Blogtober 6 : An Autumn Memory

 

Cow moose and calf seen on our trip to the Yukon three years ago.

My husband used to hunt. He loved to go to the Willow River area where his grandparents had farmed. We would get up very early, pack a lunch and a thermos of hot tea and drive for an hour, arriving just as the first faint light touched the horizon. We parked the car and began walking along the remnants of an old corduroy road towards Sam's Field. Tim remembered the field as a productive piece of land, but now it was abandoned and beavers had overtaken it, creating a boggy place beloved to moose.         

Fog softened the landscape and the only sound was our feet tramping along the muddy path. Suddenly Tim motioned for me to be still. Across the field a moose materialized in the mist, ethereal yet solid. Surprisingly quiet for such a large creature, she picked her way across the field, raising spindly legs with a graceful delicacy that surprised me. We stood and watched her for several minutes. I was glad when Tim said the moose was female, thus protected from a hunter’s bullet.

We had no camera, yet the sight of the moose appearing in the early morning fog is a memory as clear as yesterday. It was a gift to us, one that we talk about together from time to time.            

Today was spent at home, doing a little housework and sewing. A walk in the sunshine was lovely. I scuffed through fallen leaves, dry and crisp, caught on the roadside. The forecast ahead is full of similar days. 

The dahlias seen here are blooming in Butchart Gardens, where I visited last week.  

Aren't they stunning? 

Just a note: When Tim was able to successfully hunt, we ate the moose meat. It has a slightly stronger taste and needs to be cooked low and slow. 

Blogtober 5: A Sunday Walk

 

Beautiful sunshine beckoned us outdoors this afternoon. The light danced on the water. Breezy gusts tugged leaves from the trees, and twirled them around in a dance as they fell to the ground. 

The water in Tod Inlet looked odd today with streaks of red and brown. A quick online check told us that there was a red algae bloom - a red tide, but this one is not toxic. Still, there were very few birds, a sign that something isn't quite right.

How beautiful the leaves grow old

How full of light and colour are their last days.

J. Burroughs

Our Western Maple leaves turn yellow, not red as the Eastern Maples do. 

It was so lovely to just stand in the warmth of the sun and watch leaves fall. 

Our youngest daughter and her family came for dinner this evening. Apple Crisp was on the menu for dessert, always a favourite. We often get together with all of our children and grandchildren, but it's also nice to visit with individual families. They didn't stay long as the little girls needed to get to bed since tomorrow is a school day. Before they left they put on a little acrobatic show for us that they called Tricks and Talents. Very cute. 

Sunshine is in the forecast for the next week. We'll be sure to take advantage of it. 

Blogtober 4: Gardens in Autumn

 

A few days ago, I met a friend for a walk in Butchart Gardens. We were both surprised at the crowds. Several tour busses and a cruise ship or two were in town and visiting the Gardens is a popular excursion. 

I worked today in my own garden, pulling down the pole beans, cutting the last of the squashes and pumpkins and gathering their vines. This afternoon we attended the 50th wedding anniversary celebration of our daughter-in-law's parents, followed by a quiet evening at home watching George Gently. I'll leave a few photos of the gardens below for you to enjoy. 

I've saved the dahlias for another post. See you tomorrow! 

Blogtober 3: Autumn Reading

 

I waited impatiently for the cosmos to bloom in my garden. July and August passed with the occasional flower and then, at last, in September, they went crazy! Pale pink, dark pink, white, and these lovely stained-edge blooms. How pretty they are sitting in a vase on the mantel. 

Around town there are all kinds of displays of pumpkins and squashes. Who knew there were so many varieties? Some look as though they are covered in barnacles, others are smooth. And such lovely colours: rich orange, pale yellow, and sea-green. A wheelbarrow of abundance.

We've not yet turned the heat on in the house, but the time is fast approaching. Soon, with the fire glowing and a cup of herbal tea to hand, evenings will be spent reading. When I think of books I like to read in Autumn, I am not interested in spooky stories, but rather in cozy ones that let me enter a world of beauty and warmth. Mysteries often qualify. Here's a short list of what I'm planning to read or re-read this October.

The Fortnight in September

by R. C. Sherriff

An older book, but one I saw recommended somewhere.

Still life

by Louise Penny

This is the first of the Gamache books and begins on Thanksgiving which is the second Monday of October. 

The Library at the Edge of the World

by Felicity Hayes-McCoy

I've not yet begun this book, and look forward to entering an imaginary Irish village.

The School of Essential Ingredients

by Erica Bauermeister

This will be a re-read with lots of sensory details that enrich the story of a diverse group gathering to cook once a week.

The Story She Left Behind

by Patti Callahan Henry

A mother-daughter story that sounds interesting. I've enjoyed other books by Henry and have high hopes for this one. 

The Stubborn Light of Things: A Nature Diary

by Melissa Harrison

I'll be dipping in and out of this one, compiled from the author's Nature Notebook column in The Times.

The Black Wolf

by Louise Penny

I've pre-ordered the newest Gamache, set to release October 28th, and am looking forward to the resolution of the problem Armand realized at the end of the previous book The Grey Wolf. In fact, I may have to re-read that one first!

My newest book is this one - The Country Commonplace Book by Miranda Mills. It's a really lovely collection of poems, quotes, lists, and recipes gathered over the years. I've dipped into the Autumn section and will try to refrain from reading the other seasons, but I may not be able to resist. The book itself is beautiful, with some pages having delightful coloured borders or patterned backgrounds. Miranda lives in Yorkshire and has a YouTube channel where she discusses books old and new and has given me many ideas for my reading pleasure. 

I'd love to know what you are reading this Autumn, or even if you like to read seasonally. 

Blogtober 2: The Boys are Back in Town

 

We took a look at the weather and decided Wednesday would be best for a short day trip. Rain began as we drove, and continued sporadically. Weather reports are clearly fallible. 

 

"Is this my best side?"

Every year, after the breeding season, sea lion males leave the rookery (breeding ground) and move to haul-out sites along the coast. One of these sites is the Government Dock at Cowichan Bay. We could hear the barking and growling of the sea lions from at least a mile away.

One of the reasons they come is to gorge on the salmon now gathering in the estuary before entering the river to spawn. 

What fun to watch the sea lions lounging on the dock. They flop themselves over the low railing, wave their flippers in the air, yawn, and resemble huge slugs. On land they move slowly; it looked almost painful, but once in the water they dive and swim with grace. 

A number of years ago, during an El Niño season, the warm current brought California sea lions to our waters. They liked it so much they stayed. They are smaller and darker in colour than our local Stellar Sea Lions. The locals have golden fur and are much larger; some males weigh up to 1100 kilograms. 

In November, when the population is at its highest, the smell and sound of the sea lions carries a long way. They are both pungent and noisy. Today we didn't smell anything. 

After watching for awhile in the drizzle, we enjoyed lunch at the pub. The Coconut Prawn Fish Tacos were delicious. He had his with french fries and I had mine with salad. Then home for a quiet afternoon and evening. 

Blogtober 1: A Change in the Air

 

There's definitely a feeling of autumn these days. A freshness in the air, the slant of the sun, a golden hue to the light, and a coolness to the wind. 

We went for a hike down to the water at McKenzie Bight and although the sky was a mix of sun and cloud, it felt as though rain might fall. How the temperature has changed! Long sleeves and socks are the norm, not the exception. 

We don't see a lot of colour in our mostly coniferous forests, and what we do have comes a bit later. But there is plenty to notice. This tiny mushroom on its frail looking stem had me squatting down to take a photo. Only when I saw it on my computer, I noticed the miniscule white fungi growing nearer the ground. An amazing world of miniatures. 

Late Sunday night the rain began and continued throughout most of Monday. I could almost hear the ground and trees opening up and soaking in the moisture. It's been so very dry. 

The rain bowed down one of the sunflower stalks, so I cut it and brought the flowers indoors. Now they glow in the living room. 

"Dear old world," she murmured, "You are very lovely,

and I am glad to be alive in you."

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."

L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

I'm joining in with Blogtober again this year, attempting to post daily for the next 31 days. Barbara from Coastal Ripples is also joining in. 

On another note, I've put the recipe for the Apple Cake mentioned in my last post onto the recipe blog. Just click the link. 

Friday Favourites: From Morning til Night

 

I slipped out of the house a bit earlier this morning just as the sun in the east reflected pink light on the clouds in the west. It was a little bit crisp out and I was glad I had pulled on my down jacket - for the first time. 

I heard the sweetest song, a long rise and short fall, of a bird I didn't recognize. Pulling out my phone I opened the Merlin app and quickly identified the song as that of the Golden-Crowned Sparrow. I didn't see the bird, but my what a beautiful song. It trilled away for quite some time. 

Nature also made itself known with the scent of a skunk somewhere in the neighbourhood. Not nearly as pleasant as the Sparrow's song. Passing a patch of blackberries I smelled their late summer fragrance, pleasantly winey. 

In the evening I snapped a photo of the glass bottles, recycled, on the windowsill. I love the abstract patches of light and dark created by the water and glass. 

A day-time photo of the same sunflower shows a very different mood. I'm filling vases with flowers all over the house because I know that cold and rain is coming. How I will miss being able to go outside and clip a bouquet or two. 

There are so many apples this year. I've made applesauce, apple slices, dried apples, apple galettes, and this week, an Apple Cake. It's a bit different than my usual apple cake, more of a coffee cake texture, and very toothsome. I'll try to put up a recipe on the other blog. 

I've mentioned several times that I'm writing a book, a memoir of 21 years in Ecuador with my husband and children. It's finally finished and I'm working with a publisher hoping to have it published around Christmas time. 

I've begun a SubStack account and plan to post excerpts from the book there, weekly. I'd love for you to join me there. You do not need to download any app to your phone. Here's the link to my account, LorrieOrr. Check it out, if you like. By subscribing you will get my posts sent directly to your email, something no longer possible with Blogger, and it costs nothing and never will. 

Friday Favourites: A Shift of Seasons

 

"I know fall is here, although the world is still green with summer. And I feel an urgency to gather in all the loveliness of the

past blazing days and star-cool nights and keep

them forever."

Gladys Taber

September is a gentle shift into Autumn, particularly this year as the sun shines most days, and the temperature drops gradually. One morning I put on socks to pad around the house for the first time since June. How cozy they felt. 

On the coast where we live there is some colour, but not the dramatic flaming hills that we enjoyed on our trip across Canada two years ago. Most leaves continue green, but a few trees blaze, calling attention to themselves. 

"The crickets felt it was their duty to warn everyone that 

summertime cannot last forever."

E. B. White, Charlotte's Web

Cyclamen blooms in the woods despite the continuing lack of rain. That may change this weekend as a shift in the weather is on the horizon. 

The deep harsh rasp of a crow perched in the neighbour's tree is another sign of autumn. There he sits, loudly proclaiming his presence to all and sundry. 

Yesterday, while working in the garden, I heard a loud buzzing noise just above my head. I looked up to see a hummingbird dazzling with colour - emerald and pink - hovering above me. He flitted here and there for some time while I stood and watched. 

I cut most of the Red Kuri squash and pumpkins from their vines. A few remain on the ground as I hope they will ripen just a wee bit more. Pumpkins stay in the fields here through October, so I'm not too worried about them. My tomatoes were abysmal this year, not yielding as much as usual, but the winter squash have been amazing. We'll enjoy them roasted and in soups for the next few months. The green beans continue for a bit, but will soon wither and brown. Greens such as Swiss Chard, Kale, Beetroot Leaves and more will carry on.

I clipped one sunflower this afternoon. It was falling over and I thought it would look prettier in the house, in the turquoise blue recycled glass vase. I don't mind that the sunflowers have been slow to grow this year for now I can enjoy them as the remainder of the garden slows. 

I collect bits and pieces from the garden - a few cosmos, one small dahlia, and the very last of the sweet peas for a pixie-sized bouquet. How fragrant it smells. A few remaining coloured hydrangeas were cut to grace the mantel. Most of the blooms are dry and pale now. These will dry in the vase as the water evaporates and I'll have them for the winter ahead. 

It has occurred to me more than ever this year how hard our foremothers worked to prepare for autumn and the coming winter. Harvesting and preserving the garden produce takes time. They would have worked from morning to night to ensure their families had food throughout the cold months. I've frozen vegetables, preserved peaches, made a few pickles and plenty of jam, but we would be in a very sorry state if we had to rely on what we've produced. 

Wishing you a most lovely Autumn weekend. 

Friday Favourites on Saturday

 

There we were, walking with friends along a wooded path. As we approached a couple standing very still, they put their fingers to their lips, then pointed upwards. In the middle of the afternoon (do owls suffer from insomnia?) a Barred Owl watched us from a branch just above our heads. I think Tim could have reached up and touched him. We watched each other for several minutes, the owl and I, then his feathers fluffed and he flew, low and silent, so close that Tim felt the wind of his wings. A magical few moments. 

I clipped a bouquet of Lichfield Angel Roses from the bush that keeps giving and giving. Creamy pink or salmon, depending on the light, with a delicate fragrance. They made me smile every time I passed through the dining room. Those particular blooms are now spent, and I will cut another bouquet today.

"All in all, it was a never-to-be-forgotten summer -

one of those summer which come seldom into any life,

but leave a rich heritage of beautiful memories in their going..."

L. M. Montgomery (Anne's House of Dreams)

Slowly, slowly summer changes to autumn. It's autumn in the morning and summer in the afternoon. I keep a light sweater handy and pull it on when I walk. Yet it's still so lovely to sit on the patio with a cold drink and enjoy the garden later in the day. Cosmos dance in the breeze and the bees - my how busy they are - buzz about the dahlias. The birch tree leaves are aging to a dull yellow-green.

The vegetables continue to produce - green beans to share, tomatoes, kale, carrots, onions - so much delicious goodness. The basil has outperformed itself this year - huge leaves that are large enough to make into cabbage rolls. (Not that that is in the plan.) I've made pesto for the freezer and dried the leaves, shared with family, and am throwing it with abandon into any tomato dish and vegetable soups. And oh my, the apples! It seems to be a mast year. Along many streets there are boxes set out along the curb inviting anyone to take free apples. Our trees are loaded and I'm processing and sharing them as time allows. What's your favourite way to use apples?

"Dear old world," she murmured, "you are very lovely and 

I am glad to be alive in you."

L. M. Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables)

The world is indeed a beautiful place despite the heartaches everywhere. I am becoming more and more convinced that social media feeds the violence and nasty rhetoric so prevalent in the world. AI plays a large role in this. I'm restricting time on line more and more, and feeding my mind with the best and most lovely writing and images. 

This week I read a book by Caroline Moorehouse, Village of Secrets, about a French community who defied the Nazis and saved many children from certain death. It was not always easy reading and I wept for the little ones clutching their soft toys as they were led away to the death camps, and I rejoiced when others crossed safely to freedom into other countries. 

Other books read recently were Ann Cleeves Cold Earth, from the Shetland series, and J. L. Carr's A Month in the Country, both easier reading. Shetland is currently being reshown on our local public broadcasting station (Knowledge, available throughout Canada), and we are enjoying watching it. It's especially fun to recognize some of the places we visited during our day in Lerwick last summer. 

A small bouquet of the same Lichfield Angel roses for my bedroom. How sweet they are in the sunshine. 

With the cooler temperatures and the focus on indoor living increasing, I'm inspired to do some deep cleaning, clearing out cupboards and drawers, and rearranging things neatly. So satisfying. I began yesterday and will continue on. 

Wishing you days of golden light and sweet peace. 

Friday Favourites: Here and There

 

The deep rasping caw of a crow high in a treetop sounded like autumn this morning. When I walk into the garden I cringe at the invisible spider webs that I walk into between the tall beanpoles and the sunflowers. A few moments ago I stepped outside and saw the waxing moon glowing red from forest fires. All these things add up to a changing season. Although the days are very warm, even record-breaking, once the sun slips away, coolness descends. Summer when the sun shines; Autumn in the darkness.

We try to take a yearly camping trip, just a few days, with our family. The past weekend was the date we settled on. Tim and I went a day early and hiked to Hole in the Wall, seen above. The hole is man-made, drilled many years ago through rock to place wooden pipes to supply the nearby town with water. The pipes are long gone and water is sourced elsewhere, but the large hole is a definite attraction. We both climbed the rocky ledges and walked through the opening to the forest on the other side. 

"It was a lovely afternoon - such an afternoon as only 

September can produce when summer has stolen back 

for one more day of dream and glamour." 

L. M. Montgomery

On a hot day it was cool beside the shaded water. The air held the memory of wildfire smoke and we saw recent patches of fire damage. 

Once everyone else arrived at the campsite there was swimming, games, lots of chatting, and plenty of eating. We all take turns providing meals and it's become tradition that I make doughnuts. The deep fryer is packed when we know we have electricity, or else we use pots on the campstove. I make the dough, a couple of guys man the frying, and all the grands glaze and decorate. Our daughter-in-law keeps them under control. There is always enough to share with the neighbouring campers who can smell the donuts. 

Our youngest grand, Cora, begins kindergarten this year. It's a very gentle start, 90 minutes, then building up to all day. I collected her this morning after her short stint in school, and we went to Butchart Gardens. I laughed when she told me that the statue lady above was cold and needed a towel to wrap around herself. 

"Summer is dressing herself in showy dahlias 

and splendid marigolds and starry zinnias."

Oliver Wendell Holmes

Dahlias are the stars of the garden just now with so many varieties. Both Cora and I liked this pink one with the bee on it. We rode the carousel and enjoyed a little lunch in the coffee shop. A fun outing.

Other activities this week included blanching and freezing 5 pounds of green beans, making pear marmalade, and a peach galette. How delicious it was to enjoy a piece still warm from the oven. Next up is apples. Our trees are loaded this year, with plenty to share. 

I plan to make the most of these golden days, enjoying the fleeting days of warmth. How about you?