IT’S THE GREAT PUMPKIN!

 I’m dating myself, but Peanuts “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown” was always a favourite. This TV special came out in 1966 if you can believe it - over 50 years ago! Linus will be happy to know pumpkin is still reigning supreme and seems we are as smitten as ever. 

We went with Randi to take the Little Prince and Princess out to pick the perfect pumpkin. 

And after some serious debate regarding the shapes of eyes and noses, Soren requested a one-eyed “poison” pumpkin and I went with a googled-eyed cat

But pumpkin’s lure goes beyond Halloween and Jack-o-Lanterns! What about all those “pumpkin spice” chai teas or lattes? Did you know you can get pumpkin spice Cheerios?? I can see a few of you rolling your eyes. 

Although I don’t stop into Starbucks very often, I do get caught into that spicy orange goodness. I pick up a little pumpkin, bake it and blend to make a nice batch of pumpkin purée. Then comes Pumpkin Thai soup - made with coconut milk and jalapeño peppers! 

I made pumpkin cookies - some with chocolate, some with nuts and raisins

I still had a bit of pumpkin purée left so one morning I added a spoonful to my Oatmeal. Ok…if you are a pumpkin pie fan this will be up your alley! Topped with maple syrup, cinnamon and some cashew/coconut milk, it was like warm pumpkin pie first thing in the morning! OMGP- Oh My Great Pumpkin!

Finally, let’s consider the straight goods: it is a good source of vitamin C, E, iron and folate - all excellent for your immune system to help ward off those nasty germs. It is high in fibre and low in carbs and sugar too!

Linus was on to something. Pumpkin Is Great! 

WHAT’S ON THE TABLE?

 Last weekend was the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday. We are slowly edging our way back into extended family meals and I offered to cook.

So cook I did!

Fresh roasted turkey with stuffing, potatoes, beans, roasted squash and Brussels sprouts, corn and a rich gravy to top it all off. My parents brought a beautiful ham and pumpkin pie plus I had an apple pie. 

It was a lovely meal and the table was full of good things.

The day before, Sheldon and I took a drive to Westport and stopped at a Winery for lunch. 

I had a glass of wine and salad - that’s it.

It too was a lovely meal.

If you are blessed, you have a lot on your table: a home, health, family,  food. You have a job, money in the bank, friends, a good faithful dog.

But I’m sure you’ve noticed, on occasion, things get removed from the table. You may lose your job, your marriage, that good faithful dog. 

Sometimes we choose to take something off the table, but it is much harder when we don’t have a choice! 

For people with a life limiting illness, the buffet options can slowly and painfully become smaller. They may lose their physical health, then their job and financial security, their independence. The same as we age we may notice the table getting sparse. 

It’s a good exercise to think about what’s important to you. Look at what’s on your table right now. What if something had to be taken off - which would you choose. What does your life look like without the full turkey dinner with all the trimmings. 

When we become ill, our goals can become very basic and focused. A walk around the block, a visit with the children, or maybe just getting to the bathroom and back. A salad and a glass of wine. 

Life is full of surprises. Sometimes you have a banquet, sometimes you are down to toast and tea. Reflecting on what’s important to you will help you make decisions and feel more in control. 

 

APPRECIATION POST!

 I’m one of those fortunate humans that get to call themselves “Canadians”. We have freedom, abundance, peace and such breath-taking beauty!

Last weekend I went on a Mudpuppy trip with my friend Kelly. We canoed into Joe Perry Lake in Bon Echo for a girls weekend getaway. 

As one who normally feels the cold, I have never camped out past August and was not too sure how I would fare in a tent in late September!

I fared just great! 

Armed with sleeping bag, blanket, pants/shirt/sweater, socks and a toque I was warm enough as the temperature dropped down to 6 degrees celcius. Kelly provided a couple of hot pockets that I threw in the sleeping bag for an added bonus warmth. Appreciation shout out to Kelly!

We were fortunate as well to have some great weather, other than a bit of rain at night. That was much appreciated!

And the beauty of Canada in September!

I was also surprised by the peace and quiet. Normally there is a lot going on in the woods in the morning - birds, ducks, frogs, insects all crying for breakfast at the same time.

But in September, other than a lazy hum and the occasional loon call, all is calm. 

We are not perfect, and have our struggles and issues, but truly, we are a blessed nation.