Blogtober 19: By the Sea

 

Early morning rain gave way to clearing skies. After attending early service, we put on our raincoats and walked along the water in Sidney-by-the-Sea, a cute little town about 15 minutes from our home. The stone sculpture seen above under brooding skies and a dark sea is just one of many along the path. 

The wind pleased the sailors, I'm sure. There were several sailboats out on the water heeled over, sails full, and going a merry pace. I'm more of a fair weather sailor and was very happy to be on land. 

The Sidney fishing pier is a popular place almost any time. People drop their crab traps and hope for a seafood dinner. It's surprising how many are caught there. Others drop lines from rods for small fish. 

Reaching the more sheltered harbour behind the marina a Great Blue Heron hunched like a grumpy old man, watching to catch his own dinner. He eyed us suspiciously, but never moved from his spot. What a fantastic beard of feathers he has!

Suddenly the wind and water stilled and clear reflections shone in the water. The clanking of the halyards quieted and the boats sat softly at their moorage. On our way back to the car the sun burst out from behind the clouds. I wished for my sunglasses, left behind because I was certain I would not need them. 

The wind picked up again later in the afternoon. I watched the trees swaying from the comfort of my chair. A little watercolour painting this afternoon, along with some reading. Time now to turn on the lamps and prepare a light dinner. We will likely watch an episode of George Gently this evening. 

Anything new in your corner today?

Blogtober 18: A Simple Woman's Daybook

 

Looking out my window...

I see inky darkness. It's Saturday evening. Clouds marked the beginning of the day and by noon raindrops fell in plops. That's continued off and on, and now it's just on!

I am thinking...

about a movie/short series we recently watched. Vanishing Act is about an Australian woman who defrauded many people including family and close friends out of millions of dollars in a Ponzi scheme. I just can't imagine how anyone would treat their loved ones so cruelly. 

I am thankful...

for a warm dry home.

I am wearing...

blue jeans, a red t-shirt, black cozy cardigan, socks, and pearl stud earrings.

I am listening to...

the soft patter of rain on the skylight, and gusts of wind curling around the corners of the house.

I am reading...

Charles Todd's A Pattern of Lies, a Bess Crawford mystery. In truth, I've not yet begun the novel as I just finished one yesterday. I'll be opening it as soon as this post is finished.

In my garden...

I saw a Varied Thrush hopping under the apple trees, looking for bugs to eat. He was there for quite some time.

I planted garlic this morning before the rain began and harvested leeks, carrots, and the last of the late radishes I'd planted. A few lingering roses were cut and brought in to enjoy. They don't last as long as the earlier blooms, but will fare better indoors than out in this damp weather.

In my kitchen...

the bowl of quince fruit given by a friend perfumes the air with its aroma. I plan to poach the quince halves in red wine and serve them with a dollop of something creamy - whipped cream with cream cheese, perhaps. 

A moment from my day...

A little garden cleanup happened today. I was in a hurry to get indoors once the rain began, and noticed later that I'd neglected to put the sunflower stalks in the compost. I saw this scene from my kitchen window and went out on the covered patio to photograph it. There is still colour - the marigolds and cosmos, and the fading sunflower. Beauty even as the season of flowers ends. 

Wishing you a lovely Sunday, be it wet or dry. (I believe ours will be very wet.)

Blogtober 17: A Quick Post

 

It's been a busy day here - a walk with a friend this morning, where I saw the Shaggy Mane mushrooms. I found out that they are edible, but we didn't pick them. Do you forage for wild mushrooms? I'd like to learn, but am a bit leery about eating something that might make me ill. 

The tops of many deciduous trees are looking sparse as the wind blows the leaves away. Some trees are coloured, but there are still plenty of green leaves around. 

A bit of baking done yesterday and enjoyed with a cup of tea. An oaty base with plum-blackberry jam and chocolate in the center. 

Autumn cushion covers - the large one picked up in the fabric store and the smaller one stitched by yours truly. There are two of each. I treated myself to this special edition of the first Armand Gamache mystery by Louise Penny, Still Life. You can catch a glimpse of the painted edges of the pages - do they have a special name? The end papers are gorgeous and there is a fold out map of Three Pines, and an interview between Louise Penny and Margaret Atwood at the end. A lovely book commemorating the 20th anniversary of publication. 

I just finished reading it this evening, hence the quick post. I'll leave you with one quote from the book, perfect for Autumn.

"Even in the rain and wind Gamache could see how beautiful the countryside was. The maples had turned deep reds and oranges, and leaves blown down in the storm were spread along the road and gully like a tapestry." (p 117) 

Blogtober 16: The Rhythm of the Year

 

I grew up with four definite seasons. The changes were marked. In the north, spring came late and autumn came early. Snow for four or five months. A few weeks of bitter (-40 degree) cold in January. We always joked about summer coming on a weekend so we could enjoy it. Long summer nights were filled with mosquitoes and occasionally the northern lights. Boating, fishing, swimming, barbecues - we made the most of the short two months of real summer. 

As an adult, I spent many years living on the equator. In reality, we might have been a few miles south, but not far. The slant of the sun through our windows changed by only a couple of inches throughout the year. We didn't have a dry season and a rainy season. We just had weather. Lots of sunshine in the city of Quito high in the mountains, and lots of rain in Shell in the jungle. When the wind blew in the mountains, it was dry and dusty. Days were the same length year round. Sun up around 6:00 am and down at 6:00 pm. No variation.

When I moved to Ecuador, I missed the seasons so much. I always hoped it would at least rain on Christmas Day to give us a little taste of cooler weather, but it rarely did. Instead, we would celebrate with a big dinner with friends, then go for a walk or sit on the patio.  

So I love living here in Canada where we do have seasons once again. Now I confess I would like a little more definition to the seasonal changes. Where I live, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, summer drifts into autumn slowly and gradually. Winter means cooler temperatures and more rain, sometimes a week of snow will delight me. Spring seems to last forever before the temperatures warm up to real summer. The change of seasons is muted rather than dramatic. 

Now that Autumn is here, I'm enjoying the cooler days and nights, and even the shorter days. There are many delightful things to mark the change of seasons. Here are a few of my autumn delights:

Soup

(vegetable soups, cheesy chowders, hearty beef and mushroom, 

broccoli and blue cheese, chilis - there's hardly a soup I don't like)

Socks

(so cozy - thin ones to wear with loafers and 

thicker ones to wear with boots)

Fires

(we heat with gas fireplaces and they are not as cozy as wood burning

ones, but easier to manage)

Stocking Up

(I believe I'm finished now, but there's been jam making, vegetable freezing, 

pickling, and drying going on for the past couple of months

- the pantry shelves are full)

Prepare for Christmas

(Once Thanksgiving is over I start thinking about Christmas because I love to

do so. I pull out a few magazines and start thinking about the pajamas I will sew

for the grandchildren, and any other gifts I might make. This is the time to

choose Christmas cards, too. And if I see a gift that someone might like, I'd 

best get it when I see it.)

Watch the leaves fall,

(When the wind begins to blow and the leaves fly off the trees, 

I'll either head out for a walk, or stay indoors and watch through the window as they 

twirl and dance to the ground.)

Scarves

(I love wrapping a scarf around my neck before going out for a walk,

and wear them in the house if it's really chilly. So warming.) 

Is the change of seasons something that delights you? 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend of delights.

PS For more stories about our years in Ecuador, you can visit my SubStack account. It's nice to see some of you over there. 

Blogtober 15: A Bit of This and That

 

Another morning with frost on the roofs, but the garden is holding out. Blueberry leaves look stained with berry juice, and will soon drop to the ground. 

When I went out this morning to grocery shop, I wished I had my gloves on while driving, for it was decidedly chilly. By this afternoon, I took off my socks and walked barefoot in the house because of the warmth. 

I spent much of the day in the kitchen, making soup, meatballs, a white chicken chili in the crockpot, and a Butternut squash quiche for dinner. The latter was very good (the link will send you to the recipe - it calls for pumpkin, but I used Butternut Squash, and Swiss Chard from the garden in place of spinach). I like to have a few meals in the freezer for busy days. And I made up some meals for my parents. We'll take them over to the mainland next time we go. 

The flowers in these photos are ones I clipped yesterday when the first frost appeared. I normally like just one variety per vase, or maybe two, but yesterday I crammed them into vases, mixing zinnias and dahlias and cosmos and roses with wild abandon. 

I don't have much Autumn decor. Yellows, golds, and browns are not my favourite colours, but I do like having bits of them here and there. I thought the last sunflowers looked well on the runner with the same embroidered flowers. 

All that cooking today was fairly tiring, so I'm happy to sit and read for awhile this evening. 

Blogtober 14: Of Light and Reflecting

 

As I pass through the rooms of my home these days, I am caught by the light pouring in and illuminating the spaces. How lovely it is and how quickly the sun's warmth takes the chill off the room. 

This morning I noticed the first frost on the neighbouring rooftops. "Oh, oh," I thought, "I wonder if my flowers are finished." Fortunately, it was a light frost, but enough to edge the grass and leaves with a bit of ice. The dahlias, cosmos, roses, and zinnias have held up, but I know their days are numbered.

Out I went with my camera to capture some of the blooms. How intricate a flower is with each part playing a role. 

A cosmo beaded with moisture.

Zinnia flowers have a another ring of flowers at the center and so many layers, each one so unique. 

This zinnia will likely not open. It reminds me of an artichoke with the curled green petals and bit of purple at the center. 

I read an interesting question today. What brings you back to yourself? I know that if I'm having an off-day, or feel stressed, there are things I can do to set myself back on track, such as

Read a chapter or two in a good book,

drink a glass of cold water, wander through my garden, 

chat with one of my children or my husband,

wrap myself in a warm sweater,

go for a walk

tidy something small, like a single drawer

make a cup of tea and savor it slowly

sing a song or hum quietly

All of these things are very ordinary, yet they can quickly alter my mood for the better. 

Tonight is clear again, and cold. I've covered the pumpkins and squashes curing on the back patio with a cozy blanket just in case of a stronger frost. I'll take the chill because it means a day full of sunshine.  

Blogtober 13: A Sea Lion Reprise

 

After yesterday's wet gloom the sun shone brilliantly today in agreement with the weather forecast. We had made plans to go on a boating expedition with the grands, with the proviso that if the winds and waves didn't cooperate we would cancel. 

Although the morning ride was a bit bumpy, we persevered. Our goal was to see the Sea Lions on the dock once again. We made a land excursion a few weeks ago and thought the view would be better by boat, and that the grandchildren would enjoy the trip. 

One grandchild couldn't make it, but the four that came had a wonderful time. The two eldest loved sitting on deck despite the chilly wind. 

The younger two also enjoyed getting out on deck and were fearless about climbing around - which made me nervous. But they have learned to always keep one hand firmly holding onto the boat, and always wear their life jackets. Cora waved and called to the sea lions, but they didn't pay her much attention.

This massive Stellar Sea Lion acted like the king of the dock. When we returned home the little girls pretended to be sea lions and barked just like them. They also decided that Nana was a rock that the sea lions liked to climb and we had great fun playing on the floor. 

The boat ride home was smoother than the one going out, and beautiful Mount Baker shimmered white and blue in the distance. 

I'm sitting in the living room this evening composing this post and I'm afraid the chair seems to be going back and forth as if I were on the boat. This often happens to me after a lengthy boat ride, and it can take a day or two for things to settle down. 

Sunny clear days are in the forecast for the next few days. We have to make the most of them while we can. 

Blogtober 12: Mellow

 

Rain dripped most of the day and the temperature was chilly. I went for a walk this afternoon during a break in the drizzle, and it began again before I got home. A mug of tea soon warmed me. Autumn has truly arrived. Time to cozy in. 

I'm sharing images from past Octobers below. It's such a beautiful month whether the sun shines or rain drips down.

"October sunshine bathed the park with such a melting light that it had the dimmed impressive look of a landscape by an old master."

Elizabeth Enright

Crows seem to come into their own in Autumn. They circle overhead and land in the tall trees just behind our home. What a wonderful variety of noises they make. There's one I particularly love that sounds like pebbles dropped into water, or deep-throated bubbles. It's a much more attractive sound than the harsh cawing we usually hear. 

Sunshine and shadow, slanting light, shimmering water. This photo was taken last October on a trip to the west coast of the Island, at Fairy Lake. 

Tomorrow is predicted to be sunny again. October is like that, isn't it? We must enjoy the sunshine while we can. 

I was reminded of these words from L. M. Montgomery's novel Pat of Silverbush, and thought them suitable for this celebratory weekend of Thanksgiving gatherings with family and friends. 

"There be three gentle and goodlie things

To be here,

To be together,

And to think well of one another."

Wishing you a lovely new week full of beautiful moments. 

Blogtober 11: Happy Thanksgiving

 

We gathered at our younger daughter's home. She and her husband put on a beautiful meal for 15 people. Everyone contributed something which makes it much easier. Pumpkins, leaves and vines decorated the table. The name cards to tell us where to sit were hand painted. 

There's something very lovely about a long table, or two tables put together, filled with beloved faces all around. 

I am filled with gratitude for my family and friends, for the beauty that surrounds us, for abundant and delicious food, for peace in this beautiful country of Canada. I am thankful for the freedoms we enjoy to gather, to worship, to discuss freely, for our health and education systems, and so much more. No place is perfect, but there is much more to laud than to criticize. 

There was pie to complete the meal - lots of pie - pumpkin and Kentucky Derbe, which is a pecan and chocolate confection. I brought one whole pie home, which is a good thing as far as Tim is concerned! 

Thanksgiving officially falls on Monday, but families enjoy getting together throughout the weekend - the day really doesn't matter. 

After dinner the younger set worked on a craft. Our son-in-law had drilled holes for eyes and mouths in a number of acorns and the children had a fun time creating little people from them. 

They are all, from the almost 5 year-old to the almost 15-year-old, interested in making things. Give them raw materials they come up with something unique. 

Now home for the evening. Our own dining table has a bit of Autumn decor with a brass bowl and candlesticks, pinecones and shiny conkers. 

I'm thankful, too, for the friends I've met through blogging, and for you who are reading this post. Blogging through the years has been a wonderful way to connect across the globe. I wish you all beautiful moments to treasure. 

Blogtober 10: A Very Quiet Day

 

Welcome rain has fallen throughout the day. I've done very little today and am sharing images from past Octobers, other than the one above, taken not too long ago at Butchart Gardens. I love window boxes full of flowers. They are such a lovely feature on many European homes. Our home doesn't have a place for them, so I make do with pots. 

A selection of pumpkins on my niece's window ledge, taken a few years ago in Alberta. 

Some of my readers may remember that last November I caught a bad cold and ended up with an ear infection. The infection is long gone, but I was left with a plugged ear that has continued for these many months. The ENT specialist can see nothing, but wanted to rule out any oddities, so I had an MRI this morning.

By morning I mean 3:00 AM. The MRI department runs 24 hours a day. We set our alarm and Tim drove me in the black of night to the hospital. I have never had an MRI and am somewhat claustrophobic, so my doctor prescribed a wee bit of sedation. The MRI technicians were very kind and gentle and explained things as we went along. I chosen to have a cloth over my eyes that didn't block out light, but stopped me from seeing the very close top of the machine. I had heard the machine was loud (I also had ear plugs), but what surprised me was the variety of noises it made. Sharp beeps, hums, clatters, regular pulses, and more. 

We were home and back asleep by 4 AM. But I've felt the effects of the mild sedation all day, with brain fog and little energy. All I've done is the laundry and made up the bed with clean sheets. I'm sure to wake up refreshed in the morning. 

Tomorrow I'll be preparing a few dishes to take to Thanksgiving Dinner at our daughter's place. 

It's been a cozy evening here, with a bit of reading, a cup of tea, and a square of dark chocolate. Good night, dear friends.