from

happy

to sad

Garden clean-up on the schedule for today.

Before the rain hits,

this afternoon.

again.

:)

well, look who's here

I had heard about it . . .

but now my lips have tasted . . .

The maker of the pumpkin spice latte is in town.

(you're right Suzanne - it's that good!)

Something else has arrived this morning.

The sun!

It's shining - a rare moment in a month of (almost) record rain and overcast skies.

Not that I'm complaining - I've heard tales of s**w from the south and the west.

But this is potato country and our farmers need some sunshine and dry weather so they can harvest the crop.

And, of course, leaf lovers are happy to see blue sky too.

My camera batteries are all charged.

I'm ready to go.

Maybe I'll stop in at our newest coffee shop

and

pick up a pumpkin spice latte ~ to go, of course!

Happy day!

with love,

bookish

Rain and wind outside.

Coziness inside.

A good time for reading.

In the current bookpile:

1. Kristen Lavransdatter ~ by Nobel laureate Sigrid Undset.

A trilogy of historical novels

set in 14th century Norway.

A beloved re-read.

2. Journey Through The Night by Anne DeVries

I read it in one weekend,

now 19 yr old daughter is reading it

and husband is in line.

Thanks to Ann and Caleb V for the recommendation.

Check out Caleb's list of best books for more.

3. The Library a picture book by Sarah Stewart

Elizabeth Brown doesn't like to play with dolls and she doesn't like to skate. What she does like to do is read books. Lots of books. The only problem is that her library has gotten so big she can't even use her front door anymore. . .

As a fellow bibliophile, I have deep sympathy for Elizabeth and the problem of too many books :)

Linger over the charming illustrations by David Small.

HT  Nan at Letters from A Hill Farm and Book Psmith - thanks!

4. David Rocco's Dolce Vita

I've never watched the show but the book is a lovely read.

Gorgeous photography

Classic Italian recipes

First on my list to try ~ a Bolognese sauce with cream.

fire crackling in the woodstove

lamplight flickering

a simple supper

and

books.

What could be better?

with love,

easy as 1 2 3

1. 3 cups cranberries
2. 1 1/2 cups sugar
3. 3/4 cup water

Simmer cranberries and water together. While simmering , mash with potato masher.

Add sugar; simmer for 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally.

Refrigerate.

Sometimes I'll add orange peel and  concentrated orange juice with the water.

Serve with chicken or turkey.

So easy, so good, so pretty!

Thanksgiving prep

Everything is just about ready for our Thanksgiving feast this evening.

Potatoes, parsnips, carrots, turnips, beets ~ all from our own garden.

Peas with mint, corn niblets, home-made cranberry sauce, mustard pickles and pickled beets

A nice plump chicken from the farm down the road ~ ready to be stuffed with my mom's delicious dressing, well-seasoned with summer savoury.

Pies for dessert ~ pumpkin, lemon meringue and a new one this year:

Sour cream apple pie ~ thanks Nan! I'll let you know how it turns out.

While I am work, I'm listening to a wonderful sound-track for Thanksgiving: Robin Mark's  Year of Grace.

(Don't forget to pause the music on the sidebar when you listen)

It's hard to decide which song is my favourite.

"One Day" makes my spirit soar, fills my heart with praise,

and sets my feet dancing. (good thing I'm alone in the kitchen eh? :)

"All Is Well" is a song that offers hope and courage with this timeless truth:

"Whatever is His way, all is well."

It's glorious outside. The rain has stopped and the sky is bright blue with racing, ragged clouds.

The trees are a symphony of colour and the air is like an autumn tonic, crisp and clear.

Later, while the chicken is roasting, I hope to take a walk down this road.

Then as evening draws in, I'll light the candles and look for the car lights to swing into the driveway.

My table will be almost full tonight - oldest and youngest are away.

We'll be thinking of them and wishing they were here.

Hope you have a blessed and happy day filled with thanksgiving ~ whether you are north or south of the border ~ or across the pond. :)

with love,

of blustery weather and bright spots

Hello and welcome to

It's been a wet, wild and windy week ~ but whenever there is a gleam of light, I'm out with my camera.

So my first favourite this week?

1. A break in the clouds

2. Next? Bright, flickering flames in the woodstove.

A cozy fire in the evening, a hot cup of tea and my next  favourite . . .

3. Bright red apples

baked in a sweet Apple Crisp

Add a scoop of French Vanilla ice-cream ~ the ultimate fall flavour.

My mom's recipe here. It's a little different than the usual apple crisp - no oatmeal.

4. A miniature rosebush to brighten up the cloudy days ~ purchased for $1.49.

What makes that purchase even better? I saw the very same plant at another store for $4.99 :)

5. Last Saturday's harvest moon rising over Cavendish Beach.

Moon-bright waves - a magical moment.

Well . . .

Here's hoping for some sun before the blustery weather sends all our autumn leaves scurrying off the trees.

Thanks so much for dropping in and saying hi.

A special wish for a very Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian readers!

with love,

PS

For more favourites, don't forget to visit Suzanne at Living To Tell The Story.

if only ~ a tale of regret

I was wandering around the book section at Value Village the other day

and

suddenly I saw it!

I couldn't believe my eyes.

I grabbed it.

Yes it was the book,

with the same green cover,

and that tantalizing red title.

Oh, Five Little Peppers Midway,

you led to my  downfall.

And now you're on sale for 99 cents.

If only you had been on sale for 99 cents so long ago.

There would be no scar on my hand

and

I would have had a penny left over . . .

 *deep sigh*

 *grin*