Dear Neighbor . . .

 

(source)

 

 OCTOBER 30th, 2026

Estate Lane, Nova Scotia

12*C/53*F

rain showers

Dear Neighbour,

Its a bit milder this morning, but not expected to get much warmer than this today.  I expect that the rain is keeping the temperatures up a bit. That's this time of year though. You never really know what to expect from one day to the next.  One day it is like summer and the next one winter is knocking on the door.  It's August in the sunshine, and November in the shade, so long as the wind is not blowing or coming from the North, and if it is, well  . . .  then all bets are off. You are just plain freezing, sun or shadow. It matters not which.

Eileen is excited to be going to her Bible Study this morning at the local Baptist Church. She is a few weeks behind in it but that's okay. She is just happy to be going. The pastor is picking her up here and then after that she is going to a Birthday lunch at a local eatery for one of her friends. She is also really looking forward to that. There was also a Halloween party at the hub for all of the clients in the CSS program, but she is skipping that and coming home after the lunch. She will probably need a nap after all of the other activities.

I am going with my sister to take my dad and his friend Maryann to the Mall for their usual Friday Buddy Burger and visit with each other. I have missed going and am really looking forward to it. I feel that Eileen will be okay on her own, for the short time that I am gone anyways.

 

(source)

I am in desperate need for the "right" kind of cat food.  I have not reliably been able to find it locally, and Cinnamon is very very fussy.  I opened four little pots of it this morning before I landed on one that she was interested in eating.  With each one she took a sniff and then just sat there looking at me as if to say, "Really?" lol She is so funny.  I am sure the last one was not really her favorite either, but at least she ate most of it. The other three went into the bin.  Cheeky little madame.

I don't know why cats can be so fussy.  I seem to just find one thing that she likes and I will get it in, and then she changes her mind. Her brother Nutmeg would eat whatever you put in front of him. He's just hungry. 

 

I like misty autumn mornings,

and cold, snowy winter nights.

Rainstorms bring me inner peace,

thunder sets my soul alight.

I care not for summer,

days too long, the heavy heat.

Give me candlelight evenings,

early darkness, and a silent street.

~Natalia Crow

The trees across the way hold their black arms outstretched to the sky in silent worship now, most of the leaf having come down. They have finally surrendered their gowns of amber and gold, letting each treasured leaf drift softly back to the earth. What remains are dark, slender branches etched against the sky, reading upward with quiet determination.

At first glance they may seem barren, stripped of their beauty by the changing season. But there is something deeply inspiring in their nakedness. They stand unashamed, exactly as they are, with nothing to hide behind. Their strength is revealed in every twist and turn of their branches, every scar and imperfection visible for all to see.

The trees remind us that there are seasons in life for letting go. Seasons when we release what has served it's purpose, trusting that what appears to be an ending is simply making way for a new beginning.

And so they reach, those black branches toward the grey autumn skies. Not in despair, but in hope. Knowing that winter will come, and spring will follow. Knowing that beneath the stillness, life continues its quiet work.

Perhaps there is a lesson there or us all. Even when we feel stripped bare by life's changes, we can continue reaching toward the light, trusting that our own season of renewal will come.

 

(source)

I spent a part of yesterday restocking my larder cupboard with some of the spice mixes, etc. that I like to make from scratch.  I had picked up some of what I needed earlier in the week.  It smelled a bit like Aladdin's cave in here afterwards.

I made Pumpkin Pie Spice and Bell's Seasoning. Tis the season. I love Pumpkin Pie Spice, but it can be really expensive to buy. When I make my own I know how fresh it is.  Also Bell's seasoning. It's not something you can really find here in Canada, but I love it.  You can find my recipe for that here. Its a tiny bit spicier and more pungent than regular Poultry seasoning. I used to buy it all the time when I live in New Brunswick and we would make one of our trips over to Houlton Maine to go shopping. It is one of my autumn essentials and for the holidays as well, when we are enjoying things like stuffing and dressing, poultry, that sort of thing. It's not just for Christmas and Thanksgiving. It can perk up many things.

 

(source)

I also made my own Mixed Spice in anticipation of the Christmas baking coming up. That is a uniquely British ingredient that is commonly used in a lot of festive bakes. It's also used in making British Mincemeat. I like to make my own mincemeat if I can and I follow a British recipe. I like it much better than North American mincemeat. It's fruitier and well, I just think it's tastier. I use mincemeat all the year through to make muffins, etc. It is a very versatile ingredient. Not just for Christmas. Buying British mincemeat is quite expensive now, of course. I have bought it occasionally, but it is much easier and cheaper to make my own.

I also restocked my Italian and Taco seasoning jars.  I had a busy morning and my coffee grinder was working in overtime with the Bell's.

 

(source)

LATE OCTOBER

Carefully

the leaves of the autumn

sprinkle down the tinny

sound of little dyings

and skies sated

of ruddy sunsets

of roseate dawns

roil ceaselessly in

cobweb greys and turn 

to black

for comfort.

Only lovers

see the fall

a signal end to endings

a gruffish gesture alerting

those who will not be alarmed

that we begin to stop

in order to begin

again.

~Maya Angelou (1928-2014)

I've been thinking a lot about being alone and lonely these days. I never really thought that I was lonely. I have always enjoyed my own company, but I have come to realize that I am a bit. Lonely. There is a part of me that longs to have someone special in my  life to share the common little things that I enjoy out of each of my days. Someone to share my thoughts and ponderings with. To laugh with. But, in reality, I am far too afraid of what's out there to really pursue it in any way.  Plus, technically I'm not allowed to date, etc. because I am still married, although I have noted as of late that they have taken you know who off my church records, and out of my household. I was happy to see that. So maybe, they would be okay with me having a friend.  

I have not been inspired by what I have seen out there however. I find it quite frightening to be honest. I don't know that I will ever again be able to trust anyone with the gleanings of my heart, but at the same time . . . there is a part of me that wants to know I am someone's treasure. Oh, I know its a bit silly. I am very much a romanticist, and such things don't really exist. Not in real life anyways. I also think I am very vulnerable so . . . 

 

(source)

Eileen and I are very much looking forward to the Trick-or-Treaters tomorrow night. It is supposed to be a clear dry night.  I have gotten in two boxes of tiny bars, and two boxes of mini rice krispie treats, plus I have a box of small bags of potato chips.  Eileen and her worker got us a pumpkin yesterday. It was not the nicest one, but we left it so late that we had to take what we could get, and to be sure, I have never seen an ugly Jack-o-Lantern. They are all very charming.  I will drop it off with Dan today for him to carve. I am sure he will do a most excellent job. He likes to carve pumpkins.

I managed to get appointments made this week for my flu and covid shots. Cindy and I are going on the same day, in early December. Plus I have an appointment in early December to have my winter tires put on and my car winterized. I still need to make an appointment for my blood tests. I didn't want to make one while Eileen was still here, but now she is going to be moving back to her place on Wednesday next I can see to taking care of these things for myself. I need to stop off at my Doctor's office to pick up the blood test requisition form.

I am quite proud of myself. I have managed to lose 26 pounds in the past couple of months. I wasn't going to say anything, but I thought why not. I feel good about it. I hope I can continue. Not for vanity's sake, but for health's sake. I am keeping my finger's crossed. I have done this far too many times in the past and failed. But I keep trying. I guess that's what counts.

For me what seems to be working is to stay away from treats, and salty snacks, and to only eat half of what I really want. So, leave half of what's on my plate. Whether it goes into the compost or my stomach, its not a waste. And it's better in the compost. I have had a few hungry nights, but its worth it in the long run.

 

(source)

Life marches on . . . one day follows another. It is hard to believe that I have now been almost 6 years back in Canada. Occasionally I will think of those few weeks in the run up to my leaving the U.K. and all the emotions and feelings involved and a tear will come to my eye.  But I brush them off and try not to dwell on them. 

What has followed since then has been so much better than what I had, and I am much happier now.  Change is not always bad, even the hard, hard changes. It is often for the best . . . if we allow it to be.  

One thing which made me really happy yesterday was Eileen saying to me that she was happier than she had ever been.  And she really meant it.  And I could see it.  It makes me happy to know that my girl is at peace with everything and finding joy in her life. My prayers are being answered. 

Why do we ever doubt that they will be?  I don't know  . . . 

And with that I will leave you with a thought for today  . . . 

☾ ° ★° * 。

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★

 *.˛.Why is it that weeks and months

and years go by so quickly, all in a blur,

but moments last forever?° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •

~Jennifer Donnelly° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •

In The English Kitchen today . . .  City Chicken . . .  an old favourite recipe that I got from my sister many moons ago. Not chicken really, but a delicious pork dish.  Tender and juicy and very simple to make.

I hope you have a lovely Friday filled with things you love and that bring you joy. Along the way of your day, don't forget! 

═══════════ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ═════════════ 

⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿

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And I do too!    

   

My Favourite Things . . .

 

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens . . . these are some of the things in life that I enjoy, and which make me happy, inspire me, or put a smile on my face. Maybe some of them are yours too.  Let's share!

 

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Vintage kitchen style.  The old fashioned cupboards, stove, etc. I love it.

 

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Pumpkin shapes  . . . 

 

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Misty mornings  . . . 

 

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Porridge  . . . 

 

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Candy coated leaves  . . . 

 

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Woolen fabrics  . . . 

 

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The beauty of nature  . . . 

 

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Painted wooden drawers  . . . 

 

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Order  . . . 

 

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Majesty  . . . 

 

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Wall paper  . . . 

 

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What a pretty keyboard  . . . 

 

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Caspar . . . he's the friendly ghost  . . . 

 

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Lemon curd  . . . 

 

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Comfy shoes  . . . 

 

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Pretty tea cups  . . . 

 

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Pretty pumpkins  . . . 

 

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This  . . . 

 

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Tealights  . . . 

 

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This  . . . 

 

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Cozy little towns  . . . 

 

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Jack-o-Lanterns  . . . 

 

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Bubble baths  . . . 

 

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Tortoise shell cats  . . . 

 

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Pretty  . . . 

 

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A basket of cozy  . . . 

 

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Honey in tea  . . . 

And those are my favorite things for this week. I think I am just in love with pretty images, don't you?

A thought to carry with you  . . .

☾ ° ★° * 。  

• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★

*When I rise up,
let me rise up joyful like a bird.

When I fall,

let me fall  without regret like a leaf.

~Wendell Berry

 

In The English Kitchen today   . . .  Fruity Sausage Burgers.  Simple and delicious.

Eileen had a very good day yesterday.  She picked up her hearing aids. They are a pretty pink.  They are aiming for her to return to her apartment on Wednesday next. The only thing she is not doing by herself now is showering. I am still helping her with that. But she is almost there. We did get to the Big Scoop last night for dinner and it was nice. (The fish and chips not so nice, but that's really not why we go.) Each day sees improvements and blessings. Love her so much.

I hope you have a wonderful day, filled with light and love. Whatever you get up to, don't forget!

═══════════ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ═════════════ 

⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿

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And I do too!    

   

Wednesday Witterings . . .

 

(source)

 Brrr . . .  it's -2*C/28*F . . . a chilly morning. The frost will most surely be on the pumpkins this morning.  I found myself awake at about quarter to six this morning, much earlier than I have been waking up lately. I just lay there lost in thought and grateful for having been given a new day for a few minutes before I actually crawled out of bed.  My days have been full and so busy lately, that it was nice to have the luxury of a few thinking minutes before my day started in earnest.

I was on Instagram later in the day yesterday as Eileen and I were watching television, and this reel came up of this old guy singing and dancing.  I thought he was funny so I commented one word, "foxy" on his reel. We ended up having a whole conversation. It probably lasted a good half hour or so before I said goodbye. (always leave them wanting more) 

He said he wanted to be famous. I told him fame was a double edged sword. It seems everyone and their dog wants to be famous these days. Nobody seems to be content with just being themselves. As for me, I wouldn't touch fame with a ten foot pole. Not for me.

 

(source)

Eileen and I have been enjoying warm apple cider evenings as the temperatures cool down and the nights turn long. There is something quite comforting about sitting there sipping a hot mug of it while we watch television. She with her diamond art (Yes! She is back sitting up and doing it again, comfortably.) and I with my crochet hook and yarn.  Two cats nuzzled in next to me, one at my head and the other at my side. These are comforting evenings.

We have been making Christmas plans. We have decided that on Christmas Eve we are going to have a finger food buffet instead of supper with little sausage rolls, and crackers and cheese, pickles, fruit and crisp veggies . . . eggnog . . .  and we are going to start celebrating mid-afternoon.  We will watch the nativity and Charlie Brown's Christmas and whatever else comes up before ending the day with A Christmas Story. And we will exchange one tiny fun gift. Something to put a smile on the face before bed, and Santa.

It is nice to be making plans for a positive future. 

 

(source)

I went out to check my mail later in the afternoon yesterday after Eileen got back. (Yes, she went out again for a short time yesterday afternoon. There will be no stopping her now.)  I hadn't noticed that Cindy was picking up Bailey from Sheila's so I stopped by the car to say hi to Dad on my way back from the mailbox. I hadn't seen him for a few weeks. Not wanting to leave Eileen on her own I haven't been venturing very far from the house, and of course his mobility is very limited. It was nice to see him.  I told him that we would probably be able to join everyone at the Big Scoop this week for supper (tonight) and he seemed happy about that.  Eileen and I have already decided what we want. But, knowing us, it will probably change a few times before we actually get there. Eileen is really looking forward to it, and, in all honesty, so am I.

It will be nice to be together as a family again and to see Hazel for one last time. With the time change this weekend, she will stop coming out on Wednesday night as she doesn't like to drive after dark and I cannot say that I blame her.

 

(source)

It is hard to believe that in just a few days the trick-or-treaters will be knocking at the door. We get quite a few here where I live. These two streets (mine and the next one over) are very safe and you can travel between them via a safe little sidewalk which joins the two, going past the community gazebo and fountain. All elderly folk who like to see the children with their costumes and hand out treats. Eileen is looking forward to handing out treats. I am happy to let her do it. 

I really love seeing the children in their costumes and many of the parents dress up as well. Its just a nice evening.

I can remember trick-or-treating when I was a child. Our mother wouldn't let us go out until it was dark and we had eaten a good supper. Other kids would be out there already and I can remember being afraid that people would run out of candy. There were a lot more kids going out and about in those days and the fear of running out of candy was very real. The later you got out the riskier it was. Last year I had someone at my door around 4 p.m. which was rather early, but if you have a neurodiverse child it is best to take them when there are not a lot of other children around and the excitement is more controllable.  I don't know if this was a neurodiverse child, but am just guessing. 

This was not something which was really common back in the day. If people were neurodiverse it wasn't spoken about.  Now they have dedicated shopping hours in the stores and everything so that people with that condition can shop more comfortably. I think that's nice.  I rather like those hours as well. Much quieter and calmer.

 

(source)

Eileen got a lovely card and note in the post yesterday from my friend Ginny (Tea Cozy knitter) and her husband Tom. Included was a Susan Branch recipe for a delicious cake that Eileen and I have plans to make together one day.  She also got a lovely little package, card and note from Renee in Ohio.  A sweet colouring book filled with positive messages. She wanted me to be sure to say thankyou for her.  She really appreciated them and being thought of, also all the prayers of everyone. She has felt them and appreciates each and every one. So have I. Thank you.

She is going out this afternoon with one of her workers to pick up her hearing aids. I told her darn, I won't have any more secrets from you, lol  Now you will hear everything. She laughed at that. Apparently they are pink.  That is her favourite colour.

When she got married her colours were pink and black. She had the cutest pink slipper shoes with rhinestones on them. They were so pretty. She was very pretty as well. Brides always are.  Pretty and filled with hope.

She's still pretty. She has the clearest skin. Like porcelain. She has lost 21 pounds, and is feeling good about that, and has plans to continue to lose weight once she has healed properly.  She is wanting to go to gym nights again, which is good. She hasn't gone for the last several years. It is good to hear her making positive plans.

I don't really have a lot else to say this morning. Having looked out the window the frost is definitely on the pumpkin and I guess I best get on with my day. The guinea fowl are still visiting and I did see the chipmunk yesterday, but he will soon be going to ground as well.  

Life is good.

A thought to carry with you  . . . 

☾ ° ★° * 。  

• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★

*Halloween is not only about putting
on a costume, but it's about finding the
imagination and costume within ourselves.
~Elvis Duran 

In The English Kitchen today,  Roast Pork with Lemon & Potatoes. There is fennel in there as well, The whole dish has a very Mediterranean feel to it. This was simple to make and very delicious.

I hope you have a lovely day today. It is going to be bright, sunny and cool here. The perfect day. Whatever you get up to, I hope it brings you joy! Don't forget!

═══════════ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ═════════════ 

⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿

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And I do too!    

   

A Day Book . . .

 

FOR TODAY, October 27th, 2026

 

(source)

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW ...

Not a lot going on. It's garbage day so the bags are lined up. The sun is up. It's chilly but not frosty. The sun is shining and the sky is impossibly blue, the trees across the way stretching their bare arms up to the heavens in gratitude for this day.

 

(source)

I AM THINKING ...

Growing old gracefully. Age is loaded with wisdom and filled with things you wish you had known when you were younger . . .  but you know deep in your heart that you had to go through all that stuff to help to create the beautiful you that you are now, so you are grateful for it. Well, most of it anyways.

I AM ALSO THINKING ...

Eileen did so well yesterday. I am very proud of her. She managed to go out to Tim Hortons with her worker and enjoyed the time away. She got to see most of her friends and her Grampy and Aunt Cindy. She is doing very well and I am grateful. I told her that she must be careful not to overdo it though. Just because you are feeling better, taking things slow, baby steps . . . probably wise.

 

(source)

I AM GRATEFUL FOR ...

Obviously I am not the only person who does this. There is an actual word to describe it.  This is me to a "T."  And I often wish I was not this way. I even do it before the cleaners come.

 

(source)

I AM ALSO GRATEFUL FOR ...

Cozy nights, warm lights, someone to share them with.

IN THE KITCHEN ...

Delicious Cran-Apple Spice Muffins. Moist, tasty. not too sweet, low sugar, low fat. The perfect muffins.

 

(source)

ON MY "TO COOK" LIST ...

Pimento Cheese Crackers. These look amazing. 

 

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THIS I BELIEVE ...

Home is where you hang your heart.

 

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SOMETHING THAT IS NICE ...

Autumn Displays. Spurs, a local farm market, always puts on a beautiful one.

 

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SOMETHING ELSE THAT IS NICE ...

Scented Candles  . . . 

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO ...

Saturday, Halloween.  Spooky night. I love to see all the children in their costumes and the parents too. Such fun.

I AM WANTING TO CREATE ...

 

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Sunflower pillows, so nice  . . . 

 

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Gingerbread men  . . . 

 

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Melting snowmen . . . 

 

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Lots of cats  . . . 

 

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This  . . .  so sweet.

SOMETHING I ENJOY ...

 

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Warm sweaters  . . . 

SOMETHING ELSE I ENJOY ...

 

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Carrots  . . . 

I AM READING ...

THE COMMONER, by John Burnham Swartz.  

I have always been fascinated by Oriental Culture, and this book is the story of how, the first commoner to marry into the Japanese imperial family was, at the age of 24, exposed to brutal public scrutiny and the unyielding rigors of royal life, robbing her of her identity and sending her into a crushing depression.

With a quiet layering of details, “The Commoner” follows Haruko Endo from her childhood through a heady courtship by the crown prince. When she marries him, Haruko begins a life of miserable isolation in which not even her children are truly her own. In the book’s final quarter Haruko sees her life reflected in the suffering of her daughter-in-law, Keiko (modeled on the real-life Crown Princess Masako), also a commoner who marries into the royal family.

This is compelling reading and a book I have read several times and am reading and enjoying it again for about the third time. I just love it.

THINGS THAT CATCH MY FANCY ... 

 

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Autumn pumpkins   . . . 

 

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Acorns  . . . 

 

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Teapot warmers  . . . 

 

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Cake . . . 

 

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Autumn colours  . . . 

MAKES ME SMILE ...

 

This was Cinnamon stretched out behind me on the back of the sofa late yesterday afternoon. So sweet.

SOMETHING TO WATCH ...

On Amazon. Thoroughly delightful.  Enjoyed every minute of it.

A THOUGHT TO CARRY WITH YOU ...

☾ ° ★° * 。  

• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★

*The future you see

is the future you get.

~Robert G. Allen

And that is my daybook for this week!  Thanks always for being here!

  ⋱ ⋮ ⋰

⋯ ◯ ⋯ Take time to enjoy the small *´¯`.¸¸.☆

  ⋰ ⋮ ⋱ blessings in life.*´¯`.¸¸.☆ 

✿¸.•*¨`*•..✿✿¸.•*¨`*•..✿ ✿¸.•*¨`*•..¸✿ ✿¸.•*¨`*•..¸✿ ✿¸.•*¨`*•. ╬♥═╬╬═♥=╬╬═♥╬╬═♥╬╬═♥=╬╬♥═╬♥╬╬═♥╬╬═♥=╬╬♥╬

░░░░░░░░░░░░░ ░░░░░░░░░░░░ ░░░░░░░░░░░░ 

Have a beautiful day!  Don't forget!  

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⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿

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And I do too!