Thursday, October 31, 2024

Blogtober Thirty-One

 


Fireworks pop outside as I write. The knocks at the door have stopped. Only a few mini chocolate bars remain in the bowl. Halloween is over for another year. 
Some of the squash in the above collection look like they've dressed up for Halloween. I've never seen a star-shaped squash before. And such vibrant colours. They make a great display, but I wonder if they are good to eat. 


I thought I'd end this month of daily posts with a few photos taken during the month and not previously posted. The Lantern Flowers at Butchart Gardens are so striking. Small ones would make wonderful earrings. 
October began with sunny days and the feel of late summer warmth. Now the days are shorter and much cooler. We've had rain. The flowers that bloomed so gloriously are mostly gone; just a few dahlias remain. Vibrant leaves are scarcer than they were, revealing more of the dark architecture of branches. 


Baking is done regularly - I've made date loaf, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, brownies, apple cake, and more this month. I eat a very little of what I bake; my husband, family, and friends eat most of it. I'll eat a cookie warm from the oven, but after that they hardly tempt me. 


The doorbell rang early in the evening and I opened it to this happy group of people - the Bluey family! I didn't know about the Blueys until recently, but the animated show is a great hit with the little girls. Later, mermaids, princesses, dragons, and other characters appeared at the door. It's fun to engage with them a little and to drop a treat or two into their bags. 

And so the month ends. Thank you for following along with me throughout these thirty-one days. 

37 comments:

  1. Good on you keeping up with blogtober. A lovely end to the month.

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  2. I came upon your blog mid month through another blog I follow, I cannot remember which one. I enjoyed reading your stories and some I could resonate with from when I had visits to Vancouver Island. I look forward to following your blog now that we are into November and seeing where life takes you!

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    1. Thank, Alexandra. I've now found your blog and will enjoy seeing your adventures in a different part of our country.

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  3. Congrats on completing blogtober! Beautiful photos. Those lantern flowers are so pretty and unique. Fun Bluey family. Happy November to you!

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    1. Thank you, Ellen. The lantern flowers are so intricate.

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  4. Dearest Lorrie,
    Indeed, October ended.
    Made the twin bed with Snow white as she helped me get the down duvet inside the duvet cover.
    Fun times for kids.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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    Replies
    1. Glad you're having a good time with the young ones!

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  5. Anonymous7:16 AM

    You made it!!! I love your writing and your photography. Take a rest now,,,HAHA. From Marilyn.

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  6. Bluey is the best! Even adults love the show. Love all your photos -- someday I'd love to visit those gardens and loved the squashes. Happy November!

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    1. I confess I've never seen a Bluey show.

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  7. You have done so well, holding our attention with so many posts about so many subjects. Now have a rest!

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  8. It's been fun to follow your daily posts this month, Lorrie. We'll miss it. Happy November! And a belated Happy Birthday to you from a couple of days ago. It sounds like you had a splendid time, traveling to visit friends in the US and then ending up for birthday cake at your parents' home. Wishing you a beautiful year ahead. xo

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    1. Thanks, Brenda. It was a very different kind of birthday, but a good time, too. Thanks for following along.

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  9. Anonymous9:49 AM

    I have really enjoyed following your Blogtober. Thank you for your efforts and inspiration.

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  10. Your baking doesn't tempt you? Oh Lorrie, if only I had your super power! Just your pictures of those loaves tempt me. RH can bring home any grocery store sweet and I have no problem ignoring it but not something homemade, more's the pity.
    I was introduced to Bluey a few years ago but I've got to catch up on my growing too fast granddaughters' favs now as I didn't even know what their costume was. Your trick or treaters were darling but I can't imagine having so many show up at the door. We bought 6 Reece's cups just in case but as usual no one came to claim them. I do love your odd squashes!

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    1. Now if a loaf of bread is freshly bakes, THAT will certainly tempt me!

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  11. It’s been lovely reading your posts throughout October. We seem to live similar lives although they are far apart. Those lantern flowers are really beautiful. Have a good weekend. B x

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    1. Yes, I often notice that our gardens are at similar stages.

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  12. Anonymous3:25 PM

    You managed to post your usual interesting posts through Blogtober. Good for you. GM

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  13. You did well last month! I enjoyed each post!

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    1. Thanks, Marie. It was fun to challenge myself this way.

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  14. I think there are a lot of decorative pumpkins... I like pumpkin soup made from Hokaido pumpkin.
    My dahlias didn't turn out well this year, they also bloomed very late at the neighbor's and actually only now just before the frost comes. I've decided not to put any more dahlias in the garden, I think it's too cold here. We still have wonderful autumn leaves here with us. It looks so beautiful in the sunshine. Many greetings to you, your bread looks fantastic. I baked quark cake with blackcurrants.
    Hug

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    1. The quark cake with blackcurrants sounds delicious. Dahlias do well here, although they were very late this year.

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  15. Butchart garden is a beautiful one.
    I was away and have to catch up with your posts when I come home. Today we have done our shopping and Christmas shopping for our grandsons. We bought Christmas decorations and tomorrow we are going to the sea side. Nice Autumn holidays. See you soon.

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  16. What a fun wrap-up to your Blogtober!
    The star-shaped squash sounds so cool—I’d love to know if it’s tasty!
    Love all your photos.
    And all that baking sounds delicious, even if you’re not tempted by your own treats!

    Happy November, Lorrie!

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    1. Thanks, Veronica. I saw the star-shaped squash at a display and haven't seen one for sale. I wonder, too, what it would taste like. Or even how to cook it.

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  17. What a beautiful end to the month! The Lantern Flowers are really pretty and the loaves look delicious. Halloween is not our tradition but the Bluey Family looks really cute.
    This year we have bought mainly Hokkaido pumpkins that are both pretty and tasty.
    Happy November!

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  18. How wonderful your Halloween sounds with lots of interesting visitors. The star shaped squash is so unusual. I've enjoyed all your Blogtober posts:)

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  19. Well done on blogtober :)

    Your baking sounds sooooooo good :)

    Wishing you a happy month of November :)

    All the best Jan

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  20. Marilyn M.5:54 PM

    How fun to have trick or treaters come to your door. we no longer have any coming to our neighborhood. Wishing I could resist baked goods. I have such a weakness for fresh baked goodies. Your bread particularly looks delicious!

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  21. I thought Bluey = Blue's Clues. LOL.

    That's great that you had so many trick-or-treaters. I think I only got like half a dozen kids on Halloween.

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Thank you for your comment. I read and value each one, cherishing the connections we can make although far apart. Usually, I visit your blog in return, although if you ask a question I try to contact you directly.

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