Thursday, September 04, 2025

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? 


32 comments:

  1. What a feast of doughnuts for everyone, a real family occasion to remember fore
    ver! I'd love to see the hole in the rock.

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    1. The Hole in the Rock is unique and very striking.

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  2. We are doing the same, enjoying those last few days of summer. The temperature drops next week here. Love that first photo. Such a unique window! Those donuts look so good! What a great family activity!

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    1. The temperature is dropping next week here, too. And hopefully we will have some rain to help with the wildfires.

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  3. Anonymous5:03 AM

    Your description of the seasons is beautiful. I can almost smell donuts! They are gorgeous!
    A family camping trip sounds fantastic and a memory making end of summer.
    Happy Apples!
    May

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    1. Thank you, May. The apples are very plentiful this year.

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  4. Mmmm... doughnuts 💜❤️
    The L.M.Montgomery quote is nice 🌻
    We had that kind of a day yesterday and again today.

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    1. September days can be so lovely.

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  5. The doughnuts are a neat tradition! It sounds enterprising to me but it looks like you've figured out how to make it work on a camp out! I would love to sample your apples from the tree! And thanks for your comment on my bear sighting. You wrote....I'm glad you saw one though! Most people don't realize that we go out into the wild...hoping to see something wild! Hugs, Diane

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    1. Yes, we've figured it out and it's easier every year. On our recent boating trip in the wild we were thrilled to see so much local wildlife - that's partly why we go!

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  6. How fun, having your end of the season camping trip. It looks like a wonderful spot. And you've been so productive since you've been home!That peach galette sounds to die for. You clearly have more warmth up there than I do at the cottage (only 50 and with wind, colder!)

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    1. It's been very warm, but is beginning to cool off now. The garden produce won't wait!

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  7. I so enjoyed reading this. The crow, the spider webs, the red moon — I could see it all. And then donuts at the campsite! What a wonderful tradition. Little Cora made me smile with her towel-for-the-statue comment. Children see things with such fresh eyes. Your days sound full and good — busy, but touched with beauty. Thank you for letting us glimpse them.

    We just had a huge rain and thunderstorm here! I had laundry hanging outside and rushed to bring it in, then quickly carried my two monsteras out to enjoy the rain. I’m so glad for the water. We’re expecting a very hot weekend, but you’re right — once the sun slips away, it cools so quickly. Wishing you a lovely weekend, Lorrie. 🌿☔️🌞

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    1. Thank you, Aritha. My days are full and good, I am blessed. September rains are due to begin this next week here.

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  8. I love the thought of wrapping up the statue! I'm sure she would appreciate the warmth!

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  9. Your camping trip sounds like great fun! And donuts! Yum! Your granddaughters comment about the statue made me smile! I can see that and agree! She should have a wrap for autumn/winter!

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    1. Thanks, Deanna. Cora makes me laugh a lot. I'll miss her now that she's in school.

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  10. Anonymous11:27 AM

    The first couple of photos — and that wonderful statue — make me think of magical places. Oh, how fun that you have a tradition of making donuts! Such a great idea!

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  11. I found it an important step when the last grand started school, both for the child and for myself.
    Hole in the Wall looks like a great spot to visit. Of course Butchard Gardens are always delightful to visit.

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    1. It's sort of the end of an era when the last grand starts school. Life is full of changes at every stage.

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  12. A great way to cap off summer with the family. Those donuts look delicious and what a nice gesture to share with other campers! The peach gallete is calling to me. We are in Bothell and have a little less smoke to bear here while visiting our kids on this side of the mountains. The Crown Creek fire in Colville is inching it's way toward us but we should be spared. Our Colville son is keeping an eye on our place. We have a few families from our church who have had to evacuate. One family is camping in our church parking lot. Take care and enjoy the last several days of official summer.

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    1. Those fires can be so devastating. I hope the rain that is forecast for this week really shows up.

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  13. The water colour in the second picture is beautiful. It was a nice family outing and the doughnuts looks delicious it must be difficult to make them outside.this afternoon is sunny with 24 degrees C
    The garden has been suffering a lot this Summer it was too hot and too dry!

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    1. It was great fun to camp with the family. The weather is beginning to cool off here.

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  14. Your photos are lovely, Lorrie. The temperatures are cooler here in Montreal and it is such a relief. Thank you so much for sharing 😊 ❤️

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  15. Fascinating views, wonderful flowers and gorgeous treats!
    Happy Sunday, dear Lorrie!

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  16. Your post is filled with much comfort and joy! I love the cool mornings at this time of year and are best experienced out camping in nature!

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  17. What a delight to spent time with your Cora, such special times. The camping sounds such fun, and the hole in the wall so interesting. Your baking skills always amaze me, and those doughnuts look fantastic. I am sure the other campers loved them too. Pear marmalade sounds really good too.

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  18. Always nice to spend time with the family.
    You shared such beautiful photographs.

    Enjoy your September days.

    All the best Jan

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  19. Such a fun tradition to have with your family, especially as it comes with donuts. The peach galette looks amazing, I'm inspired to make one. Can you believe I've never made a galette?
    Amalia
    xo

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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 s...