October 2020

And - that was October 2020!

Indeed!

The embroidery hoop and thread came out to play ...

it's a BOM (aka Block Of the Month) quilt project by a beautiful designer,

Gail Pan Designs The project is called "I Wish You Well"

I'm trying to keep up with the monthly embroidered patches (approx. 3/month)

and then it all gets pieced into a quilt at the end.

Just one more month to go.

It's been many years since I've done any sewing of this type and am really enjoying it.

Thankfully, I can google tutorials on how to do certain stitches.

We used do this on tea towels and pillow cases and enter them as exhibits for the local fall fair.

Grateful that these pieces won't be judged - I really have had to relearn so much.

 Thanksgiving was very low key this year.

Just us and our sweet "bubble" family.

Our talented son-in-law bbq'd the brined and perfectly seasoned turkey

and we enjoyed it with all the trimmings.

What a treat!

She came early before the meal, while her little brother napped

to have a special alone playtime with Nammie's "Sunday Toy".

It seemed appropriate that she also was wearing her pretty rainbow sweater.

It was a great Thanksgiving Day!! 

Oh, we have SO much to be thankful for ...

And then, before we knew it, the end of October arrived

and Hallowe'en was here, with a clear Blue Moon night!

Daddy and Sully recreated Back To The Future costumes, complete with the DeLorean car

created by Patrick's mom!

"Marty" and "Doc"

Noa and Mommy reused some Back to the Past, 1980's Disney costumes and hats.

This costume was worn by Mommy when she was the same age - 5!

The farmer and I quickly grabbed some costumes too so we could 

be dressed for handing out the candy!

A Police Officer and Moira Rose - lol

It's handy having some silly things saved in the old trunk upstairs.

I used to have dark hair like that!

October had some other tricks up it's sleeve ... you'll have to stay tuned for it.

It will be a very exciting 2021 project.

In the meantime, I'll plug sew away at my embroidery patches

and maybe even re-do some of the earlier ones.

This morning - November 2 - eek!

Till next time ... "to remember is to work for peace"

September's End 2020

 The leaves are giving us a sure sign that Fall has arrived.

"Autumn is a Second Spring

When Every Leaf is a Flower"

                                        Albert Camus

My favourite Fall garden "flowers" right here!

Pumpkin Patch Raid

School has begun at long last and this little student couldn't be happier.

(whispering a prayer for safety and health)

Perfect weather for a quick get-away to a beautiful park

on Georgian Bay - Awenda Provincial Park

Trails for hiking and biking with dear friends ...

Photo credit - Stew

Forest Bathing!

Funky Fungi everywhere - so lovely!

Final garden clean up weekend ...

Seeds for next year's garden

And that was that! At least we saved the still growing Kale.

This hearty dragon kale has been showing up in omletts, smoothies, and delicious sides!

Kale omelette with herbs from the garden!

The herb garden still flourishes with parsley, sage, borage, chives, basil and rosemary

A bit of colour also remains in the flower beds

Late bloomers - "naked lady" crocus indicating 6 weeks till first snow?

Last year's elderberry crop being stewed into some immune boosting syrup!

We can use all the help we can get these days.

Elder "Beary" tincture ready to share

The corn fields are ripe and ready for the harvest ...

"Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for the harvest."

                                                                                                                               John 4:35

Till next time - enjoy the fleeting Summer days and stop to appreciate the crisp Autumn air - breath!

Pray for the healing of our world.

Stay well my friends!

Labour Day Week/End

Labour Day Week ...

Here we are just around the corner from Labour Day 2020!

And - 6 months since Covid 19 changed the world,

"Normal" everyday things seem to happen yet with an odd "Not Normal" feeling.

I've tried to stay focused and distracted.

 These two little humans help me see the joy in life!

Preserving has been a good distraction as well.

Zucchini Relish - done!

Roasted plum tomatoes - so many tomatoes this year!

Mom's Fruit Relish - Made!

Tomatoes and Onions from my garden, Niagara Peaches, and gifted pears!

sourdough cinnamon buns - addictive

Sourdough baking - too much sourdough baking - eek!

Sourdough Focaccia Success!

Possibly my best loaves so far?

Last of the lazy dayz of summa' with ice-cream on the deck?

A Labour Day Sunday outing to Goderich

for a delicious fish and chips lunch.

Chili lime salt and cider vinegar - yum!

There's a definite chill in the air .....

My heart is heavy for two dear friends who have recently

been diagnosed with inoperable cancer ...

Fall of 2020 - what do you hold for us as we cautiously see the end of 

the longest March break in history!

Please be gentle ...

Till next time ... holding on -  to the joys in life - to the peace that passes all understanding!

 

Summer Days 2020

The end of July brought some beautiful weather

and time spent at "Papa's House" as dubbed by Sully.

Our daughter had some long awaited surgery

and during her convalescence our little loves stayed with us for several days.

There were picnics, bike rides, ice-cream cones, a weiner roast,

and lots of hugs and kisses ... what a special time!

Mommy was able to rest and heal while we had all the fun.

 

We experimented with food colouring Queen Anne's Lace flowers.

(have you ever tried this?)

And climbed on some huge straw bales in the neighbour's field.

Sully wasn't so sure about this and it was a bit itchy.

This boy loves to be outside!

And then ...

What to our wondering eyes did appear ...

... a daddy dinosaur in the back yard!!??

There were some screams and giggles.

Noa was skeptical - she noticed the shoes

but Sully believed as he clung tightly to Papa.

The best part were the treats that the scary creature left behind!

Did I mention how much fun and excitement we had!!!?

Minions showed up in the big M's happy meal - who knew?

Late night "Go Fish" game in the RV "sleep over" time.
She is a good little player.

This was a great opportunity and I hope we can have many, many more

special times such as these in spite of these uncertain times.

I think they were happy to go home and Nammie and Papa prepared the RV
for a bit of a get-away to the Lake with friends.

The littles too had a fun escape to their cottage ...

Meanwhile, back at the farm, the canning has begun.

Pickles from the market/tomatoes from the garden

More canning to do in the next few weeks - zucchini relish, fruit relish, beets and corn.

The new dishwasher has been installed - how did I ever do without it?

The summer days seem to be fleeting ... 

but the garden bounty makes this such a great time of year.

Thankful for the opportunity to grow and preserve some of our own vegetables.

My garden jewellery

I shall hang on to these summer days that offer outdoor visits and socializing

as long as possible!

Covid 19 has changed the way we do things. Let's stay positive, thankful, and safe!

Just as I choose to wear a seat belt in my car for safety,

I choose to wear a mask while shopping and when indoors when social distancing

is not possible.

Every life is precious.

Till next time - stay calm as back to school anxiety creeps in. How are you all coping?

One more sweet summer picture:

"Waterlogue"d beauty