Preparations and Planning

Outside my window there's a bit of drizzle and plenty of grey. Not so indoors where the tree lights twinkle and the fire glows. I started this morning off with list making - menus, shopping, projects to finish. I like a freshly sharpened pencil and a cup of tea to help me think. Ideas flow freely, but it's nearing time to make some decisions and settle on things. I'm happy to report that in between writing the list and writing this post, one item has been checked off! 

Yesterday we celebrated a 9th birthday for this sweet girl. She's fun and feisty, and growing up all too quickly. She had a friend party on Saturday and a family get together yesterday afternoon. 

On Saturday I baked cookies and pulled together something quick for dinner. Shrimp in a garlic sauce with zucchini noodles and a few tomatoes, served over creamy polenta. Easy and satisfying, and there were leftovers for Tim to take to work today! Win win.

Most of the decorating is done. We did the tree last night. My, but it smells good. Fresh and clean, like the outdoors. On the piano are the paper trees I made over 30 years ago, looking a little aged, but pretty as can be with twinkle lights strewn through them. 

In the evenings that draw in so quickly these days, a cup of tea and a cookie by the fire is cozy and warming. On the plate are Rugelach, Cranberry Orange Shortbread, and Peanut Butter Squares. There's plenty for you, and more teacups in the cabinet, so feel free to drop by. 

Back to the list before I go to school to deal with lively students who are more than eager for the Christmas break to begin. 

Chewing and Thinking

My current breakfast fixation - one apple, sliced, topped with plain full fat yogurt and a small handful of mixed nuts, chopped. I think I've had this every day for the past month. It keeps me going strong until lunchtime. 

It also takes awhile to chew. This morning, while chewing, I got to thinking. And after I finished chewing....

I took my big cup/mug of tea and sat down on the floor in front of the fire. Such a cozy place. First I toast my back, then my front. Just lovely.

Then I open my journal and begin making lists. It's the season! Lists of things to do, goodies to bake, menus to plan. Lists of shopping and decorating. Lists of giving. Lists to remind me to take the moments as they come. To enjoy. To simply be. What gets done, gets done. The rest doesn't matter.

I've always resisted purchasing Christmas dishes. Storage is an issue, for one thing. For another, we really do have plenty of plates. But these red and creamy white ones called out to me. "For Christmas breakfast," I thought. 

And more. I used them for a recent breakfast eaten in front of the fire as the sun streamed in. 

I don't have a lot of red, but I'm gathering my bits and pieces together to display in the grey china hutch. I think it's a good beginning. 

Advent begins this Sunday, so next on the list is getting the candles and Nativity set organized. Then, a wreath on the door. I'm looking forward to singing carols in church, to family gatherings, to walks under the stars (I'm wishing for snow, but that's unlikely). I'm not giddy with excitement as I used to be during this season, but I am filled with a quiet anticipation of this celebration of Christ's birth that makes me smile. 

Now, back to those lists and some more thinking. Tell me, do you function best with or without lists? 

Linking to Roses of Inspiration.

September Delights

Summer and autumn fuse into each other...in a mild wonder of too-soft days."
H.E. Bates, "Through the Woods"

Melissa at The Inspired Room posted a list of 20 Little Things to Treasure in Autumn. That inspired me to think of my own delights in this wonderful season. What are yours? If you post a list I'd love to read it - even a list of one thing!

My September Delights

1. Long walks with the sun shining and a cool breeze playing against my face.
2. Making (and eating) soup.
3. Reading in a pool of lamplight with a few candles burning.
4. Apple Crisp.
5. Dahlias in all their sizes, shapes and colours.
6. Bittersweet acknowledgment that the days are shortening rapidly.
7. Scuffling through dry leaves.
8. Collecting pine cones.
9. The warm smell of vanilla in sauces and desserts.
10. Gathering around the table with my family.
11. Sewing with wool and corduroy.
12. Snuggling on the couch with my husband to watch a movie.
13. Baking bread.
14. Starting new programs - church and community.
15. Connecting with friends after summer's travels.
16. Admiring the jewel tones of the jars of homemade jams lined up in the pantry.
17. Savouring the last fruits of summer - plums, fall berries, peaches
18. Hot Chocolate.
19. Pancakes and sausage for breakfast, with maple syrup and the last of the strawberries.
20. Birthday season (my son, my youngest daughter and my son-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law and 2 nephews have September birthdays)