October Daily 27: Anticipating Visitors

 

"I don't have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness. It's right in front of me, if I'm paying attention and practicing gratitude."

Brené Brown

Here's what October looks like these days. It might be overcast and grey, with plenty of rain, but there are bright spots in the landscape if one takes the time to look. 

I think I've mentioned before that my mother sews quilts for a charitable organization. It's MCC (Mennonite Central Committee). They work with refugees, in disaster areas, and with justice systems around the world, advocating for the vulnerable. The quilts Mom sews are either sold, or auctioned off at the annual sale. Although she does the piecing, others do the quilting. Some are machine quilted, others, like the beauty above, are hand quilted. 

When I saw this quilt that she was working on over the past year, I knew I wanted it. I put my name down and when it was finished, contributed to the cause, and brought it home. It's called Moonglow; a most apt name I think. Mom is very precise in her work and that makes this quilt (and others that she's made) a standout. 

Mom and Dad are coming for a visit this weekend. They will see their three grandchildren and their families who live here, and meet their latest great-granddaughter who is almost a year old. Their last visit was Christmas 2019, just before the pandemic began. We are all very excited to have them come. I put Mom's quilt on the guest bed. I think some pillow shams that match the quilt are needed. What colour do you think they could be? 

Over the weekend I made this Winter Squash and Spinach Pasta Bake, from Smitten Kitchen. I confess that when I was putting it together I really wondered how it would turn out. There is no precooking of anything - not the dried pasta, nor the butternut squash, nor the spinach. However, my doubts were assuaged by the delicious fragrance of this baking (it does take 90 minutes), and then the satisfying taste. I did use kale (frozen from my garden) in place of the spinach, and the next time I would use a vegetable or even a chicken broth in place of the water, for a bit more flavour. 

We ate half of it and I put the other half into the freezer for an easy meal some other time. 

Before I forget - several people asked for the recipe for the Date-Filled Oatmeal Cookies on my previous post. I've added them to my recipe blog and you can find it by clicking on the link. 

I noticed that the Dessert section of my recipe index is far longer than any other category. So I've begun a new category for Cookies and Squares - things you can eat with your fingers, as opposed to desserts that are served at the table after dinner. It will take a little while for me to change everything over, but hopefully it will be done in a few weeks. 

For me, baking requires more precision than cooking, hence the weight of recipes in that direction. 

Today I played with Iris, made granola, and did a little cleaning. Tomorrow my parents arrive and I'm so looking forward to their visit.