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!

FLAVOURS OF FALL

I honestly don't know anyone who does not like fall. Not in Canada anyway. It is beautiful, vibrant and cosy like a warm hug but oh, so short to visit. And we all know what's coming next!

So we Bellevillians took advantage of this rich season with a little community partying!  The market was just a buzz of activity and I picked up fresh mushrooms, beets, beans, apples and pears which made for one heavy backpack.  So I needed a little sustenance. I stopped into the Bourbon & Bean, a new little coffee shop.

The affable fella behind the counter made me a knockout cappuccino to go with my nut-laden honey cookie.

Down the street, most appropriately, was an accord player in front of the L'Auberge de France restaurant where I picked up an apple croissant for Sheldon.

But the party was in full swing at the east end of town with Porchfest. People meandered all over listening to talented singers and musicians serenading from porches or people's lawns. 

One of the biggest draws were the "Impish Grins" on Bridge street.

My dear friend Ted was rocking' the bass!

Apples and nuts, fresh vegetables, music, music in the crisp fresh air. All made up the Flavours of Fall.

MARKET FRESH HARVEST PARTY!

It's the best time to check out the local produce at your local Farmer's market or stand. In Canada, we have such a wide variety of goods available; vegetables, fruit, cider, wines, honey, breads and I could go on. Good time to dig in!

I like to celebrate by hosting a dinner that I call a "Market Fresh Harvest Party." I invited a bevy of folks over to bring a dish consisting of at least some locally fresh ingredients, set the table, light the candles and let the feast begin!

We started with a fresh sweet potato soup that my friend Kelly brought. This was sweet and spicy and rich. There was a slight chill in the air and this was a great way to warm up the tummy.

Onto the main meal! So.Much.Good.Food! Kelly's husband Marcus who I suspect is in the wrong career and should be a chef, brought a breadless stuffing.

There was also local beans, pickles, carrots and I made a mushroom parmentier.

My good friends Kevin and Shari brought this gorgeous beet salad.

And Justin and Cheryl who own a local farm (Providence Family Farm) where they raise fresh nonGMO produce provided for the meatatarians: ham and chicken and their homemade Kambucha! I'm not a big Kambucha fan but I have to admit, it was delish. Besides, it's a really fun word!

Full yet? Hope not cause there's dessert coming!  I made a fresh blueberry/peach crumble pie and picked up local grapes.

There was local honeycomb. Just slice of a chunk of that little miracle and pop it in your mouth!

How about a chocolate chip cookie made from Providence Family Farm butter and lard to go with your coffee?

The kids ran around the back yard and squealed like only kids can. Lulu pilfered as many scraps from willing volunteers that she could and we all enjoyed the abundance.

Thanks to everyone who came and provided such amazing food! 

JUST YOUR AVERAGE EVERY-DAY IDIOT LOOKING FOR ANSWERS

You Idiot!! I mutter under my breath. You might be quick to say, now Cyndi, you are not an idiot and you should never bad mouth yourself!

But I like to call a spade a spade and sometimes, it's true - I'm just an idiot. 

I put my hand on that hot stove.

I walk towards the smoke cause I know there's fire.

I say the wrong thing, at the wrong time, to the wrong person. 

I've discovered something though and that's part of the point. I learn something when I screw up. I usually learn a lot. Don't always  remember to avoid that particular faux pas but I will..eventually. 

Some people spend their lives seeking pleasure, or power, or money. I've always been keen on seeking wisdom. 

So what is wisdom? Good question! I'm still learning but this is what I've figured out so far. It's readily available for anyone who wants it, but you have to seek it like a hidden treasure. How you spend that treasure is also wisdom. You have to know how to apply the knowledge - timing can be everything. And not just timing but delivery! As my son-in-law would say "Read the Room!"

Wisdom is insight, sound judgement, plain old good sense. It is no respecter of person or age. Scripturally speaking it is begins with the Fear of the Lord, which in layman's terms means a good healthy respect and understanding that there is a God who happens to have the answers and you are more than welcome to ask Him. 

You can certainly gain wisdom from experiences, from reading, listening, watching. You can be considered wise if you know when to talk. I think you are even wiser if you know when to keep your mouth shut. 

I will continue to seek out wisdom. In my book, it's a treasure that's worth finding. And I'm just your average every-day idiot looking for answers. 

WHEN THEY RETURN TO THE NEST

The goal was to keep it a secret! Adrian and Carolyn were coming from B.C. to meet their brand new nephew and we wanted to surprise Randi and Dan. I'm pleased to say we pulled it off and once they were here I went into full-on celebration mode.

This was a quick trip so we packed it all in, starting with spending the day at the Sand Banks in The County. I love spending time with these two, no matter how short!

A full day at the beach required refreshments! Adrian made us a beautiful cocktail from "Pims" and fresh fruit. My Padawan has learned well!

The next day meant getting as many of the family together for a feast that we could manage on short notice. 

This included both sets of great grand parents, the kids, Carolyn's parents and the star of the show, Soren!

He took to his Uncle Adrian well!

And listened intently to what the Great Grandmothers had to say

We continued to pass him around which he put up with

But had to stifle a sneeze at one point!

Carolyn's parents decided to consider him an honorary grandson

I actually took advantage of having a few other photographers around at finally got a pic with Soren myself.

The years raising children seem long and can be tremendously difficult. But then, they leave and sometimes move far, far away. So when they return to the nest, take time to celebrate, reconnect and love one another!