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.