tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27883038750859969252024-03-13T05:35:17.613-07:00under lining coloursAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175095124790217768noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788303875085996925.post-88558371793571200202013-11-17T08:21:00.000-08:002013-11-22T08:40:52.567-08:00i love november<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k4HT7Qvvr5s/UojnrHFUXtI/AAAAAAAAJY4/KENU542832E/s1600/november+17+2013-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k4HT7Qvvr5s/UojnrHFUXtI/AAAAAAAAJY4/KENU542832E/s1600/november+17+2013-2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I really do love November. The anticipation of the holidays, the cooler weather (I strongly dislike being too hot), the longer cozy evenings and candlelit suppers just agree with me. We've had a lovely unseasonably warm weekend, so we spent the day at the camp yesterday cleaning up and getting it ready for winter winds, and cooking maple sausages from the market over the fire with friends and having a lovely visit. I can't help it - here are a couple of pictures I posted on <a href="http://instagram.com/sherrie_birchbarksoap" target="_blank">Instagram</a> yesterday. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pqvR_e7tCqU/UojqjJwf6nI/AAAAAAAAJZI/VRWi1_SCLAA/s1600/fire+november.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pqvR_e7tCqU/UojqjJwf6nI/AAAAAAAAJZI/VRWi1_SCLAA/s1600/fire+november.jpeg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XnEZMkfqHok/UojqmS11YLI/AAAAAAAAJZY/czqV-CKplXc/s1600/reflection.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XnEZMkfqHok/UojqmS11YLI/AAAAAAAAJZY/czqV-CKplXc/s1600/reflection.jpeg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br />I also love the food right now - there's still plenty of vegetables at the market and a few straggling things from the garden. Last weekend, I picked the last of the kale from the garden, and we bought a bunch of brussels sprouts at the market. Looking for something new to make, I asked <a href="http://austengilliland.com/" target="_blank">Austen</a> for a suggestion. And she sent me <a href="http://www.splendidtable.org/recipes/sweet-roasted-butternut-squash-and-greens-over-bow-tie-pasta" target="_blank">a wonderful recipe</a> that I finally made last night. I didn't have squash, as I realized when I actually looked for the one I thought we had (oops) but this was delicious nonetheless. I used kale, didn't have the herbs, and used fresh parmesan because it's what I had. So I'm not really sure what <a href="http://www.splendidtable.org/recipes/sweet-roasted-butternut-squash-and-greens-over-bow-tie-pasta" target="_blank">the original recipe</a> tastes like, but I'm sure it's wonderful. I guess my point is that you can mix up the assortment of vegetables however you'd like; it's really the method that will make it delicious.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0FacZhOzI4/Uojnq8fvsoI/AAAAAAAAJY0/wl6Ofbd1W_E/s1600/november+17+2013-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0FacZhOzI4/Uojnq8fvsoI/AAAAAAAAJY0/wl6Ofbd1W_E/s1600/november+17+2013-1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope that you enjoy these last few weeks of November, too.</div><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175095124790217768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788303875085996925.post-23777465326410700462013-10-30T16:54:00.000-07:002013-11-22T08:40:52.563-08:00leaves preserved with glycerine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JuIbQ82ZSps/UnGYSDoVGxI/AAAAAAAAJYM/I97SUn7I9Pc/s1600/october+30+2013-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JuIbQ82ZSps/UnGYSDoVGxI/AAAAAAAAJYM/I97SUn7I9Pc/s1600/october+30+2013-4.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: center;">While driving to Halifax early last week for work, I noticed a few spots along the highway where there were many tiny oak trees trying valiantly to grow along the edge of the road. Perhaps because they were stressed, they had some seriously lovely red leaves. I crossed my fingers that they would still be there on my way home, made a mental note of where they were and what I would do with them, and pulled over to pick some on Friday.</span><br /><br />Years ago, I remember reading about glycerine preserved leaves, but for some reason never tried making them until now. I am thrilled with the results! The colour isn't as intense as it was when the leaves were picked, but I may have crammed too many leaves into the solution. Regardless, they're just lovely, and I just had to share.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VM2BzEjbzpQ/UnGYPpwf65I/AAAAAAAAJX8/40on40VUsFs/s1600/glycerine+leaves-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VM2BzEjbzpQ/UnGYPpwf65I/AAAAAAAAJX8/40on40VUsFs/s1600/glycerine+leaves-2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The process is easy peasy, and the boys were eager to help. Here's the deal:<br /><br />Mix two parts water to one part glycerine and warm gently on the stove until you see it homogenize. (You don't need a whole lot; I used a 250mL bottle of glycerine and two cups of water. I have about 2 cups of solution left after preserving about 25 leaves.) Let it cool (if it's too warm it cooks the leaves and drains the colour), and pour the solution into a glass baking dish. Layer in the leaves (you can also try flowers, twigs, etc.) and cover somehow so the leaves stay submerged. A sheet of wax paper did the trick nicely for me; I just laid it down so there was no air between the paper and the solution. Let it sit for 3-5 days, then carefully remove the leaves, rinse, and dry. Awesome bonus - the extra solution can be saved and reused. The leaves are pliable and perfectly preserved, and should last for several years! Next year, I'm going to try some maple leaves. And probably anything else I can get my hands on.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xNjmDWnsSgU/UnGYSd-RBYI/AAAAAAAAJYQ/IcEFoPz17QU/s1600/october+30+2013-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xNjmDWnsSgU/UnGYSd-RBYI/AAAAAAAAJYQ/IcEFoPz17QU/s1600/october+30+2013-3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Glycerine is available at most pharmacies, so it shouldn't be difficult to find. Incidentally, it's a humectant and is a by-product of large scale soapmaking. When lye and oils combine, soap and glycerine are created. In commercial soapmaking process, the glycerine is separated for use in other cosmetics and sold on its own. In lovely handmade soap, the glycerine is not removed, which is why most people notice a huge difference in how moisturized their skin feels when using handmade soaps vs. box store soaps.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s6T90OnKHWU/UnGYSo0Zv3I/AAAAAAAAJYc/-JSwjK34HU4/s1600/october+30+2013-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s6T90OnKHWU/UnGYSo0Zv3I/AAAAAAAAJYc/-JSwjK34HU4/s1600/october+30+2013-5.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I'll also take this opportunity to show off my new (very old) handmade drop-leaf kitchen table. I swoon every time I walk by.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175095124790217768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788303875085996925.post-54848717741160490172013-10-29T18:09:00.000-07:002013-11-22T08:40:52.564-08:00don't look at this post if you have a snake phobia (LL, I mean you!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-10DEFpVoW8Q/UnBZJHNoUDI/AAAAAAAAJXY/U0BdvcWF8Rw/s1600/october+20+2013-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-10DEFpVoW8Q/UnBZJHNoUDI/AAAAAAAAJXY/U0BdvcWF8Rw/s1600/october+20+2013-1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6LdsAozODU/UnBZMsh_mWI/AAAAAAAAJXk/YmTljAZsSM8/s1600/october+20+2013-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6LdsAozODU/UnBZMsh_mWI/AAAAAAAAJXk/YmTljAZsSM8/s1600/october+20+2013-4.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uk0veF6XYRk/UnBZMSBujFI/AAAAAAAAJXg/P5xnWJeofEo/s1600/october+20+2013-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uk0veF6XYRk/UnBZMSBujFI/AAAAAAAAJXg/P5xnWJeofEo/s1600/october+20+2013-5.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>I've been particularly thankful for my work lately. It's primarily what's been keeping my so very busy over the past several weeks, but in a good way. I spent the last week with colleagues doing professional development, which is always good, and although there are never enough hours in a day to get it all done, I kind of feel like I'm in a good groove. I have a job that I love, in a field that is fascinating and always evolving, and I get to work with a lot of fantastic teachers and school staff all over my end of the most beautiful province in the country. I consider that a whole lot of wonderful.<br /><br />That said, I certainly enjoy the rest of my time. It's hard for me to switch from ultra-efficient work mode to home mode some days, though. I'll keep trying.<br /><br />I discovered <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C3uRqjA8UE" target="_blank">this song</a> last week and can't stop singing it. (Warning: it's sooooo catchy.)<br /><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=510660405667100" target="_blank">This video</a> made my day a lot lighter. I think everyone wants to be friends with that couple. And I love the idea that there are people out there who are relaxed and open and real enough to be willing to sing on command. I know that my first reaction would be to be embarrassed and jump in the car. Those people are open to the world! I love it.<br /><br />Okay, it's bedtime for me. Good night!<br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175095124790217768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788303875085996925.post-70285262683990810282013-10-17T16:54:00.000-07:002013-11-22T08:40:52.566-08:00refrigerated pancakes and other real-life truths<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ae421QpfJ1A/UmB0991ql7I/AAAAAAAAJW0/9YrMH-wgHHw/s1600/october+1+2013-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ae421QpfJ1A/UmB0991ql7I/AAAAAAAAJW0/9YrMH-wgHHw/s1600/october+1+2013-4.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>So I made this delicious batch of pumpkin pancakes several weeks ago now, meaning to post the recipe for you right away. But I forgot to take pictures when they were fresh, so I took a couple the next day when they were a bit stiff and rubbery from the fridge (you can totally tell), then neglected to post them until now. Of course, I've since forgotten exactly how I modified my usual recipe to make them pumpkin-y and delicious. (It involved adding pumpkin, some spices, and a bit more flour. Sorry, that's all I can come up with tonight.)<br /><br />In other real-life truths, I have a monster headache right now (the kind that comes along with a bit of nausea), the fire went out and I can't get it going again, apparently I have a disc issue in my back (so I shouldn't be crouching to get said fire going anyway), we have another health thing going on in our house that's occupying some brain space, and I'm behind where I'd like to be with work stuff.<br /><br />I don't want you to think that my other, mostly happy posts aren't authentic - that's genuinely how I am the vast majority of the time. And tonight, although this is just as genuine, I know that it will pass, and the headache will most likely be gone come morning. I know how trivial these things are in the grand scheme of things. Just keepin' it real.<br /><br />And so, I will take my current book (P.D. James again!) up to bed early, hopefully get a superb rest, and take tomorrow as it comes. Good night!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175095124790217768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788303875085996925.post-18123877729846677922013-10-06T09:22:00.000-07:002013-11-22T08:40:52.561-08:00my favourite season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hs4fsjDMFr8/UlGL_gI9O4I/AAAAAAAAJVw/2wXxm-kuy_I/s1600/october+6+2013-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hs4fsjDMFr8/UlGL_gI9O4I/AAAAAAAAJVw/2wXxm-kuy_I/s1600/october+6+2013-1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NiwbxW36hIo/UlGL_6Uv1pI/AAAAAAAAJV0/btsU2RKlu6Q/s1600/october+6+2013-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NiwbxW36hIo/UlGL_6Uv1pI/AAAAAAAAJV0/btsU2RKlu6Q/s1600/october+6+2013-2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fFLUOIvNFVU/UlGMAO8y89I/AAAAAAAAJV8/M3bMA9IIHlw/s1600/october+6+2013-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fFLUOIvNFVU/UlGMAO8y89I/AAAAAAAAJV8/M3bMA9IIHlw/s1600/october+6+2013-3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>I went for a quick lunchtime walk this past week, squeezed in between school visits, and found an acorn jackpot! Adam brought home some organic honeycrisp apples from the market yesterday. They are oh, so very delicious - if they're available in your neck of the woods, give them a try. They're best eaten out of hand.<br /><br />A few other little lovelies:<br /><br />I love <a href="http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/full-of-beauty-necklace-P976C160.aspx" target="_blank">this necklace</a>.<br /><br />We need some new dining chairs. I love <a href="http://www.target.com/p/schoolhouse-chair-set-of-2/-/A-10976176#prodSlot=medium_2_13" target="_blank">these ones</a>.<br /><br />Speaking of chairs, I could use <a href="http://www.target.com/p/candace-upholstered-arm-chair-red-floral/-/A-14630797#prodSlot=large_2_17" target="_blank">a pair of these</a>.<br /><br />And now that I've got 'a case of the gimmes and the wants' as my friend Christine says, I'm off to make some <a href="http://books.google.ca/books?id=5cdmmHvAPqsC&pg=PA46&lpg=PA46&dq=farm+chicks+maple+oat+scones&source=bl&ots=LaNy8-zcJU&sig=HRR6stS-BC3owsG4Wot-aDyOnQY&hl=en&ei=0lvITM6rG4L7lweIi5XnAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CBkQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=farm%20chicks%20maple%20oat%20scones&f=false" target="_blank">maple oat scones</a> for my boys. (They are INCREDIBLE.) Hope you're enjoying the weekend and some beautiful fall weather!<br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175095124790217768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788303875085996925.post-245446508359874782013-10-01T16:13:00.000-07:002013-11-26T01:01:51.534-08:00skies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gcwECtFy3bg/UktWFRG0qtI/AAAAAAAAJVc/8OXTIvks4ZM/s1600/sunrise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gcwECtFy3bg/UktWFRG0qtI/AAAAAAAAJVc/8OXTIvks4ZM/s1600/sunrise.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This stunning sunrise was how my Monday started. Not too shabby at all, eh? Seriously, (and I'm not trying to sound dramatic) it felt like an honour to witness. One of those humbling yet uplifting moments in the presence of something so far beyond little old me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUZX2DxMC8Y/UktVKRnm8PI/AAAAAAAAJVE/cZn223dANK8/s1600/october+1+2013-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUZX2DxMC8Y/UktVKRnm8PI/AAAAAAAAJVE/cZn223dANK8/s1600/october+1+2013-1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pA53_shp14E/UktVK2ObOvI/AAAAAAAAJVM/e8xFzENiDYs/s1600/october+1+2013-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pA53_shp14E/UktVK2ObOvI/AAAAAAAAJVM/e8xFzENiDYs/s1600/october+1+2013-2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7cwrxlNetZI/UktVLBNLr7I/AAAAAAAAJVQ/GD7mkxt79ck/s1600/october+1+2013-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7cwrxlNetZI/UktVLBNLr7I/AAAAAAAAJVQ/GD7mkxt79ck/s1600/october+1+2013-3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>And in much more muted tones, from one evening last week when the clouds overhead lit up in beautiful pinks and peach at sunset.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175095124790217768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788303875085996925.post-49555990240748827142013-09-28T17:29:00.000-07:002013-11-26T01:01:51.537-08:00birch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S5MawjqwC4g/Ukd3G9rPRYI/AAAAAAAAJU0/WA_lKWP5Y_E/s1600/birch-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S5MawjqwC4g/Ukd3G9rPRYI/AAAAAAAAJU0/WA_lKWP5Y_E/s1600/birch-5.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>I don't think that there are many things more beautiful than a birch tree.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.adamgrahamphoto.com/" target="_blank">Adam</a>'s off shooting a wedding in Saint John, so I've been having a busy, fun time with the boys to myself this weekend. Just popping in to share a few things that I've come across lately.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.redwoodcup.com/" target="_blank">The Redwood Cup</a> has been happening in <a href="http://www.yarmouthandacadianshores.com/" target="_blank">my wonderful hometown</a> this week, and it's been so much fun. People are excited - I love the sense of excitement around town, the new faces, and the hometown pride that hosting the event fosters. (I don't know why the men's prize is $40 000 and the women's $10 000, though. I'm hoping there's a good reason.)<br /><br /><a href="http://awesomelyawake.com/when-the-mundane-isnt-status-worthy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=when-the-mundane-isnt-status-worthy" target="_blank">When the mundane isn't status-worthy</a>. I think you'll appreciate this one.<br /><br />Bees and other pollinators are <i>it</i>. Without them, we'd be toast. <a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/behold/2013/09/24/the_u_s_geological_survey_bee_inventory_and_monitoring_lab_photograph_native.html" target="_blank">These amazing images</a> totally do them justice. (Thanks for the link, <a href="http://homesteadnotes.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Teresa</a>!) Speaking of which, <a href="http://www.adamgrahamphoto.com/" target="_blank">Adam</a> and some other bee lovers spoke at a town Planning Advisory Committee meeting this week supporting allowing hives within town limits, and it's going forward to council with the PAC's recommendation. Fingers crossed!<br /><br />I was catching up on some podcasts and listened to <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/spark/episodes/2013/06/14/blog-and-aut-title-217-the-future-of-work-workplace-science-rethinking-recruiting-and-the-resume-the/index.html" target="_blank">episode 221 of Spark</a> from CBC. Ben Falk of <a href="http://www.wholesystemsdesign.com/what-we-do/" target="_blank">Whole Systems Design</a> was one of the guests, and he totally captivated me! I'm now eagerly awaiting <a href="http://www.wholesystemsdesign.com/resilient-farm-homestead-book/" target="_blank">his book</a> from the library. <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/spark/full-interviews/2013/06/14/the-modern-day-homestead/" target="_blank">The full length interview is here</a>, and it's worth a listen - anyone who uses the word 'folks' in that lovely, gentle way gets a thumbs up from me. The idea of enlivening the land is exactly how I've pictured our new property changing over time, I just hadn't the precise words for it.<br /><br />With a sunny, warm, summer-like day forecast for tomorrow, I'm heading to sleep early. I can be confident that a sweet, cuddly little boy will climb into bed and snuggle up with me earlier than I would naturally wake up. Happy weekend!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175095124790217768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788303875085996925.post-83890110029151168792013-09-24T18:06:00.000-07:002013-11-26T01:08:03.184-08:00impromptu weekend adventure, in chronological order, with approximately one zillion pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tS-Dfp6ktrg/UkIqElsgf7I/AAAAAAAAJR4/YsnoaaT0MnM/s1600/september+24+2013-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tS-Dfp6ktrg/UkIqElsgf7I/AAAAAAAAJR4/YsnoaaT0MnM/s1600/september+24+2013-3.jpg" height="440" width="640" /></a></div>On Friday, the weather was beautiful and warm, and I decided that Phillip and I needed to shake things up and have a special little adventure together. So all four of us went to the camp (we have a camp! Can this be real?) for supper (real talk: drive-through sandwiches, no beautiful Pinterest pinic) and then Phillip and I stayed overnight. When we arrived, this fawn was in the back field, keeping an eye on us. Reports from the neighbours indicate that there are between 10 and 20 deer in the field most evenings. This leaves me wondering what kind of fencing we'll need for our future gardens, which farmer Adam has already started to work on. (Rotted hay? Check! Reading <a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/ruth-stouts-system.aspx#axzz2frOvcitz" target="_blank">Ruth Stout</a>? Check!) Here's the adventure as I saw it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8baTpkVeTOM/UkIqH7xLFEI/AAAAAAAAJSo/1h-7fA6TsEw/s1600/september+24+2013-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8baTpkVeTOM/UkIqH7xLFEI/AAAAAAAAJSo/1h-7fA6TsEw/s1600/september+24+2013-5.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m6TRiZa3BP8/UkIqJuEPuEI/AAAAAAAAJS4/ROtps06n7rc/s1600/september+24+2013-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m6TRiZa3BP8/UkIqJuEPuEI/AAAAAAAAJS4/ROtps06n7rc/s1600/september+24+2013-7.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m0RqcZO3r7I/UkIqJ8xdMnI/AAAAAAAAJS8/nkFrzfy-m2k/s1600/september+24+2013-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m0RqcZO3r7I/UkIqJ8xdMnI/AAAAAAAAJS8/nkFrzfy-m2k/s1600/september+24+2013-8.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>I can't figure out what these flowers are. They're very low growing and tiny; they seem to spread a bit, and bees love them.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mCT_7MTvVA4/UkIp78cN_qI/AAAAAAAAJPQ/jGsY351IqJM/s1600/september+24+2013-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mCT_7MTvVA4/UkIp78cN_qI/AAAAAAAAJPQ/jGsY351IqJM/s1600/september+24+2013-10.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div> See the tracks in the puddle?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LedWmEC2J3o/UkIp8mvOYgI/AAAAAAAAJPY/dPIZqZJ7nOQ/s1600/september+24+2013-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LedWmEC2J3o/UkIp8mvOYgI/AAAAAAAAJPY/dPIZqZJ7nOQ/s1600/september+24+2013-11.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AfzNSnvUN8A/UkIp9D2ORUI/AAAAAAAAJPg/V6zooqZXQY4/s1600/september+24+2013-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AfzNSnvUN8A/UkIp9D2ORUI/AAAAAAAAJPg/V6zooqZXQY4/s1600/september+24+2013-12.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uvmxZWRDoD4/UkIp-LscuvI/AAAAAAAAJPo/Wn_1TwS64IM/s1600/september+24+2013-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uvmxZWRDoD4/UkIp-LscuvI/AAAAAAAAJPo/Wn_1TwS64IM/s1600/september+24+2013-13.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>I love toad bellies! I just want to tickle them.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vNQi12IPA7o/UkIuymzejXI/AAAAAAAAJTU/-BNh3qps5bE/s1600/birch+bark-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vNQi12IPA7o/UkIuymzejXI/AAAAAAAAJTU/-BNh3qps5bE/s1600/birch+bark-1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KbhSKeADKFQ/UkIp-aQJ9oI/AAAAAAAAJPs/bCGNdoYQZnY/s1600/september+24+2013-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KbhSKeADKFQ/UkIp-aQJ9oI/AAAAAAAAJPs/bCGNdoYQZnY/s1600/september+24+2013-14.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Faf8NPAOwbg/UkIp-2MMdtI/AAAAAAAAJP4/lA6ds9RB314/s1600/september+24+2013-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Faf8NPAOwbg/UkIp-2MMdtI/AAAAAAAAJP4/lA6ds9RB314/s1600/september+24+2013-15.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LKrrheb6jY8/UkIp_s5dIpI/AAAAAAAAJQE/tC_ndfK1vb0/s1600/september+24+2013-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LKrrheb6jY8/UkIp_s5dIpI/AAAAAAAAJQE/tC_ndfK1vb0/s1600/september+24+2013-17.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div> Crazy fungi. I don't know what this is called, either.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wJilyUghauQ/UkIqACLKZKI/AAAAAAAAJQQ/Wu5MLzzcqzM/s1600/september+24+2013-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wJilyUghauQ/UkIqACLKZKI/AAAAAAAAJQQ/Wu5MLzzcqzM/s1600/september+24+2013-18.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OI7Yc6hCXvs/UkIqAuJgu5I/AAAAAAAAJQY/9ncKAced15c/s1600/september+24+2013-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OI7Yc6hCXvs/UkIqAuJgu5I/AAAAAAAAJQY/9ncKAced15c/s1600/september+24+2013-19.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YnZ7BlpoHNg/UkIqAxtiY9I/AAAAAAAAJQc/rnPNo_YaJqQ/s1600/september+24+2013-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YnZ7BlpoHNg/UkIqAxtiY9I/AAAAAAAAJQc/rnPNo_YaJqQ/s1600/september+24+2013-20.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9n84wNYtvZ4/UkIqCVrJflI/AAAAAAAAJRA/pJMzwnK9NzY/s1600/september+24+2013-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9n84wNYtvZ4/UkIqCVrJflI/AAAAAAAAJRA/pJMzwnK9NzY/s1600/september+24+2013-25.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div> He's winking.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lB8uxAfoXbU/UkIqDKKeG4I/AAAAAAAAJRU/BITA_jUZBu0/s1600/september+24+2013-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lB8uxAfoXbU/UkIqDKKeG4I/AAAAAAAAJRU/BITA_jUZBu0/s1600/september+24+2013-27.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GeRcu2Imso4/UkIqDiqIWpI/AAAAAAAAJRk/UDXPQ-q68vI/s1600/september+24+2013-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GeRcu2Imso4/UkIqDiqIWpI/AAAAAAAAJRk/UDXPQ-q68vI/s1600/september+24+2013-29.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>After a gorgeous sunset, we cuddled up with the lantern in our sleeping bags and read, read, read. And we woke up to a soft, grey morning with the moon looking down at us.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbcBrXZ-sAY/UkIqENrMOoI/AAAAAAAAJRs/iW7ygW81Wck/s1600/september+24+2013-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbcBrXZ-sAY/UkIqENrMOoI/AAAAAAAAJRs/iW7ygW81Wck/s1600/september+24+2013-30.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X5wl5i_oAAY/UkIqE6VGEaI/AAAAAAAAJR8/Ju_otTqcqCY/s1600/september+24+2013-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X5wl5i_oAAY/UkIqE6VGEaI/AAAAAAAAJR8/Ju_otTqcqCY/s1600/september+24+2013-31.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BMoDnpBSh8I/UkIqFMSiWLI/AAAAAAAAJSI/fWruXvI96TQ/s1600/september+24+2013-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BMoDnpBSh8I/UkIqFMSiWLI/AAAAAAAAJSI/fWruXvI96TQ/s1600/september+24+2013-32.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>The fog lifted, and there was more reading for both of us, and hot chocolate with giant marshmallows with breakfast.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CxAI_ssYAJk/UkIu1Yu1UAI/AAAAAAAAJTc/youNfk0bRaY/s1600/sept+25+2013-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CxAI_ssYAJk/UkIu1Yu1UAI/AAAAAAAAJTc/youNfk0bRaY/s1600/sept+25+2013-1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div> I know I've mentioned my love of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P._D._James" target="_blank">P.D. James</a> before (she's incredible!) and I really enjoyed <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/an-unsuitable-job-for-a/9780743219556-item.html?ikwid=an+unsuitable+job+for+a+woman&ikwsec=Home" target="_blank">this book</a>. A fun, quick read. (I don't usually treat books in this fashion. I don't know what came over me.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X6jWcXMkmoM/UkIu1yGf48I/AAAAAAAAJTg/ogptx69HfT4/s1600/sept+25+2013-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X6jWcXMkmoM/UkIu1yGf48I/AAAAAAAAJTg/ogptx69HfT4/s1600/sept+25+2013-2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-padHTXiuSi8/UkIu2sqwGRI/AAAAAAAAJTw/B6HXyLGG0Gk/s1600/sept+25+2013-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-padHTXiuSi8/UkIu2sqwGRI/AAAAAAAAJTw/B6HXyLGG0Gk/s1600/sept+25+2013-4.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YpWBFLDlBhM/UkIu2zpDZNI/AAAAAAAAJT4/6kpEs-_Olns/s1600/sept+25+2013-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YpWBFLDlBhM/UkIu2zpDZNI/AAAAAAAAJT4/6kpEs-_Olns/s1600/sept+25+2013-5.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>We played some tiddly winks before our walk out. Whenever he's concentrating, he sticks out that tongue. <a href="http://twentytwopleasant.blogspot.ca/search?q=tongue" target="_blank">Always has</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-XnecDnWJY/UkIqGEBsbeI/AAAAAAAAJSQ/mnOh1GycJuw/s1600/september+24+2013-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-XnecDnWJY/UkIqGEBsbeI/AAAAAAAAJSQ/mnOh1GycJuw/s1600/september+24+2013-33.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>That little adventure was exactly what we needed.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175095124790217768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788303875085996925.post-71704540984561225602013-09-18T14:45:00.000-07:002013-11-26T01:08:03.181-08:00sparkly diamonds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GrDLBB4a2AM/Ujod1Uzd-9I/AAAAAAAAJOE/ru76fq9K2FM/s1600/september+17+2013-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GrDLBB4a2AM/Ujod1Uzd-9I/AAAAAAAAJOE/ru76fq9K2FM/s1600/september+17+2013-11.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>The light was lovely last evening, but I couldn't quite capture it until I changed the focus and saw the sparkle. Phillip said that it looks "like sparkly diamonds".<br /><br />I'm just feeling content and inspired this week. What a pleasant state of affairs.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175095124790217768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788303875085996925.post-56808528169475579562013-09-17T14:01:00.000-07:002013-12-01T08:06:29.058-08:00garden news<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WtBiWCg6VV0/UjjBQrXingI/AAAAAAAAJNY/t3lg87HAOsg/s1600/september+17+2013-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WtBiWCg6VV0/UjjBQrXingI/AAAAAAAAJNY/t3lg87HAOsg/s1600/september+17+2013-3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MS4rN6tOe0M/UjjBQkr5f5I/AAAAAAAAJM4/PJAfF0-9Bb0/s1600/september+17+2013-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MS4rN6tOe0M/UjjBQkr5f5I/AAAAAAAAJM4/PJAfF0-9Bb0/s1600/september+17+2013-2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>We planted several sunflowers this spring, but much like kale and carrots and a few other things, the seeds seem to have washed away in heavy rain before they had a chance to sprout and set some roots. We have a lone giant, beautiful droopy sunflower bobbing in the breeze, and I've been checking on the seed development regularly. It's fascinating, and one of the more beautiful patterns in nature. (There are so many!)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rrO1GIUeyJ0/UjjBRBQBeDI/AAAAAAAAJNE/JO7qqVUEGns/s1600/september+17+2013-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rrO1GIUeyJ0/UjjBRBQBeDI/AAAAAAAAJNE/JO7qqVUEGns/s1600/september+17+2013-4.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>Speaking of seeds, I'm letting my cilantro go to seed and am hoping to save some for next summer's fresh salsas. Aren't the little flowers sweet?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OanB3Kn7NMg/UjjBRmzDm0I/AAAAAAAAJNI/g8k-rHOkwVw/s1600/september+17+2013-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OanB3Kn7NMg/UjjBRmzDm0I/AAAAAAAAJNI/g8k-rHOkwVw/s1600/september+17+2013-5.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div> We have a couple of tomato plants that are heavy with very green tomatoes. I may need to make a batch of <a href="http://twentytwopleasant.blogspot.ca/2012/10/green-tomato-chow.html" target="_blank">Shirley's Chow Chow</a> to use some up.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n96Z4PNCLXY/UjjBShVlDrI/AAAAAAAAJNo/2ytSv3PPpEU/s1600/september+17+2013-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n96Z4PNCLXY/UjjBShVlDrI/AAAAAAAAJNo/2ytSv3PPpEU/s1600/september+17+2013-6.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GXNd4zlYB0Y/UjjBTXFS5_I/AAAAAAAAJNU/E_G0JcEx9vs/s1600/september+17+2013-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GXNd4zlYB0Y/UjjBTXFS5_I/AAAAAAAAJNU/E_G0JcEx9vs/s1600/september+17+2013-7.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2yH6JHFiQUE/UjjBUBuRPEI/AAAAAAAAJNk/n8GUEG-DJ9A/s1600/september+17+2013-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2yH6JHFiQUE/UjjBUBuRPEI/AAAAAAAAJNk/n8GUEG-DJ9A/s1600/september+17+2013-8.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>We keep a patch of bee balm, which attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and (clearly) bees. Now that the petals have fallen and I've taken a closer look, I can see exactly why the hummingbirds love them - it appears as though they're perfectly designed little nectar cups for tiny hummingbird beaks. I think they're just as lovely as the flowers in bloom.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wV_Cvn2pX-s/UjjBUoFp0sI/AAAAAAAAJN0/szWXuMIDxdw/s1600/september+17+2013-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wV_Cvn2pX-s/UjjBUoFp0sI/AAAAAAAAJN0/szWXuMIDxdw/s1600/september+17+2013-9.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3vBdW0dntMk/UjjBPxEKZ5I/AAAAAAAAJM0/LmrXYnIdHAM/s1600/september+17+2013-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3vBdW0dntMk/UjjBPxEKZ5I/AAAAAAAAJM0/LmrXYnIdHAM/s1600/september+17+2013-10.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175095124790217768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788303875085996925.post-57616231447376389832013-09-10T15:58:00.000-07:002013-12-01T08:06:29.061-08:00it's here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AT_0-UIY--w/Ui-gC3XViGI/AAAAAAAAJMY/CmvggszTU2M/s1600/september+10+2013-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AT_0-UIY--w/Ui-gC3XViGI/AAAAAAAAJMY/CmvggszTU2M/s1600/september+10+2013-1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>The first fire of the season is on tonight. I love this time of year. Fall is right up there with spring and summer, in my opinion. And winter has its moments, too. It's been cool enough lately to wear scarves to work in the morning, and then take them off as soon as the day starts to warm up. The air is cool and breezy, and wood smoke is in the air. I feel like listening to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P._D._James" target="_blank">P.D. James</a> books while driving for work (they're all great, I'm currently listening to <a href="http://www.emusic.com/book/p-d-james/the-lighthouse/10020014/" target="_blank">this one</a>, borrowed from the library) which is a sure sign of fall. And I bought mums (red's my favourite, and they match the door) for the back step.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bm-EoZ6kbcI/Ui-gDKpjdEI/AAAAAAAAJMc/umn73f5XO6Y/s1600/september+10+2013-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bm-EoZ6kbcI/Ui-gDKpjdEI/AAAAAAAAJMc/umn73f5XO6Y/s1600/september+10+2013-2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />I know I'm not the only one who loves this cooler weather and abundant harvesty season. (We've each been eating our weight in cucumbers in our house.) Amongst my other favourite things about fall - my <a href="http://twentytwopleasant.blogspot.ca/2012/03/chai-cuppow-chairs.html" target="_blank">chai concentrate</a> in a cup of <a href="http://www.redrosetea.ca/" target="_blank">Red Rose</a> tea.<br /><br />One of the only unpleasant things about fall (along with dark morning wake-ups) is that germs seem to get passed around with astounding rapidity (can you tell I'm steeped in P.D. James?), and it seems as though the boys brought home some kind of ick after the first day back last week! I think P has fought it off, but Thomas is congested and his nose is running like a faucet today. I'm planning to pick up some lemons and ginger tomorrow and whip up some of the <a href="http://twentytwopleasant.blogspot.ca/2012/09/lemon-honey-tea-concentrate.html" target="_blank">honey lemon concentrate</a> we keep in the fridge through the winter. I didn't think we'd need it so soon!<br /><br />What are your favourite things about fall that I've missed? (I'm also looking forward to campfires in cozy sweaters, the leaves falling in the woods, and cold, sunny weekend days at the beach.)<br /><br />I hope you enjoy the season as much as I do!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175095124790217768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788303875085996925.post-46978849036276653972013-09-08T07:41:00.000-07:002013-12-28T23:42:27.784-08:00better than i could have imagined<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t52MomfEIa8/UiyMN6CCDaI/AAAAAAAAJMI/zdE58-ndqRk/s1600/thistle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t52MomfEIa8/UiyMN6CCDaI/AAAAAAAAJMI/zdE58-ndqRk/s1600/thistle.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br />Folks, the first week back at work after the lovely summer break was infinitely better than I could have hoped or planned. All of the little things that could have gone awry just didn't. I am so thankful, and enjoying this first weekend of the school year, which started off with supper out at the camp on Friday.<br /><br />I'm soaking in every minute of this end-of-summer season and looking forward to fall. The cooler temperatures and return to routine definitely agree with me. Ahhhhh.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175095124790217768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788303875085996925.post-42163315616186562572013-09-02T15:29:00.000-07:002013-12-18T06:32:17.676-08:00the end, and the beginning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMmRNTyUdK8/UiUMiBjyrRI/AAAAAAAAJLo/exkykXT8KxY/s1600/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMmRNTyUdK8/UiUMiBjyrRI/AAAAAAAAJLo/exkykXT8KxY/s1600/image_1.jpeg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div><br /><br />This summer was a full and happy one for our little family. There was nary a significant illness or injury (hallelujah!), and we just had a wonderful time, on the whole. We've been squeezing in as much beach time as possible during this last week or so - we had some gorgeous weather and nothing but blue skies. Yesterday and today have been grey, grey, grey, with a bit of wet and gloomy tossed in, but I like those kinds of days, too.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GUZTaFyB9Uo/UiUMihKEmSI/AAAAAAAAJLs/FjdSKNnfVto/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GUZTaFyB9Uo/UiUMihKEmSI/AAAAAAAAJLs/FjdSKNnfVto/s1600/image.jpeg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div><br /><br />I was thinking today about how we spent the summer, and I think it was a significant one. <a href="http://twentytwopleasant.blogspot.ca/2013/07/house-news.html" target="_blank">We have our forever home</a>, which is so, so wonderful. (<a href="http://modernrealty.ca/properties/157/yarmouthnsrealestate" target="_blank">Our current home is for sale</a>, for a really spectacular price! I'll be your friend forever if you buy it!) Every now and then I have to pinch myself, I'm so excited. It's so much fun to dream and plan and imagine during this in-between time while we wait for our current home to sell. We spent a lot of time at the new camp, first cleaning and making it inhabitable, and then just enjoying it. We planted fruit trees to begin our orchard and had the fields mowed. The one big job that I didn't get done was a proper cleaning of the chicken barn, so I have that to look forward to on a cool, breezy day this fall. Aside from the house, we went to the beach (and discovered a new one!), had company at the camp, and spent lots of time outdoors. And ate a LOT of marshmallows. (Have you tried <a href="http://www.campfiremarshmallows.com/products/giant-roasters/" target="_blank">the giant ones</a>? They're soooooo good. At least twice the surface area to brown to perfection.) Phillip went on a trip to New Brunswick to visit his grandparents, and went to day camp for a week earlier in the summer. We stayed at a lovely cottage with my in-laws in July, which was a perfect way to start the summer.<br /><br />I'm feeling positive about this upcoming school year, too - my caseload is changing a bit, and I'm always excited about new beginnings. I'm bound and determined to not be a stressball this year - that is my main goal. Last year was nutty for a variety of reasons, and I was overwhelmed and can see looking back that I was indeed a full-blown stressball. Unfortunately, it takes until mid-August to recover! I'm one person, and there are only so many hours in each day, and I am going to enjoy my work time and do my best. And that's that.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XijZ_7LeAAI/UiUMXUdj85I/AAAAAAAAJLg/mGWdB5IXzs4/s1600/image_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XijZ_7LeAAI/UiUMXUdj85I/AAAAAAAAJLg/mGWdB5IXzs4/s1600/image_2.jpeg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qjW8t0OEuas/UiUMj_tqBNI/AAAAAAAAJL4/v7BPCJ5Nxak/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qjW8t0OEuas/UiUMj_tqBNI/AAAAAAAAJL4/v7BPCJ5Nxak/s1600/photo.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>So welcome to another September. I hope that the change in routine is kind to you and yours, and that there are still some summery weather days ahead!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175095124790217768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788303875085996925.post-26807379685822406772013-08-26T18:48:00.000-07:002013-12-28T23:42:27.782-08:00he and i<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_DzVsrHScQ/UhwDcVpZ3oI/AAAAAAAAJLA/A86HKQ3uLRA/s1600/august+26+2013-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_DzVsrHScQ/UhwDcVpZ3oI/AAAAAAAAJLA/A86HKQ3uLRA/s1600/august+26+2013-1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nmE8Z6uDmCI/UhwDcyN8N6I/AAAAAAAAJLI/AX1iU7XoyaI/s1600/august+26+2013-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nmE8Z6uDmCI/UhwDcyN8N6I/AAAAAAAAJLI/AX1iU7XoyaI/s1600/august+26+2013-2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>While the littlest of us was sleeping this afternoon, Phillip and I played a game of Battleship. That is the face of a boy deep in thought. We have some difficult days, P and I. He knows exactly which buttons to push and I am not always the calm, lighthearted, easygoing Mama I would like to be. After sleeping for almost 12 hours last night, though, he was in the most pleasant mood for most of the day, and we had a great time together. (Which was especially nice because it was a dark, rainy day.) Some days it's hard to believe that he was <a href="http://twentytwopleasant.blogspot.ca/2007/12/in-diaper.html" target="_blank">that sweet, squishy little baby</a>.<br /><br />Hope you have a lovely week!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175095124790217768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788303875085996925.post-66494250012889569342013-08-19T15:58:00.000-07:002014-01-02T23:54:30.898-08:00beauty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcOnxo362gM/UhKdWDR0tyI/AAAAAAAAJJY/9Y9jyS0ilGY/s1600/august+19+2013-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcOnxo362gM/UhKdWDR0tyI/AAAAAAAAJJY/9Y9jyS0ilGY/s1600/august+19+2013-1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><a href="http://www.adamgrahamphoto.com/" target="_blank">Adam</a> found this abandoned nest in the yard the other day, and Thomas was thrilled to bring it inside. He plopped it right in this beautiful bowl (which I found last year at <a href="http://www.handworks.ca/index.html" target="_blank">Handworks</a> in Saint John, incidentally) and I've been marvelling at it since. Throughout the year as we humans go about our daily lives, nature is working away, for the most part unobserved. A current humming in the air, soil, and water, surrounding us with layers of life and beauty. Earthworms working away in the soil, birds building nests, trees leafing out, spiders hatching and building webs, flowers blossoming and fading to seeds - the magnitude of it all is incomprehensible, really.<br /><br />Adam and I went out to the camp for a fire a few nights ago, and I was delighted to stumble across some other beautiful things on our walk, too.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9jtKzyJwnQ/UhKgfjTQwPI/AAAAAAAAJJk/zGqQ5MrG5ks/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9jtKzyJwnQ/UhKgfjTQwPI/AAAAAAAAJJk/zGqQ5MrG5ks/s1600/image.jpeg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This beauty (do you see the sassy lady with the beehive, awesome flared collar, and hands on her hips?) was in the (since mown) field with several others. I had never seen one like this before - apparently it's an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argiope_(spider)" target="_blank">argiope</a>. There are so many things for me to learn!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cLT3PPRYJ68/UhKgnC9MocI/AAAAAAAAJJ0/Z8eZ6ZMIKvw/s1600/image_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cLT3PPRYJ68/UhKgnC9MocI/AAAAAAAAJJ0/Z8eZ6ZMIKvw/s1600/image_2.jpeg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div> There's a hollow heart stump by the camp (with an old rag in it that I need to remove).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1EiDecklKVI/UhKgsrHvE0I/AAAAAAAAJKA/DAKVNY3SdxI/s1600/image_3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1EiDecklKVI/UhKgsrHvE0I/AAAAAAAAJKA/DAKVNY3SdxI/s1600/image_3.jpeg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eu10kzB15Yw/UhKgsZ-nz9I/AAAAAAAAJJ8/JVKm9WH-Sik/s1600/image_4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eu10kzB15Yw/UhKgsZ-nz9I/AAAAAAAAJJ8/JVKm9WH-Sik/s1600/image_4.jpeg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div> The only way to improve on an already-great beard.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K4vMsEu-afg/UhKg0IBwHVI/AAAAAAAAJKU/_Wa_ayKTUV4/s1600/image_5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K4vMsEu-afg/UhKg0IBwHVI/AAAAAAAAJKU/_Wa_ayKTUV4/s1600/image_5.jpeg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zrlDQg1WIWE/UhKgzmaJ0WI/AAAAAAAAJKM/l_kfF_OjRgA/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zrlDQg1WIWE/UhKgzmaJ0WI/AAAAAAAAJKM/l_kfF_OjRgA/s1600/photo.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br />And I'm just tucking this one in for good measure - this was the sunrise on Sunday morning when I was out for a little run. It was absolutely worth stopping for!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-16O1V0POGKo/UhKghbGPmJI/AAAAAAAAJJs/Pt_2TR3i-0Q/s1600/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-16O1V0POGKo/UhKghbGPmJI/AAAAAAAAJJs/Pt_2TR3i-0Q/s1600/image_1.jpeg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175095124790217768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788303875085996925.post-52425435494303338672013-08-14T04:29:00.000-07:002014-01-02T23:54:30.895-08:00spicy oven-roasted chickpeas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xYNDy_UzFws/UgtLtPFMYnI/AAAAAAAAJHY/ajiopLhXai8/s1600/July+31+2013-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xYNDy_UzFws/UgtLtPFMYnI/AAAAAAAAJHY/ajiopLhXai8/s1600/July+31+2013-6.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>I know it's hotter in some places than it is here, so you may not be too keen on turning the oven on, but when it's finally cool enough, these are a perfect snack to make. They're great for packing along on a trip to the beach, and all of the kids I tested them on loved them. You can add 1/2 tsp cayenne if you like them hot! (The <a href="http://www.chow.com/recipes/30368-spicy-oven-roasted-chickpeas" target="_blank">original recipe is here</a>.)<br /><br /><b>Spicy Oven-roasted Chickpeas</b><br /><br />2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed (spin them dry in a salad spinner if you're really keen)<br />2 1/2 tbsp olive oil<br />1 tsp ground cumin<br />1 tsp chili powder<br />1/2 tsp sea salt<br /><br />Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss chickpeas, oil, and other ingredients in a large bowl until evenly coated. Spread in an even layer on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20 minutes, stir well, and roast for another 10-20 minutes, until crisp. (I know that's a big variation, but ovens seem to vary significantly and the size and dryness of the chickpeas will make a difference, too.) Store in an airtight container, and enjoy!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZnJY1KUy1o/UgtLtGsNxDI/AAAAAAAAJHU/avnkKgr4M5Y/s1600/July+31+2013-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZnJY1KUy1o/UgtLtGsNxDI/AAAAAAAAJHU/avnkKgr4M5Y/s1600/July+31+2013-7.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175095124790217768noreply@blogger.com