A WINTER WARNING

We received a winter warning this weekend. "Heads-Up", Snow has made an entrance!

And it's early, even for Ontario. I generally keep records of first snowfalls each year and on average they land about a month from now. 

Yesterday, Sheldon and I took a trip to Peterborough to visit friends for the day. Our first stop was the market.

The air was cold, sharp and bitter but that lead-grey sky was the real give-away.

We checked out that engineering wonder known as the lift loch. Built is 1904 and still going strong!

By 3:00 there were snow flakes floating around. Like most Ontarians, we don't have winter tires on yet so we headed home to beat the snow. By the time we arrived and slid (and I mean slid) into the driveway, the yard was well covered in white fluff. 

There's no getting around it, First Snow's are stunning.

What a change from last weekend!

I have lots of leaves still to rake, but for now it will have to wait until things dry out a bit.

We all know this stuff won't stick around. Even as I type this up, most of the snow has melted away. But like the Terminator, It will be Back...this is just a winter warning.

HIBERNATION PREP

It's inevitable....winter is on her way. In fact I've seen a few snowflakes scouting around and we may have more snow tonight. I'll let you know cause Lulu is on a new schedule where she rings her cowbell relentlessly around 2 am until I get up and let her out. 

Time to begin prepping for hibernation! But first a quick look back. I've had a good summer and the garden faired pretty well. Here is my first rose of the year, landing on June 15th:

And here's my last one.

She was just a shy little bud but the frosty nights were too much so I clipped her off and brought her in. She opened up and smiled at me.

We are finishing off a few projects around the house and this strapping young buck has been doing some sorely needed masonry work.

This guy must have had "mason" tattooed on the bottom of his foot when he was born cause he definitely fits the part!

The Fire bush which really does nothing all summer except provide a great place for the chickadees to gossip in pulls out all the stops and starts showing off in a fiery red ensemble:

And soon all those ruby red leaves will fall off along with the millions of others that will need to be raked up. 

My garden is prepping for hibernation. And so am I. The summer clothes are stored away, the mittens are out in full force, the windows are closed, the red wine and fireplace awaits.  

Last night I made a beautiful pasta dish of cheese tortellini with roasted squash and kale, inspired by this recipe here: https://food52.com/blog/23110-quick-easy-fall-weeknight-butternut-squash-pasta-recipe?utm_content=bufferd930c&utm_medium=SocialMarketing&utm_source=Twitter&utm_campaign=Social

I could, and might eat this every night! It hits all my comfort food cravings. Last week, it was beef stew and I already have a pretty good supply of soup and vegetarian chilli in the freezer. 

I'm in full hibernation prep - how about you? 

ONE OF LIFE'S FULL CIRCLES

Ever noticed how life tends to have a rhythm to it? Ups and downs, or as Led Zeppelin eloquently said "good times, bad times, you know I've had my share"? Or how it seems to repeat itself? It occurred to me I closed up one of those circles this weekend when we took a trip to Campbell's Orchards, this time with the Little Prince Soren. 

I remember being 4 months pregnant with my son Adrian and hopping onto the wagon for a ride up the hill and cutting down our Christmas Tree. We have been taking the kids here since they were born (and before!)

Ball parking here but I'm going to say Adrian is about 9 and Randi is 12 in this pic at Campbell's!

This weekend we took our Grandson Soren on his first trip!

It is always busy this time of the year and the produce is abundant to choose from

But the main attractions are the apples and pumpkins - you can pick your own!

I went for the Honey Crisp this time

And we hopped on the wagon out for a bumpy, brisk ride out to the pumpkin patch.

We agreed this one looked promising!

Look at this beautiful family....sigh....

So, here I am, from bringing my kids out here 

To now bringing my Grandson - 

Just completing one of life's full circles.

THANKS!

It's a classic Fall day out there and the house is chilly.   In a couple of hours we are heading to Kingston for our second Thanksgiving meal this weekend. That's right, not one but two celebrations for me! 

It's a good, no, it's a great time to count your blessings. Simple things like good food, your health, a warm blanket and sweater when the house is chilly, peace and a sense of security. 

I personally have much to say "Thanks" for! So, for the record here's a few:

I live in a beautiful country that allows me basic freedoms and rights, that is rich in produce and prosperity - Thanks!

I have amazing children who married amazing spouses! They are beautiful on the inside and out - Thanks!

Then there is this little fella who changed our lives with his arrival in July! My adorable grandson, Soren - THANKS!! (with special mention to Randi and Dan...)

I have a husband who has patiently put up with me for over 30 years and my penchant for dogs (and cats) - Thanks!

And there is so much more- great friends, a good job, music, faith, coffee, wine, flowers, adventures, books - you get the picture. 

Life is fragile, so very fragile. I hope you can take some time today and say Thanks for the simple gifts and blessings you have!