West coast winter weather arrived early this year. Wave after wave of rain blows in from the Pacific, sometimes with wind, sometimes with a steady quiet patter and cool air blowing in from the open window where I sleep. How I love listening to the rain fall at night. These are good days for staying indoors, for quiet evenings by the fire. I rescued a handful of roses from the elements and they brighten up the coffee table with rosy pink and deep crimson.
Youngest daughter Ashley, along with Iris and Cora, came for tea this morning. It was cozy to sit and visit. Cora is not yet walking but crawls really fast and heads for the fireplace every time. There was a lot of picking her up and trying to distract her. Peek-a-boo was a good game, also "why does Nana have a book on her head, and why isn't there a book on my head?" Iris is enthralled with puzzles and to watch her concentration is delightful. I made madeleines to enjoy with our tea. These have a hint of lemon in them, and ground almonds. (from Will Torrent's cookbook Patisserie at Home)
We invited Cristal and her family for a simple supper this evening. As I set the table I thought about my mom who made the quilted placemats, and about our trip to France in 2007 when I purchased the napkins in Avignon. I like surrounding myself with things that have personal meaning and are useful.
After a supper of Chicken Tortilla Soup, and madeleines and chocolate for dessert, we played the board game Carcassonne. There are so many great games these days, and our children trade around and have oodles of fun with them.
In the evenings I've been paper piecing hexagons and stitching them together in simple ornaments for Christmas. I'll back them with felt and add a hanger. Fussy cutting the fabric scraps takes the most time, and the flower shapes come together quickly.
We don't decorate the house for Christmas until Advent begins, and put up the real tree 10-14 days before the 25th so it doesn't shed entirely. In the meantime, I am thinking about projects and gifts and enjoy this time of preparation.
November is a month that often slips under the radar after the beautiful autumn of October and the festivities of December. It takes intention to make the most of each day of this month and to enjoy it for what it is - a prelude to winter with its own quiet melody.
There is so much to enjoy about November especially the crafting for Christmas. Love the place mats and napkins, lovely memories. Have a good weekend keeping cosy. B x
ReplyDeleteWhat a cosy description of November, my birth month. Your madeleines look so professional and delicious, and I am sure the little girls loved them. I have not heard of the board game Carcassonne (although I know of the French town) - I looked it up and I think it is one I would enjoy. Your lovely napkins from Avignon suit the theme beautifully, and remind me of our last trip abroad in 2019 when we visited this special city. Happy stitching!
ReplyDeleteSo true about November. We are trying to extend our picnic season by taking a stove and cooking a hot lunch. Winter is on the horizon.
ReplyDeleteOur grandchild each had the same fascination with the fireplace. We had to be on our toes for sure.
The roses are such a pretty color. Your madeleines and soup sound wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for mentioning the book on Nana's head. =) I am counting on that device to make an impression on the littlest family members soon.
ReplyDeleteHope your weekend might be good weather so you and Tim can get out for a walk in the woods. It would be a good time to hang an ornament out there.
The Roses are lovely as are the hexagon Christmas ornaments you're making!!
ReplyDeleteThe madeleines look delicious.
Another delightful post.
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I love those soft roses and your decorations. I have an artificial tree and it goes up early, simply because I enjoy it that way.
ReplyDeleteYour simple supper decor looks just lovely! I too love using mementos from the past...and try to bring home souvenirs from our travels that will get used (a table runner from Africa, a vase from Finland, a tea warmer from Germany, etc.). I will check into Carcassonne. We love games. Keep on enjoying November!
ReplyDeleteNovember is a great transition month for me. Lovely post.
ReplyDeleteI have so enjoyed your Friday Five. All so heart warming. I love the bits and pieces you share that make it all so interesting.... and lovely.
ReplyDeleteI like the month of November, the Autumn colours are still here and it is always enjoyable to get out and about to enjoy a walk.
ReplyDeleteThose madeleines sound wonderful, perfect with a cup of tea :)
Enjoy the rest of your weekend and have a good week ahead.
All the best Jan
Great rescue of those roses! Sounds like a lovely tea and simple meal, too. Those are fun ornaments.
ReplyDeleteLovely thoughts about November. Tea looks wonderful! I finished The Seagate. The story was promising at the beginning and I loved the setting. But overall I gave it 2 stars on Goodreads.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Lorrie. I so enjoy seeing your stitching, the patience you have and it creates such beauty. Your madeleines look delicious. I will be posting a ginger bread madeleine recipe on my next blog post. I have adjusted the spices some and am still working on it. I do love them, especially this time of year.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a great day and week ahead.
Oh November, I'm only using you to get to December! .. is what I read somewhere ... but I am thankful for this month of anticipation and preparation.
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