seasonal thoughts

It’s about this time of year when I start longing for the less busy days of fall and winter. Not that I actually look forward at this time to the cold months ahead, (brrrrr) but just the slowing down part. In fact, despite being (what feels like) confined to my kitchen daily with canning in progress, I am acutely aware of how quickly summer is coming to an end. It seems to sadden me a little, unlike in the past when I used to be anxious for fall to arrive in all her splendor and crispness and to see summer come to a close. Now I think it just makes me more aware of just how quickly time passes and how soon these blue sky days of songbirds and sunshine, of open windows and sultry breezes will be gone. But soon the panorama of color, of burgundy and amber leaves ushering in the season of slowing down will lighten the loss of summer. Change is inevitable. We appreciate what is, release the old as the seasons pass, welcome the new, adapt and trust all is as it should be. Each cycle of nature, each season of life brings its gifts. How can we not help but appreciate the perfection of it all?

giveaway

Ok, just a quickie here to mention that my friend Carolyn over at The Barber Bunch blog is having a mystery giveaway to celebrate her 6 month blogging anniversary. Git on over there and check it out. Do it. Now. Or at least by Sept. 8th, ya hear?

Frazzled Friday

My day began at 3:30 AM when something woke me up. When I got up Timmy our dog leaped off the sofa and went to the door so I let him out. Unusual behavior for him but obviously he had to go. I went to the bathroom then waited at the door for Timmy’s return. When he didn’t come back immediately I went out into the dark foggy morning and called and whistled. Finally he came. I let him back in and was obviously too tired to notice anything strange. Coop then got up with flashlight in hand as he heard me calling Timmy. He noticed an odor before I did. Timmy had obviously rolled in something nasty. So unfortunately Timmy had to spend the rest of the morning in the garage. We went back to bed to catch a little more shut eye before beginning the day for real, with me knowing that my dad would begin with giving the dog a bath.

When I got up, I noticed a pile of doggie vomit next to the loveseat. I’m guessing the dog vomiting is actually what woke me earlier. I also noticed that my philodendron was chewed up and pieces of leaves lay scattered about. Oh yeah, then the manila folder where I keep my crochet patterns had been gotten into and one was taken out and chewed up…just the one, mind you. I will likely never know which pattern that was until I search specifically for it and find it missing. This behavior is so uncharacteristic of Timmy so I don’t have any idea what prompted it.

Before I cleaned up that mess, it was doggie bath time. After all, the puke had been there all night, what was few more minutes? I got Timmy into the bathroom but then couldn’t shut the door. We have a small bath and one must be to the far left to close the door. Timmy was by the tub to the far right. Ok, move Timmy. No cooperation on his part, so I tried moving him. This confused and intimidated him and he got the hell out of there. I began yelling for Coop to get up and give me a hand, which he did. Between the two of us we managed to get Timmy into the bathroom, the door closed and our furry friend into the tub.

Once the bath was done I cleaned up the mess in the living room and began the day. I had a large pot of spaghetti sauce to can this morning, which I nearly ruined while cooking the night before. I saved the sauce but the pan is scorched and still soaking. After heating the sauce up, sterilizing the jars and beginning the canning process, actually filling a few jars, I found two jars that had slight chips around the rims. I was sure I had checked them prior. So, dump the sauce back into the pan and begin again… after going to the basement to gather several more jars to be sterilized. It was not starting out to be a great morning.

But, the day wore on and things got better. Heck, I even managed to get a shower and trim my hair between phone calls, making egg salad, chopping vegetables, grating zucchini, baking a cake, peeling potatoes, making a meat mixture for dinner, neighbors dropping in, straightening the house, sweeping the kitchen and washing a mob of dishes…twice. Not too bad for a Friday. In fact less busy than most of the week has been except for the doggy incident which got me off to rocky start. Then the sun decided to come out and chase away the clouds, a nice, warm breeze began filtering through the south windows, the makings of a most sensuous afternoon and evening. I am off now to prepare and enjoy dinner and the rest of the evening. Hope your day was a good one.

Before the day is over...

...I wanted to post a link to Baking Bites. I can't remember how I ended up there, but I have been browsing this site on and off for a day or two in small increments when time permits and have printed off a dozen or more recipes at least. How about a chocolate yogurt loaf cake or cherries and cream pie? I will definitely be trying the chocolate pumpkin pie, oh ya. Had to share. Have fun!

the big and the small of it

This Brandywine weighed in at 1 pound 11 ounces.

Don't these look like miniature watermelons?
They are Mexican Sour Gherkins and appropriately named as they have a real tartness tasting almost as if they were already pickled. When ripened they fall off the vine.
A unique addition to fresh salads and so darn cute!

Recently canned tomatoes here and another 14 quart canned today.
These ones are seasoned with herbs.

Sunday pickins from the garden...

I'll be canning again tomorrow but I'll be posting soon about our day trip this past Saturday to Serpent Mound.

The Smallest of Pleasures

Over the years I have learned to recognize more acutely the significance in the small, seemingly inconsequential things. In taking note, I find that much of my love of our simple life is encapsulated in these small pleasures…

The sound of jar lids popping, letting me know my jars of jam and vegetables have sealed successfully.

A seed sprouting, showing signs of life and green, making one aware of the continuous cycle of nature.

The aroma (and anticipation) of whatever may be simmering on the stove top or baking in the oven.

Watching our garden grow.

Moments sitting in the sun with a cat occupying my lap or winding around my legs.

Allowing the jars of newly canned jams to sit on the table for longer than necessary just so I can admire them a little while longer before storing them away.

Watching the antics of birds and insects as if there is nothing better to do, because in that moment there is nothing better to do.

The sight of clean laundry willowing in the breeze on a sunny day and the smell of air and sunshine as I take it down and fold it, drawing the occasional piece to my face to breathe it in.

Our muscovy ducks appearing at my feet when I step out back in case I might have a treat for them and hand tossing them scraps to catch in their beaks like puppy dogs.

Adding to and organizing rows of home canned goods on my cellar shelves.

The myriad of colors in a patch of zinnias.

The evening sounds of life in the woods.

Choosing colors for my next yarn project, next bead project, next sewing project....

Putting the clean dishes in their proper places.

Gathering food fresh from the vine and making a homegrown meal.

Watching storms move in and never ceasing to be in awe of the power of nature.

The truth is, I find pleasure in most aspects of life, not only pleasure but also a great sense of appreciation for our lifestyle, our family and friends and for what we have. And when I say for what we have I mean that in the largest sense, from the love of others to the plants and trees that make oxygen , from the earth in which our food grows to the sun for it's warmth and life sustaining rays, from the food, dishes and utensils that inhabit the cupboards and drawers to the hot running water, from the view out the kitchen window, to the earth’s tokens that decorate our home There is so much that we can inadvertently take for granted, but when we practice slowing down and taking notice we find ourselves surrounded with blessings. I've found that practicing awareness brings appreciation and practicing appreciation brings awareness.

a grand week

With the exception of a welcome rain the other day, the past week has been utterly beautiful with mild temps and killer blue sky days. Unseasonably cool for August but how nice to be canning in 70 something degree weather as opposed to 90 something.

I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday week with the weather, the cards, the gifts and just plain enjoyable moments. On Tuesday my twin sister came out to spend a day with me. We share the same birthday ya know (grin) and although Wed.was it, Tues. worked out perfectly for us to hang together all day without anyone else. Coop was busy helping my niece’s hubby build his shed, neither one of us twins had any other serious responsibilities, so a real day of girl fun and bonding with my twin took place. It’s been awhile since that has happened! And ya know what we did? We laughed, we talked, we spent time outdoors, even sat crocheting together on the patio. I had made homemade, homegrown spaghetti sauce for a dinner of organic whole wheat pasta and homegrown snow peas. Sue got the urge to make bread, so that she did so at the end of the day we enjoyed a fantastic meal together full of nutrition and good vibes. What more could you want? She also gifted me with a beautiful crystal, a couple of new CDs and a most beautiful and cozy afghan…in PINK! Gosh, what a generous gal she is! I have listened to the Jakob Dylan CD she gave me over and over, it’s that good. I would love to show you a picture of me curled up in my new pink afghan but I accidentally deleted all the photos I just uploaded to picassa. And of course I deleted them from my memory card already, too. Damn! That’s twice I’ve done that! Anyhow trust me; the afghan is big and beautiful. I love it!

My neighbor showed up the Mon. with a pretty card and gift, some new kitchen towels (pink of course) and a pink can opener to go in my pink kitchen. Cards arrived in the mail from sister in laws, my son and his wife and another from the grandboys. My girlfriend Vicki sent me a book I had wanted (A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle) and two cards! She liked them both so she sent me two, lol. You have to know Vicki, she is one in a million and quirky that way…it’s one of the many things I love about her. On wed. my wonderful kids called to wish their mom a happy birthday, then on Thurs. my dear, sweet niece came over with a card and a plate full of homemade macaroons (she knows I LOVE coconut) plus the promise of a soon to arrive book I have been coveting on Amazon. I am one lucky girl! Ok, woman. But I gotta tell ya that even at fifty three I still have the heart and mind of a girl at times. Now if my body would just keep up!

All in all a grand week has left me with a full heart and a heightened appreciation for all the people and goodness in my life. And although greatly appreciated, it is not the gifts or cards given that mean so much but the spirit of love and connection I share with these special people in my life.