October Gathering

October. My favorite month of the year. Summer flowers linger as foliage changes and tree fruit ripens. The air seems to ripen along with the apples into sweet, golden days perfect for long walks. Then come the rains that freshen the earth and make my heart turn inside to candle and fire light, cozy wraps and another blanket on the bed.
 

October. Nights are cooler and warming scents and food welcome. Apple cake, fresh bread rising, cinnamon and orange simmering on the stove. Hearty soups and all those delicious squashes.  Thanksgiving dinner. Loved ones gathered round. Thanks be to God.
 

October. Glowing pumpkins, rustling leaves, children laughing. Baking cookies with two little girls, encouraging a little man as he begins to explore his world. A bit of sewing, reading, gardening.
 

October flaps its wings and lifts off. Whoosh. Away. Beautiful days are now a memory. 

Gathering the Moments: September

Mellow September. As the earth tilts imperceptibly away from the sun, temperatures cool. Summer's absorbed heat slowly fades from the earth. Sunny days yet, with just a few of rain. A beautiful month.
When I look back, I can see why these 30 days simply flew by. It was filled with family times - visiting Tim's mom and siblings in Alberta, my parents and siblings in Chilliwack, and family gatherings here on our Island.
  

Hiking in the Rockies, kayaking in the ocean, admiring ever-changing skies in the prairies, drifting through a misty landscape on the ferry, puttering in the garden - this month was filled with nature experiences. 

And it was a month of celebration! Three birthdays, one baby baptism/dedication, and one fashion show. Whew! Bring on October!

Joining with Cheryl of Thinking About Home. 

Gathering the Moments: July

There were sunny walks and a rainy weekend camping trip. A birthday. An anniversary. Flowers galore. Gardening. Jam making. Baby cuddles and plenty of reading. Laughter and good food. Hydrangeas. Cherries. Pool time.

A month goes by so quickly, yet in looking back I can see how much life was lived in it. Thanks be to God.

Linking to Gathering the Moments at Thinking About Home. 

Gathering the Moments - June

This year, 2014, is half over. On the other hand, there are still 6 months remaining in this year. Do you find, like I do, that when looking back the days blur into chunks and only moments are retained in clear focus? I suppose my brain would explode if every moment of every day remained as sharp as the next. 

In June the irises and peonies came and went. We picked the first strawberries, the first radishes,and  the first raspberries. Last night we picked over a quart of blueberries.

In June we celebrated a birthday and honored fathers. Lavender and roses bloomed. There were cuddles and giggles with little ones.  Other highlights: dinner on the patio, a visit to Butchart Gardens, tea and chocolate, the first popsicles, some rain and some tears, but mostly sunny skies and a light heart. For all these I am thankful. 

Joining Cheryl with Gathering the Moments.

Gathering the Moments: January

I'm linking today to Cheryl at Thinking about Home.

Gathering the moments of January. Much can happen in a month. Family dinners, play time with the grand girlies, brisk walks, quiet times with books and tea. And always, noticing the light. Was today a little longer and brighter than yesterday? Day by day the earth tilts, slowly, ever so slowly. 

The first robin. Sunlight slanting across the floor. Garlic putting out long green stems. Broccoli slowly growing. Hyacinth's sweet scent as I walk by the fireplace mantel. Warming soups. Cozy throws. A little sewing. A baby shower. 

Looking back.

Looking forward. A meet-up with local bloggers for tea. The appearance of a new grandchild. Valentine's Day. These are things I anticipate in February. There will many unplanned occurrences along the way. Gather the moments.