St. Louis. I love St. Charles, we go there often. My favorite store is the Cobblestone Cottage. I love that place. Looked like you have a lovely trip. I love all the pictures of your family and Summer Rose. My daughter is about the same age. You should have stopped by my house, I would have made you that pie.
Carey
Hi Ruthie,
I just love reading your web site. You do such a lovely job! I’m always looking forward to your next post. Thanks for sharing your vacation with us. It looks like you had a lovely time.
My family did alot of one day/two day vacations days this summer. Stop my blog to see our pictures too!
Also I think your hair looks just lovely! The color really brightens your smile!
Have a blessed week,
Karen
I think the new do and color is darling on you! What a wonderful trip, I love the ones that involve lots of history..and quilt shops!
RuthAnn, I absolutely LOVE your hair. It’s a great cut and the color suits you beautifully. I’ve been wanting to go to St. Charles the next time we are in St.Louis, now I know I have to go!
Have fun getting your house spiffed up for fall, I’m about to do the same. I cannot wait any longer!
Debra
You may not want to hear this, but you look beautimous with your hair this color! One very glam momma :) Sometimes the most beautiful changes come from accidents, don’t they?
Oh my I love me some St. Charles! It’s one of my all time favorite Main Streets. I have so many treasures i bought there way back when. Loved the Christmas store too! But the red brick roads were awesome! My sister and I flew into St. Louis for a Joyce Meyer conference and rented a convertable and just drove everywhere!
Ruthie ann
I really like your haircut. It is adorable. Thanks for posting a really fun trip and the history is awesome. I would love to go back in time and see how all those strong women lived. I decorate primative and country similar to you. Did you bring back a treasure? I saw lots of goodies. Thank you. Blessings you you. Kathy
Love your hair and the post. Those towns are so inviting. Would love to visit St. Charles. Looks absolutely charming.
Beautiful photos – love old buildings like these! And, your new do is so flattering and youthful! Wendy xx
I like your hair. New cuts, and colors can be hard to adjust to but rest assure, you look great! Loved seeing pictures from your trip. I love small town charm.
Thanks for the great pictures. I do believe Tom Sawyer is still my favorite read. Been there many times with my hair!! It doesnt look too dark to others. Beautiful lady, Beautiful hair.
Hey darlin’! You are the most precious thing ever! ever!
I always want to go and smile at my little ones whenevver i get done reading one of your post. Loves, and hugs.. ~Melissa (baileyton, al)
Hi Ruth Anne!
You took some wonderful pictures! Thanks so much for sharing them with us.
I too am looking forward to autumn. My children don’t start school until the 8th of September so I will be waiting to decorate until then. We are also having a Spanish exchange student come to live with us for two months and I am really excited about him experiencing a traditional Thanksgiving! Here in Canada, Thanksgiving falls the second Sunday in October. Since this may be the only time in his life he ever celebrates it, I’m planning on doing it up right! :) So, thank you for the inspiration!
I’m joining the “love your hair” club. I loved it before too! However, you can pull off the darker colour and shorter style. You look lovely. :)
Take care and thanks for the wonderful post!
((Hugs))
Laura
Hey girl!! You took some great pictures!! I remember the hustle and bustle of getting the kids back to school…they are grown up now ( they do leave eventually, who knew??)lol
Love your blog!!
God Bless you!
I love your hair. And the pictures of your trip are beautiful! What a fun place to go!
Oh my gosh, thanks for the beautiful trip. It almost makes me feel like I was there with you. Its awesome how you are enjoying life so, and I thankyou for sharing it with all of us. BTW, the hair? Just last week my ash brown dye job turned into Elvis as well. I guess we can smile or get the blues. You smiled and so will I:)
Ruthann – I am loving your hair – it looks great ! What a fun trip – thanks for sharing! =]
How fun for you and your family!!! I have been to the Hickory Stick. It is sooo much fun. I also had the Lily Apron on my blog. The designer Michelle is so precious. St. Charles is so nice also. We loved it there.
Hope your summer is going well. I am enjoying your forum. I have met a lot of sweet ladies for sure. I love it!!!!!!
Blessings, Linda
Prairie Flower
Awesome entry and photos. Makes me want to take a trip right now!
The dark hair looks great with your skin coloring. Very glamorous and striking (think Joan Collins). It was probably just such a big change that it gave you a shock. Believe me, it suits you very, very well.
You are tooo funny, Ashley told me about your hair “disaster”, but I’m with the others – it looks great! I’m sure it was quite a shock at first. Gary’s song made me laugh out loud! Loved the pictures – brought back so many memories of our first trip there. While you’re gearing up for fall, I’ll be packing up to move. I hope there’s still some fall left when we get settled. It was a great message to watch what we say and do in all circumstances around our little ones. We don’t think sometimes what impression our words make on their little ears, but if we just think “Love Me Tender”, it will help us remember. LOL Looking forward to your pics after you decorate for autumn. Loved that pumpkin that said REJOICE! I bought a similar one last year at Kirkland Home….gotta find it.
Love to you & All,
Suey
thank you so much for the tour! i love that riverboat and the music i plays. when you have time drop by my website and have a look at a couple of day trips i took recently so you can see some of my part of the country!!
RuthAnn-
“Don’t be cruel” your hair looks lovely! (lol)
Thank you so much for sharing your vacation with us all. It is a special treat to those who are homebound for the summer.
God Bless you!
Delia
Love the tour and LOVE your hair. When I first saw your pic (before I read what happened) I thought she is really stylyin’ now. (Not that you weren’t before!) How chic! How glamerous! How fabulous! How spicey! Why you don’t look old enough to have a daughter in fifth grade! Now take that thought of “a mistake” and turn it into a blessing…an opportunity for a new fun adventure! You look soooo cute! And I bet your husband secretly likes it too…I think all husbands like a little spice now and then! And Happy Fall decorating! It’s still way too hot here in Texas to think of pumpkins yet! But Fall is my favorite season. Just love it!
Blessings to you my fabulous girlfriend!
Patti
(watch for something in the mail this week!)
What a delight!!! I haven’t been on a vacation out of Florida in over ten years. It’s such a blessing to be able to see the beautiful pics you take and the wonderful way that you express your delight in things. Thank you!
I LOVE Hannibal. That is my mother’s Hometown. I have an Aunt and Uncle still there.
I think your hair looks great shorter! It reminds me of Pheobe Cates or Kates. Very cute style. From the picture, the color looks good, too.
Your trip was wonderful! Love the photos and the charm of the small towns. The Quilt Shop there is to die for I am sure. I’ve been to St. Louis, Mo. and crossed the Mississippi River. Beautiful area! Your new hair length and color are gorgeous on you. Very becoming! You can “pull” it off so well. Thanks for sharing your trip and photos with us. I love your stories. Can’t wait to see photos of your beautiful home again decorated in the luscious Fall colors!! I love that crisp, cool Fall air and changing colors of the leaves. Have Fun! Your Summer Rose is adorable in that apron!!
I agree with all the gals!! Your hair looks great! I just got a really short cut too and was disappointed also. I guess that’s just what we gals feel!!! It looks like you had a wonderful time sharing the trip with your DD and MIL. The houses and shops look wonderful and what a wonderful way to have a fun time with loved ones. I so enjoy each of your posts! Thanks!!
In everything, give thanks,
GrandmaSoucie
From one “black” haired girl to another…I LOVE the color on you!
I had a GREAT time this morning goin’ along on your trip with you!!
Tina~
Cherry Hill Cottage…
You NEED to come to the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tn., Talk about photos. Your little camera will be smokin!!!
You are gorgeous no matter the color or length of your hair! I like it!
Take Care,
Patti H.
Livonia, Michigan
I agree with the other girls here: your hair looks great ,very european for real!
And I loved to come on this trip with you because these little American towns are so lovely! I went to visit an online friend who lives in a little town in Illinois and I fall in love with the town and the people….now I come back every year in the fall. I’m counting the days now……60 more days and I’l be overthere again!
Love the pictures! What beautiful places. Now I have to say I have been following your blog for quite some time now and I can honestly say that your hair looks AMAZING! you look younger and more refreshed, hip and just great! Honestly it looks gorgeous.
I loved the trip you took us on. This sure whets my desire to visit that area. We usually just go to Branson and stay there. Maybe we should look around a bit more in other areas.
I do like your haircut and color, so enjoy it while it lasts. I think it does make you appear even younger. Enjoy!
Betty G.
Know what? I think you look gorgeous with that dark hair! I think you said you had a little Italian blood in you and it brings out those lovely features you have and the red lipstick is superb w/ that look, too!
Looks like your trip was fun! Good job in showing your daughter that you can manage getting thru life’s disappointments without having a meltdown or a lack in confidence! Just wanted to give you some encouragement! P.S. Your hubby sounds so sweet and fun!
I’ve been celebrating fall for weeks. Oh, sure, I still am happy as a fish to get to frolic in my swimming pool, but pumpkins… burnt leaves of orange, the scents of fall, my darlinger-than-darling fall mugs…oh my! Anyhoo, look what I just had to buy…cuz…well… I LOVE FALL! http://figtreequilts.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/08/just-a-few-of-my-favorite-early-autumn-imagesi-know-that-august-is-probably-a-bit-early-for-most-of-you–to-be-thinki.html We are not alone!!!
And another thing…or two… 1. Your hair is darling! 2. Your attitude is darling!
Your hair looks beautiful you look so young, I love it. If I were you I would keep the look. I love the post.
Wonderful! Another great post Miss Ruthanne, thanks so much!
I wanted to tell you I think y ou look rather sharp with your short black ‘do’. I really like that cut on you. :)
And thanks for all the lovely photos… I’m looking forward to fall more an dmore each day myself. I just hope you’ll be generous and share your home with us again this year once you have it decorated for fall. It’s always an inspiration!
Blessings,
Nicole
How much is the pattern for the Lily Apron?
Thanks
Grace
Thanks for this wonderful trip. Your pictures are so real, they’re almost breathing! I feel like I’ve had a mini vacation. You should get a retainer from the Missouri Visitor’s Bureau! I’m almost ready to go too.
What a “take me away” moment Ruthie………your “tour” took me down some sweet memory lanes …….. SO, SO lovely (with a capital “L”!!). :o)
God Bless,
Barbra.
What a fun vacation!!! I’m going to share this post with Mr. U. Perhaps he would love a vacation that way next summer!!
Oh, and your hair looks SO pretty!! I think it is because the lady wearing the hair so lovely inside and out. :)
Blessings!
His,
Mrs. U
I’ve been wanting to visit Missouri and now I REALLY do. Thank you for all the great pictures. You look great in your new look. Your inner beauty comes out no matter how your hair looks. Can’t wait to see your autumn decor. I love autumn so much that I always have my decorative pumpkins on display.
thankyou so much for showing us the gorgeous side of America… living here in Australia we only see all the \bad stuff\ on the news and current affairs programs. It is so nice to see such beautiful towns and country side… so wish I could visit!
Hi there. :) I have read your blog for awhile. It is AMAZING! I wanted to let you know that you and your blog were a large part of my inspiration to start my own blog. Thank you! I know you are overloaded with comments and are super busy but I would be {tickled pink} if you stopped by my blog someday. <3 It would make my day! ;) Thank you for your beautiful, positive voice you put out there for moms and wives. I soak up every word (and every picture too of course!!).
By the way, now I want to do this exact vacation.
Pleased to “meet” you,
Lisa
Thank you so much for sharing your fabulous vacation with us.Your photography is wonderful. I have been sitting around feeling a little down in the dumps,can’t take a vacation or any trips right now(heck, I don’t have enough to even \ pay attention \ ….but through your blog I just took a spectacular vacation that was so perfect in every way and it didn’t cost a thing!! THANK YOU !!!!!
I just love your hair girl! Even the color looks great on you. Thanks, I enjoyed your vacation and I love your blog.
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
What a wonderful and memorable trip you went on! I kinda feel like I went with you after seeing all your beautiful photos – well I kinda did in spirit at least! Thanks so much for sharing:)
Hey, It looks as if you had a wonderful time!!! You look beauitful,as always-inside and out! Thanks so much for sharing. You really are an inspiration to so many!
Oh my I have a case of fall fever for sure now – thank you for priming the beauty of fall pump!
Can’t wait to cozy up our little farmhouse-
You are a generous and thoughtful person-I just joined the sista hood so want you to know that this blog newbie is hooked!
Hannibal is SO great isn’t it!! We live in Oregon, but I have an Aunt and Uncle that live in Missouri…ACTUALLY….just minutes north of Hannibal in Palmyra! My aunt actually teaches for the Hannibal school system…Hannibal is a favorite of ours everytime we are there. We were just out to the great state of Missouri in June and enjoyed the “sticky” midwest summer heat. We like to eat at the Mark Twain Cafe as well. AND, it just so happens that 4 out of 5 of my cousins actually worked on the Mark Twain Riverboat as their summer job…we have ridden it a few times. How fun to have a connection with your post! Thanks for sharing..makes me miss my family and remember the good times we have had in Hannibal!
Ruthie
Thank you for another absolutely wonderufl post. Felt like I took that trip with you! Loved all the shops…we dont have anything like that where I live :( I really like your hair (color and style)!! We just experienced our first real week of summer weather and loving it!
Cant believe another week will end August!! Schools here in my little corner of easter Canada start Sept 8th. My youngest grandchild starts kindergarten…exciting for her but kind of sad for mom, dad and grandparents as we know its the end of a childlike time but a whole new beginning for her!
Thank you again for this blog!
Cheryl
Hi Ruth Ann! Might I say you look adorable! Your new hairdo and color looks precious to me! Thank you, thank you very much (lol) for all these gorgeous pictures of St. Louis , St. Charles and Hannibal!!!! I’m so excited! You see, I am a St. Louis girl, born and raised. I don’t live there now. I live in New York with my Yankee husband and sons. All these gorgeous pictures are such a blessing to me! How I miss home! You have really captured the feel of MO. It is a very special place indeed! I am so homesick I can’t stand it! Thank you very much for sharing your trip and all the photos!!! I have been to all these places and It feels like I am there again!! Thank you, God bless you, and Happy Fall!!!!
Wow, those are gorgeous houses, beautiful places, awesome sites! I didn’t know I was missing this place, and now I want to go on a trip lol. Karen
Take me with you next time…
LOVE IT!!!
Thanks for sharing these wonderful pictures. I especially liked the fall decorations and the quilt shop! :) The Pumpkin with “Rejoice in our many blessings” was my favorite item.” if I found out were that was sold I would buy one!
If I ever receive the opportunity to visit the USA, Missouri will be on my itinerary for sure. I love the buildings and the shop interiors! I also think your accidental hairstyle is very flattering! I once paid a lot of money in a swish London salon and came out looking like Rod Stewart! Another time the hairstylist was Greek… I came out with big, Greek hair!
Looks like a wonderful vacation. Thanks so much for showing us all the pics; I love them. I think your hair looks great too.
Thank you so much for the photos, I feel a little like I’ve gone shopping through that store, too :) Not enough, wish I was there LOL
You look great! When I saw the pic, before reading that you didn’t like it, I thought of how stylish it looks. Can’t wait to see your fall photos, I’ve got the bug!! Blessings,
Gina
Thank you for sharing your vacation photos! I’ve never been to “those parts”, but your post took me there!
PS~love your hair-love your blog!!
Loved your vacation! I have always wanted to do that tour of the Mississipi! Those houses and the architechture! I could of eaten those up they were so yummy! Your hair looks great and it will fade out before you know it! Traci
What a fun trip! We just got back from our annual Disneyland trip and seeing as we are mutual Disney gals, it made me think of you when I stopped in for a visit to our favorite mainstreet store. You know the one :) Thanks for the gentle reminder. We are the mirrors that shape the reflections and reactions of self image for our children. Having had a recent hair mishap myself I feel grateful for your words. I’ll keep them in mind and my scrutchie close by!
Hugs,
Dena
What a great vacation! I’ve never thought about Hannibal as a vacation spot, but what a great idea. It looks charming!
Susan H. from GA
P.S. How do you look so cute in all your vacation pictures? You are always so adorable! No one would mistake you for a tourist…no fannypack, no tennis shoes and always fresh lipstick. :)
So FUN scrolling down Main Street America with you…and your hair? Too cute! Your Elvis turned out SO MUCH better than my Cleopatra! And am so lovin’ the honey you chose to soothe the ‘tude, recognizing those teachable moments…although a good Lucy cry (in a pillow maybe?) can feel pretty good sometimes : ). Been such a blessing peak’n in. love, Karen (FullHeart)
I love your hair, Aunt Ruthie. You and Summer Rose are beautiful!
I also love Hannibal, MO……have been there once and the pictures brought back memories! One memory I have you didn’t mention is homemade rootbeer! We ate in a restaurant there that had the best homemade rootbeer we’ve ever had! I want to go back for more!
Thanks for the stroll down memory lane and all the great pictures!
Jean
You’re makin’ me want to come to Missouri…they ought to put you on the board of tourism there as an Ambassador!
XOXO
Joni
Looks like a great trip, thanks for showing us all your pics. It’s great to hear you are getting excited about fall/autumn so often we are mourning the end of summer – but this year I am going to take a leaf out of your book (so to speak) and embrace the seasonal change. I always remember all the pumpkins and harvest stuff when I’ve been to the USA at this time of year before.
Your hair looks great by the way, sometimes it’s good to have something different and see how it changes your look. It could be so much worse as I’m sure you know!
Don’t like your hair?? Honey, you look gorgous!
Hi, I love your pictures, many years ago I travel to USA and I know the Mississipi river too. I love your country and your historical culture.Sorry, my english is not very good…rs But I try!!!God bless you and your beautifull family.
Aaahhh, lovely St. Charles. I just visited there for the first time a couple of weeks ago (maybe we passed each other on the street !). I can’t wait to go back and take a carload of girlfriends. It was so fun to find a town with cute locally owned shops up and down Main St. with its brick sidewalks and streets, gas lanterns, iron fences. So Charming !
I just loved this post, I am a frequent visitor and I love the music.
Thanks so much for your uplifting words, they always brighten my day!
Wow! I had so much fun going on holiday with your pics!!! Thanks for sharing! To be honest I much prefer your new shorter hair and colour. You look fab and so much younger (not that you ever looked old lol)!
Blessings
Louise
Thanks so much for sharing you vacation pics with us. I think that we are all in agreement, we all love the new cut and color, I thought you looked great before as well. Face it sugarpie, no matter what you do, you are just too cute1!!
Aunt Ruthie~Thank you again for sharing your vacation photos–looks like a great place to take our family! Really looking forward to seeing your “fall farmhouse” when you get finished! Please put up photos soon—needing inspiration to get started myself! Thanks also for reminding us about how we talk in front of our daughters. I have 4 daughters, and 3 of them continually remind me to not cut myself down–something I must watch in the future! Thanks for sharing your heart with us!
Oh my word how much fun! Beautiful towns and stores thank you so much for sharing…I want to get on a plane and go visit now also!! How were the reataraunts??? and food?? Hugs Grace
Thanks for sharing your travels with us. My guys and I usually travel to St. Louis to Cardinal games, etc. every year or two. I’ve always considered going on up to Hannibal, but never have. After seeing your pix and reading your description of it, I think next trip up we will definitely go there too. I also loved the St. Charles pictures and look forward to stopping in there sometime too.
Have you ever been to Laura Ingalls Wilder’s place in Manchester? I just loved it when we went there a few years ago.
Happy Fall decorating!! I’m starting to feel it too!!
I’m just correcting my own mistake. I said Laura Ingalls Wilder’s in Manchester, Missouri and I should have said in Mansfield–sorry for the mix up. It is a wonderful place to visit.
Your hair is just darling!! It looks very cute and I recently went darker as well… it can be such a shock sometimes! Luckily you look great like that, so hopefully it wasn’t a huge shock to you.
Ruthie, Looks like you had a Grand time, touring Missouri. AND I love your new hair color. Your skin tone goes well with it. I do appreciate the thought of not making a “big deal” out of it for your daughter’s sake. Young girls today have so much “thrown in their faces” about their looks and sometimes people forget…they are just young girls growing up…allow them to be just that.
Love the pictures. It looked like a fun trip. BTW, love the hair. It looks good.
Ruthie,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful trip with us. You make me want to read ‘The adventures of Tom Saywer’ again! I really, really loved all of the gorgeous pictures. So beautiful! You could make a calendar from most of them. I’m going to send a link to my Mom and Aunt. I think they would enjoy reading your blog as much as I do.
Cindy~
P.S. ..Don’t give your hair a second thought. You could have your head shaved, and it would look cute as button on you. Really.
Hey Girl!
I just wanted to mention that Family Christian Bookstore is carrying pumpkins with bible verses on them similar to the ones in your post. I received a coupon yesterday and plan to buy one or two of those! Thank you for sharing with us your vacation! Are y’all gonna make it to the Smoky Mountains as you planned this year?
Personally, I love the hair! I dye my hair black and I’m a natural blond :) Plus, the cut is cute and sassy! Own it!
P.S. Thanks for the post. I needed a kick in my big-girl pants today :)
Thank you so much for the visual tour! I would love to someday be able to visit Missouri just to see the sights. Since I live at the END of the Lewis and Clark trail, I would love to see the beginning!
P.S. I so relate to the too dark hair – had that done to me several times. I just die of embarrassment until it fades!
And here I was thinking how lovely your hair-do looked! I thought it very 1950/60’s… a sort of Liz Taylor/Jackie Kenedy type hybrid.
What a delightful holiday you had. I can’t wait to see your fall decorating. I wonder… could you step by step it for us this year? I love how you decorate… but mine never looks like yours. :)
Hey girl! I like the black hair nothing wrong with shaking it up and going with something way different!! So just rock it for the time being….Ohhhh and the pie if they were making one would hands down be my favorite apple no way to peach!! :)
Hey I hope you are doing great girl! You are amazing….Hey stop by my blog and let me know what you think to my quesitons!! I want to hear what you have to say! I value your opinion very much :)
Blessings!
I love your hair! It really looks good on you!
I enjoy your website and blog and was surprised to see your trip along the Mississippi. I live in Troy and own The Wedding Shoppe in Historic downtown Troy. Troy was on your way to Hannibal. If you take another trip stop in. We just went to Hannibal this summer ourselves we had not been in several years. We are going to try and go back this fall.
My family and I are all originally from the Ozarks and I love the homey feel of your blog.
Angie
angie@theweddingshoppetroy.com
Ruth,
This is my first visit to your blog and it is now a favorite. It is just what I love with your warmth, inspiration and seeing the world through your eyes puts me there with you. Your trip pictures were of places I would have visited if I could.
I don’t know what you looked like before the new hair style but I think you are beautiful.
I love what you said about choosing not to be emotional about your disappointment for your daughters sake. Your husbands reaction was perfect.
I too am looking forward to fall but since I live in central AZ I have awhile to wait so I will have fall sooner through you.
I look forward to my next visit. In fact I will go now to read your prior blogs.
Nancy M.
Hello!
A friend of mine, just e-mailed me your link. I enjoyed your photos of St Louis, St Charles, and Hannibal. Those are three of our favorite places! We live just about halfway between St Louis and Hannibal.
We go to South Main, St Charles, several times a year. Our granddaughter is working there, while she attends college. We’ve had lunch at Little Hills Winery many times; love to sit in the courtyard. Even during winter when the fireplaces are going.
I’m adding your link to my blog roll, so I won’t forget where you are!
I did a bit of Fall Nesting on our back porch, today. I love Autumn, my favorite time of year.
Thanks so much for the great post!
Southern Sista Ruthann! You’ve really been on the go…awesome pictures…
Talk about hair! I know my hair is TOUGH….I’ve stayed up all night putting hot oil treatments on to lift out color that was mauve pink so that I could go to work at the bank the next morning…when mine grabbed too much color and turned jet black, a friend scrubbed it with Ajax…where it had some frosting my hair turned aqua!
Now that it’s turned white, I just leave it alone….just pray it doesn’t turn loose!
We had hoped to get to Branson this summer but my husband had 5 heart stents in July…last summer we had our reservations (and your phone number) and he had blood clots in one leg and almost lost the leg. He has a devoted vascular surgeon that has been a God send….he had already repaired an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm four years ago.
Wishing you God’s richest blessings from your Southern Sista…Betty
Gorgeous!! When I think of home, that’s the type of area I think about…all the quaint houses and shops. Looks like you had a great time!!
Hi there,
LOVED looking through your vacation ‘scrapbook’ with you, and sure enjoyed the mason jar of iced coffee I enjoyed along with it!! I truly DO see why you are in the mood for Fall decorating, and can’t wait to read some Mark Twain with my boys. =)
Great pictures!
This is my neck of the woods. I live in St Louis, visit old towne St Charles as often as I can (they just had a huge craft fair two weeks ago…it was great) and we have a cabin just outside of Hannibal. You captured the charm of St Charles so well in your pictures. Anyone who hasn’t been there yet has got to make a point of visiting. My sister in law and I will be going back soon because it was so busy at the craft fair we didn’t get a chance to visit the individual shops. That same sister in law and I will be visiting Silver Dollar City in early October so we will be in your neck of the woods…it should be beautiful down there by then.
Sorry to have rambled on.
Peggy
…during my lunch break in a small office in Berlin (Germany):
You made my day!!!!
I really do enjoy your blog (here especially the little stores you showed us) and looking forward to more
Thank you and have a nice day
Bettina
hello my sweet sugar pie sista…what a blessing to see such sweet photo’s and yes i am green with envy!!!!! ekkk…love the wonderful store fronts and the missi…river…you must of had a wonderful time…
ok my darlin are the hills turnnin’ colors…ahhhhhhh…the fab ozarks…i am missin’ you dear sweet friend…ok check list…pumpkins out…check…yummy sweet candle…check…yummy cobbler in the oven…check…my sweet friend, with me at the crows fall event…NOT! oooh how i miss our fall open house! boo hoo missing you!!!
WOW! Thanks for the lovely trip along the Mississippi! I feel like I’ve actually taken that trip in the last 10 minutes. I really enjoy your blog and that recipe for “Hillbilly Spaghetti” has been on my mind for days. I really want to try it. Love all your stuff! So much fun and so pretty. Thanks again!!
Hi Ruth Ann!!! I have to tell you…. I am on my way to visit a little country quilt shop in upstate NY while my son plays in a high school golf tournament at their local country club ( He made the varsity team this year!!!) I am inspired by your trip. I am going to sew up some cute aprons so I can look as glam as you! Just thinking of you and wishing you a sweet and blessed day!! xoxo
I love your site. Thanks for taking us through your Mississippi tour, it’s a beautiful place. You have a beautiful family and home.
Firstly I thought your hair looked fabulous.
Secondly, I really enjoyed your photo’s as they took me back to my trip of this area when I was an exchange student in your country. My favourite time was Autumn. It was so lovely. You made my heart ache.
HI there Aunt Ruthie! I loved seeing your fall decorations! This is my favorite season. I just posted my first blog post and would love to have you check it out. Now don’t be too excited, as I said, this is my first, and not nearly as fancy as yours. I am not sure how safe it is to write about my family and share pics of them. What do you think? I see pics of your beautiful family often on your post. Can you give me any safety tips? Have you even had any problems? I look forward to hearing from you. Jodi Whitehead at http://thebarefootshutterbug.blogspot.com/
I always love coming to your website! I feel like you are welcoming me into your home! Fall makes me feel so cozy inside!lol
You have such a blessed life. Your trip photos are fantastic. The one river picture reminds me of an old movie Huck Finn movie that I just saw last week.
beatifull houses….
a loved your blog!
hugs!
Congratulations!
Very beautifull houses
Sorry my english.
I stumbled onto your site by accident while looking for something else. I LOVE it and couldn’t stop looking! What a warm, homey feeling it generates. The music, snippets of poetry, and the charming pictures all kept me looking and enjoying. I’ll definitely visit often. And I’m sending the link to all four of my daughters. Thanks for all the beautiful thoughts!
Set your life time more simple take the business loans and everything you want.
We’ve just relocated to St Charles after visiting my folks here for the past decade or so. What a wonderful job you’ve done capturing the charm of our town. Thanks for the smiles today! Lovely blog!
Enjoyed your adventure…but have to encourge you to continue up river to Quincy, il. For a unforgettable memory to add to your travels.
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