Blogtober 30: Celebrations Here and There

 

It's been a very celebratory couple of days. This afternoon I walked with my eldest daughter under threatening skies that held off until we were almost home. We enjoyed a lovely visit together, something that happens not often enough because of her teaching schedule. 

The trees are losing their leaves quickly and drifts of them lie along the path. The creek is running again after a dry summer. 

Some of the many maples have brilliant red leaves that are clinging on for now, but will soon fall on the ground. 

Last night we enjoyed dinner with four friends at one of their homes. How lovely it was to sit around the table, chatting and laughing for several hours. The meal was spectacular. The cake was a surprise - bought from the same bakery and the same cake that Tim had bought for me last year. It's a light cake, not too sweet, with lemon and white chocolate flavours. Very elegant. 

This evening our children treated us to dinner at a local restaurant. It was relaxed and lovely - the grandchildren entertain themselves and conversation flows freely.

A few thoughts on turning 70:

1. It's a big number.

2. I'm grateful for every one of my years.

3. I don't like being the centre of attention, but I like being celebrated.

4. Cake is delicious.

5. A day spent doing very little makes a very nice change. (I read, chatted on the phone, and did no cooking today.)

6. The world is a beautiful place despite rain and clouds.

7. I am blessed to be surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Now home for a few hours of what's left of the day. The fire glows and I feel its warmth. The house is quiet. Pools of light create shadowy corners that are filled with the friendliest of feelings. 

Until tomorrow...

Blogtober 29: Houses and Homes

 

Jozef Czajkowski - Country Manor in Winter

This morning while tidying the house and cleaning the bathrooms, I thought about how much my home means to me. I am grateful for its shelter, but beyond that, homes are often a reflection of personality, and certainly a place to practice creativity in many genres. 

I always enjoy seeing others' homes, from the outside and the inside. Houses feature in many paintings, too, and here are few I like. 

The above painting is set in a Polish winter. The long shadows of trees create a dappled walkway and one hopes the fires are lit inside the house for it does look cold. 

Monet - The Artist's House at Giverny

I was thrilled to visit Giverny on a summer morning, on a special tour before the usual opening hours. The garden almost overpowers the pink house, and the interior rooms are lovely, particularly the bright yellow dining room, and the blue tiles in the kitchen. I would love to visit Giverny another time. 

Vincent Van Gogh - Houses at Auvers sur Oise

For many years I thought Van Gogh's palette was all yellows and oranges, warm colours. Then I discovered some of his other paintings and loved the blues and greens he used. There are several paintings of houses in Auvers sur Oise, and in his letters, Van Gogh talks about the way modernity was arriving and the diminishing use of thatch for the roofs. 

Monet - The Blue House at Zaandam

Another of Monet's paintings, a pretty blue house. I'm rather partial to blue. This looks like a house near the sea. 

Pieter Bruegel the Elder - Children's Games

There are houses in Children's Games, but the focus is on the many many children - over 200 of them, playing various games. When I enlarged the picture and really studied all the different games, I see many similarities to modern children's play as well as play that isn't fun for all participants. 

Which is your favourite among these paintings? 

Blogtober 28: A Bit of Late Gardening

 

I awoke very early this morning and heard the soft Whoo-hoo of an owl outside my window. We had heard it earlier in the evening when we stepped outside for a breath of fresh air before bed. Such a treat! 

The garden called. Our recent rain has softened the soil, although it's still quite dry deep down. I raked and tidied a bed, added bonemeal and alfalfa, then planted 54 fat garlic cloves to be harvested next July. While I worked I listened to more birds - the chip-chip of Dark-eyed Juncos, and the cheerful trill of a Song Sparrow, seen above with his beak open as he sang to the morning. I heard the whirring of hummingbirds and caught a glimpse or two of them, as well. 

In late September I threw some leftover seeds into a patch - carrots, lettuce, and radishes, all mixed together. Today I picked radishes and the other plants are coming along nicely. People here talk about year-round gardening, but frankly, by the time October/November arrives, I'm ready to be done with it until next spring. There is Kale and Swiss Chard to pick all winter, and the leeks are coming along nicely for late winter harvesting. I do need to mound more dirt over them. 

The Lace-Cap Hydrangea that blooms bright blue in summer has altered to this gorgeous purple colour. All of the hydrangea bushes have intense shades this year - deep red and burgundy, along with the purple. 

My original goal in gardening today was a fall pruning of the roses so that the pieces could go into the green bin pick up tomorrow morning. I keep thinking (and saying) that the last bouquet has been snipped, but here's another. This will be the last because I've cut the rose bushes down one-third, and cut off most of the dahlia growth. There are some very fat rose hips on one bush and I added a few of them to the vase. 

I baked granola and made soup this afternoon, read a little, and had another enjoyable day mostly at home. I did go to the library, but didn't find anything to bring home. The above photo is the same bouquet with the stage light setting. Very dramatic. 

Until tomorrow.

Blogtober 27: An Ordinary Day

 

All types of Halloween decorations adorn houses in the neighbourhood. Ghosts fly from trees, tombstones lie in the front garden, and ghoulish pumpkins sit on porches. I can take or leave this particular day, but I do enjoy seeing the little ones trick or treating at my door. I bought a box of candy treats and one of potato chips to hand out to them on Saturday.

While walking and seeing the signs of Halloween, I got a bit fanciful and thought that these Garry Oak branches, growing downwards, looked a little bit like scary arms reaching for anyone on the trail. Fortunately, I passed by without incident.

"After all," Anne had said to Marilla once, "I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens, but just those that bring simple little pleasures, like pearls slipping off a string."

L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea

When I walk by a young Gingko Biloba tree, I always admire the fan-shaped leaves. They are elegant and will soon be completely golden yellow. 

I had my hair trimmed today, bought a few groceries, and a new bath mat. This is the exciting life I lead. A load of laundry at home, and some cooking. Thank you for the ideas for the quince. I do have some quince jelly in the freezer from last year, and think I'm going to make a pastry of some sort with these ones.

I was thinking about the books I read when I was a child. The school library was where I found most of my reading material. We didn't have a lot of books at home, but we did have some. My parents gave me The Wizard of Oz along with a similar edition of Little Women when I was about 8 or 9. Little Women was discarded a few years ago as it was falling apart. Nurses Who Led the Way was a birthday present from a school friend about the same time. Pippi Longstocking and Heidi were my favourites. 

I recall that there were more Heidi books, by another author, but continuing her story until she married and had children of her own. 

This afternoon I baked a Lemon Loaf and a Date Loaf. Keeping it real here, the date loaf did not come cleanly out of the baking dish, but Tim says it tastes good. He ate the patched pieces already. 

Our friends who gave us the quince also gave us a bag of yellow apples. They bought a property with many mature fruit trees, but the names have been lost. These yellow apples are crisp and good to eat, not too sweet. They are not Golden Delicious. 

Autumn is full of abundance - ripening fruit and squash galore. Locally grown cauliflower and broccoli are now available in our stores. I love to cook autumnal foods like soups and stews and casseroles. They warm from the inside out. 

Enjoy these autumn days, or spring ones. Each season has its beauty.

Blogtober 26: Autumn Delights the Senses

 

In the morning darkness I walk down the stairs, cross the living room and turn on the light. All the shadowy furniture suddenly appears familiar and cozy. The fire lights and warmth radiates into the room. How quiet the world is before the light. 

When I awake early, I like to read and write. I savour my uninterrupted time and the stillness of the house. 

Last night's Hunter Moon was not visible because of cloud cover, so I was glad to see it shining bright as dawn arrived. I stepped out the back door in my bare feet and snapped a photo. It was a wee bit chilly out there. 

Later, I noticed the sun slanting its light on the mantel, highlighting the dried hydrangeas and casting a sharp candle shadow on the wall. Another fleeting moment of beauty caught.

I've spent much of the day at my computer, working on various writing projects and emails. After lunch I went for a walk in the bright sunshine, with fluffy clouds on the horizon. Is there any month so beautiful as October? 

The friends who came for brunch yesterday brought a bag of quince for us. I asked for two; they brought five. How fragrant they are. I'm not certain what I'll do with them yet - what would you suggest? 

A shorter post today after two days of lengthy ones. Thank you for sticking around through the month of Blogtober. Just a few days to go. I always wonder what I can say in a daily post, but something always comes up. Until tomorrow...

Blogtober 25: A Simple Woman's Daybook

 

Outside my window

It's evening and all is dark. After last night's gentle, steady rain, the sun shone for a short while before clouds moved in for most of the day. Without the sun's warmth, autumn's dropping temperatures made us very glad for our jackets when we walked in the afternoon. 

What I'm Wearing

Burgundy cords, a print shirt, cream pullover, pearl drop earrings, and cozy black socks. I don't wear blankets, but I have a soft throw on the arm of my chair that's ready to drape over my legs should I feel cold. So cozy. 

People I Spent Time with Today

After morning services, two friends came for brunch at our place, along with our eldest daughter and her husband and their daughter. I prepared a variety of foods that were layered in open bowls, arugula, roasted butternut squash cubes, sausage pieces, sauteed onions and red peppers, all topped with poached eggs, and then Hollandaise sauce. It's an idea from a meal I've enjoyed at a restaurant, and turned out quite well. With it I served the apple muffins I made yesterday, and buttered and toasted English muffins. 

A story that came up in conversation had to do with the vehicle we just sold. When we drove in the cooler months, I could never get the temperature to suit me despite having my own controls on the passenger side. I would turn it up but still be cold, and resorted to carrying a blanket to place over my legs, if needed. Tim was always warm and kept turning his heat down. Well, several years ago, when the vehicle was in the shop for a regular tune-up, the mechanic told us that the heat controls were reversed. So all the while I was turning the heat up because I was cold, it was Tim getting the benefit, and he kept turning his down because he was hot. Things were much better once that was fixed. 

What I've Been Thinking About

We had a provincial election yesterday. The decision was clear, but I've read some disgruntled speculation that the voting was rigged. I don't believe there's any question about that, but it makes me sad that just because someone doesn't like something, there's a quick suspicion of wrongdoing. Yet, this is the way democracy works - the vote might not go the way everyone wishes, but the majority has the say. 

And I've also been thinking about how modern society is so polarized. It's as if we can't agree to disagree and still be friends. I find that very sad. Each side in an issue has positives and negatives; the world is rarely black and white. 

I am thankful

for many things, but in particular lately, my home. It's a cozy, warm place, not large, but more than sufficient for our needs. It is here where I relax, employ my creativity, feed my body and soul, find comfort, and it's one of the places I engage with family and friends. How blessed I am to have a home. 

An Activity I'm Enjoying

Scuffling through the piles of leaves on the street. Such whispers and rustles, crunches and scuttles. This poem expresses the delight!

October

The summer is over,

The trees are all bare,

There is mist in the garden

And frost in the air.

The meadows are empty

And gathered the sheaves --

But isn't it lovely

Kicking up leaves!

Rose Fyleman

Things I'm Looking Forward to This Week

I'll be getting a hair cut, which is always pleasant and relaxing.  

Dinner with friends on Thursday evening, and out with the family on Friday evening. 

I hope to plant garlic in the garden - the experts said to wait until some rain fell as the ground was so dry. I'll also put in my spring bulbs. Isn't it wonderful to plant now with the expectation of colourful tulips and daffodils popping out of the ground in a few months? 

What I'm Reading

I picked up the above book while going through my bookshelves this afternoon. It's a re-read that I'm looking forward to. 

Louise Penny's Miss Wolcott's Ghost is next on the list.

I continue to dip into Miranda Mills' The Cozy Commonplace Book. 

A library visit will likely happen after my hair cut, and I'm going to look for more of Elly Griffiths' books. 

What I'm Eating

I mentioned brunch above, but what I'm really enjoying these cooler days is soup. Supper this evening, after our large brunch, was kale and white bean soup. I had a rind of Parmesan Cheese in the fridge and added that while the soup bubbled away. It added a layer of richness. Rye Krisp crackers were all I needed to complete my meal. And a square of dark chocolate for dessert. 

Wishing you a week filled with moments of beauty and grace.

Blogtober 24: A Day Mostly At Home

 

"I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string."

L. M. Montgomery - Anne of Green Gables

An ordinary day here, cozy despite the lowering clouds and light rain that fell most of the day. Now it feels like Autumn has truly arrived. Lights are needed all day indoors. When I come downstairs in the morning, the fire glows in welcome. I turn a small table lamp on for breakfast rather than a strong overhead light. We are not turning back our clocks this year and the mornings are going to be dark for much longer than if we did. 

After my post about paintings of women reading, I was tickled to find this 2027 calendar in our local bookstore and brought it home with me. None of the paintings I mentioned are included, so I'll learn about more of them. Do you use a paper calendar? I like to have one in my office, as well as a yearly planning book. We keep a digital calendar together, as well, as that is what my husband was used to in his career. It is handy to be able to open my phone and make appointments without fear of conflicting with another engagement. 

Are you going to Scarborough Fair?

Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme

Remember me to one who lives there

She once was a true love of mine.

Simon and Garfunkel's adaptation of an old Northern English song

When I looked up the lyrics, I noticed that the original is a bit different than the one that played through my mind as I bundled up herbs for stews and soups. Rather than parsley, savoury is used in the original song.

I cut the herbs yesterday in the sunshine knowing that soon wet and cold will dampen them. Rosemary is fine all year round, as is sage, but thyme and parsley falter in the winter. 

Tonight marks two months until Christmas Eve. I do love Christmas and start planning for gifts to make well in advance. Several years ago I made flannel ragged edge quilts for our three eldest grandchildren, this year it's the younger two who will get them. I used leftover fabric from the nightgowns and/or pajamas I make for them each year. These are not bed quilts, per se, but good for snuggling with while watching television or being read to. I finished one today and the other is about half finished. 

Apple Muffins with a Dutch crust seemed appealing today, so I baked a batch. The house always smells homey after baking a treat. 

I'm posting this fungi photo again because Granny Marigold introduced me to a charming poem about mushrooms that I thought I'd share here. 

The Elf and the Dormouse by Oliver Herford

Under a toadstool crept a wee Elf,

Out of the rain to shelter himself.

Under the toadstool, sound asleep,

Sat a big Dormouse all in a heap.

Trembled the wee Elf, frightened and yet,

Fearing to fly away lest he get wet.

To the next shelter - maybe a mile!

Suddenly the wee Elf smiled a wee smile.

Tugged till the toadstool toppled in two.

Holding it over him, gaily he flew.

Soon he was safe home, dry as could be

Soon woke the Dormouse - "Good gracious me!

Where is my toadstool?" loud he lamented.

- And that's how umbrellas first were invented.

And with that I'll close my computer and settle into a cozy evening while the rain drips a very little bit outside.