It’s Officially Fall

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NE Fall

New England Fall photo credit Deb Neumann

🍂 Fall in New England

It’s been building to this moment all month. The mornings have grown cooler, the air carries a crisp bite, and—what’s that I see? Alongside cheerful pumpkin displays, the leaves are beginning to change color. Today is September 22, and with the flip of a calendar page, we’re officially in fall. It’s the Fall Equinox.

Pumpkin Patch- photo credit Deb Neumann

🌞 Fall Equinox

The Fall Equinox marks the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator heading south. We’ll experience roughly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness—a perfect balance. Since the time of the Druids, this day has signaled the end of the harvest and the beginning of preparations for winter. This year, winter officially begins on December 21, the Winter Solstice—also known as the shortest day (or perhaps the longest night) of the year.

🍎 Fall Traditions

Fall is a favorite season for many. The heat of summer fades, and vibrant colors line the roads and byways. It’s the perfect time for apple picking and leaf peeping. Around the Equinox, fall color begins to burst forth—starting in Maine and New Hampshire, then gradually sweeping south through Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island by mid to late October.

Norton colors

Along the water in Norton-,photo credit Deb Neumann

🚗 Where to View the Fall Foliage

Cycling the Kancamagus photo Deb Neumann

If you time it right, the White Mountains of New Hampshire are breathtaking. Try a drive along the Kancamagus Highway, which connects Lincoln in the south to Conway in the north. My brother and I once took his motorcycle up there—we froze in the mountain air, but those spectacular views without a car roof in the way? Worth every shiver.

Jack o Lanterns Keene NH photo Deb Neumann

🌄 Mohawk Trail

Closer to home in Massachusetts, the Mohawk Trail offers stunning foliage and sweeping vistas. The western stretch, as you approach New York State, is especially vibrant.

🏔️ Mount Greylock

I’ve heard wonderful things about the views from Mount Greylock’s summit. Nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, it’s the highest peak in Massachusetts. I haven’t made the drive yet—traffic’s rumored to be horrendous—but maybe this is the year to bite the bullet and go for it.

 

Swans in Flight Photo Deb Neumann

 

 

Forever Farm Animal Sanctuary

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Forever Farm

🐾 Forever Farm Animal Sanctuary: A Place of Peace, Purpose, and Plenty of Donkeys

Nestled in the heart of the community, Forever Farm Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers more than just shelter—it’s a haven of healing for animals and humans alike. Founded by my former supervisor at Redfin, Forever Farm is the living, breathing realization of her long-held dream. Watching her vision come to life has been a joy, and seeing the sanctuary grow feels like witnessing hope take root.

🫏 Make Way for Donkeys

The farm is home to a delightful mix of residents: chickens, goats, pigs (Peppa, Pumba, and Wilma), a tiny horse named Miracle, a big-hearted horse named Toughy, and—perhaps most notably—a growing herd of donkeys. At last count, there were eight: Prima, Gally, Kong, Trevor, Jackson, Jinx, Star, and Sedona. Each one has its own story, personality, and place in the pasture.

There’s something about Forever Farm that seems to call to donkeys in need. Whether it’s their gentle nature or the sanctuary’s open-hearted mission, more seem to arrive each season. No matter the number, each donkey is showered with love, care, and the kind of attention that turns rescue into restoration.

Toughy & Miracle

Photo: Toughy and Miracle – courtesy of Forever Farm

🌿 Events That Bring the Community Together

Forever Farm isn’t just a sanctuary—it’s a vibrant gathering place. Families can celebrate birthdays, stretch into serenity with yoga classes, or join seasonal festivities like Earth Day, Halloween, and Christmas. A recent highlight was “Senior Day,” a heartwarming event for guests over 50.

In partnership with Healing Path Care Farm, Forever Farm also hosts child-focused programs like Little Mindful Farmers and Barnyard Buddies, blending education, empathy, and animal encounters.

💛 Powered by Passion

Forever Farm runs almost entirely on volunteer energy and generous donations. It’s a testament to what can happen when a community comes together with compassion and purpose. Whether you’re looking to support, visit, or simply spread the word, this sanctuary is a place where kindness lives—and where donkeys always seem to find their way home.

Learn more about how to support the animals at The Forever Farm here

May be an image of horse

Donkey Life at Forever Farm

 

Of Wet Carpets and Cats

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Carpets and Cats: A Tale of Sniffs, Flicks, and Feline Drama

I used to think carpet cleaning was a human affair—loud machines, sudsy solutions, and the satisfying illusion that we were banishing years of snack crumbs and mystery fuzz. I assumed the cats would retreat to their secret lairs while the carpet cleaner roared like a dragon with a Dyson complex. But no. Banner and Balboa had opinions.

 

Banner photo credit Deb Neumann

Banner, ever the stoic gentleman, watched the whole operation like a supervisor who’s seen it all before. He sniffed, he paced, he gave me the occasional side-eye, but he didn’t panic. Balboa, on the other hand, acted like the carpet had been replaced with lava. He took one tentative step, flicked his paws dramatically, and gave me a look that said, “You expect me to WALK on this?” His gait became a sort of bow-legged prance, like a cowboy tiptoeing through a puddle of indignation.

He made his way to the food corner, where he sniffed his bowl with the intensity of a customs agent. I guess he wanted to make sure the carpet cleaner hadn’t tampered with his kibble. Banner followed, sniffing the air like a wine connoisseur detecting notes of citrus and betrayal.

The Toys: A Tactical Feline Response

Paws mustn’t touch the wet carpet- Balboa Photo Credit Deb Neumann

In preparation for the carpet cleanse, I gathered the cat toys. The plush mice, the crinkle balls, the feathered wand—all tucked away. Larger toys were stacked on the coffee table like a shrine to feline fun. Banner immediately began pulling the small toys back out, one by one, as if to say, “Nice try, human.” Balboa, ever the diva, perched in the center of the turbo cat scratcher like a prince on his throne, refusing to let his delicate paws touch the freshly cleaned floor.

Honestly, I think they both believe the carpet belongs to them now. I just pay rent.

🧼 Product Spotlight: BISSELL—Clean Floors, Full Hearts

If you’re looking for a carpet cleaner that gets the job done and gives back, BISSELL is a purr-fect choice. Every purchase helps support the BISSELL Pet Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to saving homeless pets through adoption events, spay/neuter programs, and disaster relief. Since 2011, BISSELL has donated over $28 million to help more than a million pets find loving homes. So when you clean your carpets, you’re also helping clean up lives.

Banner approves. Balboa is still suspicious.

🌀 Product Spotlight: Pet Turbo Scratcher Toy—Balboa’s Throne of Drama

If your cat believes the world revolves around them (and let’s be honest, they’re probably right), the Pet Turbo Scratcher Toy is their red carpet, racetrack, and personal spa rolled into one.

Coastal Pet Products

This clever contraption features:
• A circular ball track that keeps cats entertained for hours—perfect for those 3 a.m. zoomies.
• A replaceable cardboard scratch pad that satisfies their primal urge to shred something other than your couch.
• A sprinkle of catnip magic to turn even the most aloof feline into a turbo-charged tornado of joy.

Balboa, naturally, claimed the center of the scratcher like a feline emperor surveying his freshly cleaned domain. He refused to touch the carpet, but this toy? This toy was worthy. Banner, meanwhile, gave it a few swats before returning to his supervisory duties.

Bonus: The scratcher’s non-skid base means it stays put—even when your cat decides to launch a full-scale attack on the spinning ball.

Whether your cat is a curious kitten or a seasoned sniffer of suspicious carpet fibers, the Turbo Scratcher is a hit. And with replacement pads available, it’s a long-term investment in feline happiness (and furniture preservation).

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Banner and Balboa thank you for supporting their carpeted kingdom and toy hoard.

 

 

Warm and Comforting-Classic Potato Soup

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🥔 A Hug in a Bowl: Classic Potato Soup for Cozy Days

There’s something magical about potato soup. It’s humble, hearty, and healing—like a warm hug from your favorite sweater or a purring cat curled up beside you. Whether you’re snowed in, rained out, or simply craving comfort, this classic soup delivers every time.

🌿 Why Potato Soup Feels Like Home

Potato soup is the kind of dish that doesn’t ask for much—just a few pantry staples, a good pot, and a little patience. It’s the scent of sautéed onions, the gentle simmer of broth, and the creamy swirl of milk or cream that transforms simple spuds into something soul-soothing.

Creamy Potato Soup

photo credit- The Kitchen

Banner and Balboa, my feline muses, always seem to appear when the soup pot comes out. Maybe it’s the aroma. Maybe it’s the promise of warmth. Either way, they know something good is brewing.

🧄 The Recipe: Simple, Satisfying, and Soothing

Ingredients:

  • 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 6 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste
  • Optional: shredded cheddar, crispy bacon, chives
Can You Eat Raw Potatoes? Here's What a Dietitian Says

The main ingredient

Instructions:

  1. In a sturdy soup pot, sautĂŠ onion and bacon until fragrant.
  2. Add diced potatoes and broth. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
  3. Mash some of the potatoes for creaminess, then stir in milk or cream.
  4. Season to taste. Top with your favorite garnishes.

Serve hot in a bowl that feels like it was made for moments like this.

🍲 Cozy Up with These Essentials

To make your potato soup ritual even more delightful, I’ve curated a few affiliate-friendly finds that blend beauty and function:

  • Soup Bowls: These Kook Ceramic Bowls1 are marshmallow-white, microwave-safe, and perfect for stews, soups, or even a scoop of ice cream on the side.
  • Soup Pot: This Stainless Steel Soup Pot2 is oven-safe, induction-ready, and polished to perfection. It’s a kitchen workhorse with a touch of elegance.
  • Kitchen Gadget: Chop, slice, and dice with ease using this Vegetable Chopper & Mandolin Slicer3—a 10-in-1 tool that makes prep a breeze.

📝 Affiliate Disclosure

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love and use in my own kitchen. Thanks for supporting Around Dusty Roads and helping keep the storytelling flowing.

📣 Share Your Soup Stories

Do you have a favorite soup recipe that warms your soul? A childhood memory tied to a steaming bowl? I’d love to hear it! Drop your stories, tips, or twists in the comments. Let’s build a cozy collection of comfort food together.

the pioneer woman's perfect potato soup recipe

Photo Pioneer Woman

A Traveler’s Guide to Roadside Attractions

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Just a heads-up: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. I only share products, places, and experiences I truly love and think you will too. Thanks for supporting Around Dusty Roads and helping me keep the adventure going!

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📝 Lists: These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

I love lists. I like to check off the things I’ve done and review the things to come. One of my favorites? A well-worn copy of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. It’s part bucket list, part daydream fuel.

Every now and then, I stumble across a list of Roadside Attractions—those quirky, unforgettable stops that dot the highways like exclamation points. Starting in the 1920s and ’30s, the rise of the automobile road trip sparked a craze among entrepreneurs to build eye-catching structures and clever advertisements to lure passing motorists. The trend flourished through the 1950s and ’60s, often considered the “Golden Age” of roadside Americana. Route 66 was famous for it. And yes, I’ve driven parts of Route 66 myself.

Rt 66 2011 – Photo Credit Deb Neumann

⏳ Time Is Passing

Sadly, as time marches on, many of these roadside oddities are falling into ruin—or worse, being sold to developers and replaced with modern billboards and generic signage. The charm fades, but a few gems still linger.

📍 Three Attractions That Linger

Here are three roadside wonders I’ve personally visited—and they’ve left a lasting impression.

🦖 1. Wall Drug Store — South Dakota

Located near Badlands National Park, Wall Drug is more than a pharmacy—it’s a full-blown destination. Think kitschy souvenirs, an 80-foot animatronic T-Rex, and a dining room that serves up hearty fare. When people say “You can’t miss it,” they mean it. Just follow the signs off Route 16.

Wall Drug Store 2011- Photo Credit Deb Neumann

Thanks to a catchy jingle—
“Get a soda / get a beer / turn next corner / just as near / to Highway 16 and 14 / free ice water / Wall Drug”—
the cars started rolling in and haven’t stopped since.

🦕 2. Dinosaur Park — Rapid City, South Dakota

After a snack at Wall Drug, why not swing by Dinosaur Park? Built in 1936 during the Great Depression, this hilltop attraction features a towering 80-foot brontosaurus and six of its prehistoric pals.

Dinosaur Park Rapid City SD 2011- photo credit Deb Neumann

The idea was sparked by local discoveries of dinosaur bones and footprints—and it worked. The park captured traffic headed toward Mount Rushmore and became a beloved symbol of Rapid City. Today, the brontosaurus still stands tall, watching over the town like a gentle giant.

Big Brontosaurus- Rapid City photo credit Deb Neumann

 

🧜‍♀️ 3. Weeki Wachee Springs — Florida

Heading south to the Sunshine State, I was on the hunt for manatees—and found mermaids instead. Weeki Wachee Springs is famous for its live mermaid shows, a nostalgic nod to old Florida charm. But like the vintage ads say, “Wait—there’s more!”

Mermaid Show Weeki Wachee Springs 2012 – photo credit Deb Neumann

Visitors can take a nature boat ride, go kayaking, or splash around in the water park. It’s a fun day for all ages. And yes, if you’re lucky, you might just spot a manatee gliding through the springs. ( Yes, that’s me swimming with the baby manatee)

Baby Manatee

Manatee Whisperer 2017