Blogtober 14: Cozy Days

 

These are the cozy days. In the morning I wear a long-sleeved shirt topped with a sweater. If the sun decides to shine, I can remove the sweater, but by early evening it's back on again. At night the cold air from the open window drifts across my face and I pull up the covers a bit more tightly. Copious cups of tea are made and sipped as I read or write. 

We've not enjoyed very much rain or stormy weather yet, but I'm sure it's coming. Today I pulled all of the tomato and zucchini plants from the garden. There's still one potted tomato plant in the greenhouse (unheated) and those tomatoes may ripen. 

I cut what will likely be the last of the zinnias, dahlias, and cosmos and made a small bouquet for the kitchen window sill. Darkness falls earlier and earlier. I wonder what will happen this winter, for our province has decided to remain on Daylight Saving Time and not revert back to Standard Time. Health scientists recommend Standard Time as better for us. 

I made a Butternut Squash and Beet Gratin to go with our beef stew and rice for dinner. As I sliced I thought about how well my knife worked. Good knives make cooking so much easier, and I am thankful that my husband regularly sharpens my knives. I could get a mandolin, but I tried that once and found that I preferred a knife. The slices may not be as even or as thin, but it works for me. 

Here's the end result, quite delicious. I love vegetables more than fruit - always have. And there are so many things one can do with fresh produce. Sometimes it's hard to think of new ideas. I will occasionally leaf through a cookbook from the shelf, or one of my Fine Cooking magazines for ideas. 

The Cozy Commonplace Book by Miranda Mills is pretty inside and out, with lovely illustrations and designs on many pages. I found this quote

I think, after all, I like a clean kitchen better than any other room.

George Eliot to Miss Sara Hennell 16 October 1863

I agree with Eliot - if the kitchen is tidy, the whole house feels calmer. And it doesn't take long to clean up if I wipe counters and put things away as I work. 

Today marks 100 years since the publication of Winnie-the-Pooh in 1926 by A. A. Milne. I did not grow up with Winnie-the-Pooh stories, but read a few of them to my children. That silly old bear became quite dear despite his forgetfulness and love of honey. And he said some wise and funny things:

"When you see someone putting on his Big Boots, you can be pretty sure than an Adventure is going to happen." 

"It makes such a difference to have someone who believes in you." 

Now to close my computer and read a little.