Monday 30 November 2020

Small and Wonderful Things . . .

  

 

"The world is fairly studded and strewn with pennies cast broadside from a generous hand. But who gets excited by a mere penny?...It is dire poverty indeed when a man is so malnourished and fatigued that he won't stoop to pick up a penny. But if you cultivate a healthy poverty and simplicity, so that finding a penny will literally make your day, then, since the world is in fact planted with pennies, you have with your poverty bought a lifetime of days. It is that simple. what you see is what you get." ~Anne Dillard  
 

A few of the small and wonderful things which bring untold joy into my life.   It's the small things in life which truly mean the most.  Simple abundance . . . it's the best.  

 

 
Took a drive to the cemetary to visit mom's grave yesterday afternoon. Cindy left some roses.  I left a stone I had from Scotland. You can almost see it there next to the roses. To celebrate our Scottish heritage and mom's ancestors. A small piece of what resides in us all. It was quite emotional for me. I kept myself pretty much in check. Just some outward sniffling, although inside . . .  

My sister and I looked at a few more headstones from the family, going way way back. Some it is getting very hard to read the writing. I think I may go back sometime with paper and graphite pencil and do some tracings. It might be the only way to read them.

The cemetary is in a lovely spot, right at the base of the mountain, looking down into the Valley. It was very cold and windy yesterday, despite the sunshine so we didn't stay outside for long.



We drove up to visit my Great Grandparents house afterwards.  This is further up the mountain in Inglesville and only a ghost of what it once was. It hasn't been maintained in years. The view down into the valley is phenomenal. That front porch is the one my mother and her sister Thelma used to sit on and look down on the valley with a piece of turnip and a spoon, scraping and eating the turnip. It was hard to imagine mom as a child playing in the yard, etc. So many years have passed and it is largely run down now. Oh to win the lottery and be able to make the family member who owns it now an offer they couldn't refuse  . . . 


Putting up the Christmas Tree and dancing to Grandma Got Run over by a reindeer. He makes me smile. He is Mr Personality Plus. Jake, Jake, Jake  . . . 

 
There were more than one tree.  Here he is adding the finishing touch to one.  Angel on top, being put on by an angelic cherub.  Getting to hear three words "I love you," unsolicited and knowing that he meant what he said.  That made my heart smile in a special way. It really did. 


Finally a good photograph of Jazzy. (My sister took this.) You can see her side hairs. She is such a cutie pie and so gentle when she plays. She is slowly warming up to me. But Cindy is her favourite, as she is all of the cats' favourite. Even my dad's cat Princess.  She is not called the Cat Whisperer for nothing.  Cats love her. All animals love her.  Animals know who good people are. 

 
The Beaver Moon rising.  Not a great photograph admittedly. Native Americans called it the Beaver moon because they associated it with the time that beavers traditionally finished building their lodges in preparation for winter.  It was supposed to be a moon eclipse last night also, but I missed it. It occurred sometime during the night when I was asleep in my puffy marshmallow mattress. (I love it!) 


Dan put some outdoor Christmas lights up.  He loved holidays and decorating for holidays. He says he needs to get more.  A little bit of festivity going on here. 
 
 
Making Yorkshire Puds for my dad and all for with the Sunday Roast Beef.  They didn't turn out as good as they usually do. But nobody said anything, and they almost all got eaten up. I am going to miss my trusty old Canon range. That's for sure.   Its all an adjustment. 
 
 
Getting to enjoy church twice on Sunday. I watched the UK service at 6 am when I was still in bed. (Yay, woke up in time this week!) and then the NS one later in the morning. Twice fed!


Its hard to believe that Christmas is only a few weeks away. I have not gotten any cards bought or written. I think I will have to forgo that this year. No gifts bought either. Its been a hard year for us all. Here's to 2021, which is sure to be better.
 
A thought to carry with you  . . .
 
° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~\。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ | 田田 |門 ★

 *
The darkness may not 
dissipate all at once, but
as surely as dawn turns to day,
the light will come.
~Dieter F Uchtdorf  •。★★ 。* 。 
 
 


In The English Kitchen today.  The best Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes ever! These turned out amazing!  Light and fluffy, and they stayed that way! 

I hope your week ahead is filled with a multitude of small and wonderful things! Don't forget! 

═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ ⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
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And I do too! 






















Sunday 29 November 2020

Cake for Breakfast . . .


"It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it. Life is long enough, and a sufficiently generous amount has been given to us for the highest achievements if it were all well invested. But when it is wasted in heedless luxury and spent on no good activity, we are forced at last by death’s final constraint to realize that it has passed away before we knew it was passing. So it is: we are not given a short life but we make it short, and we are not ill-supplied but wasteful of it… Life is long if you know how to use it." ~Seneca 

Life is too short not to use the good silver and dishes.

Life is too short to not take that walk on the beach.

Life is too short to not tell the people you love them that you love them.

Life is too short not to pick up the phone and call that friend you've been thinking of.

Life is too short to not tell people you appreciate them and all that they do.

Life is too short to not say you're sorry.

Life is too short to be offended when no offense was meant. 

Life is too short to not forgive. 

Life is too short to stay angry.

Life is too short to waste it by comparing your life to others. Remember always that comparison is the thief of joy.

Life is too short to not believe in yourself.

Life is too short to not say thank you. 

Life is too short to regret the past.

Life is too short to worry about things. Let worry take care of itself.

Life is too short to not enjoy the small things.

Life is too short to do the things you don't love doing.

Life is too short to not watch that sunset, or get up to watch the sunrise.

Life is too short to waste it in front of the television.

Life is too short to not learn a new skill. 

Life is too short to spend on negativity.

Life is too short to blend in. 

Life is too short to hold a grudge.

Life is too short to not dance when you feel like it or laugh or cry or sing. Who cares if you are not good at any of it. Just do it.

Life is too short to not enjoy every moment of it.

Life is too short to not eat that cake for breakfast.  Eat the cake.  

A thought to carry with you . . .


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

 *.˛.°I am built from every mistake 
I have ever made..° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • 
 
 
There's nothing new in the kitchen today  . . . . but I am sharing my favourite  Street Cart Chicken and Rice. This is such a delicious meal. You could use leftover cooked turkey or chicken if you wanted to. Just toss it with the marinade, leave for a few minutes and then heat it up in a skillet. 

Have a great day!  Don't forget! 

═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ ⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ 

And I do too!    






Saturday 28 November 2020

Saturday This and That . . .


Sitting here in the dark this morning. I think I've been up for about an hour and a half now. I am trying to be really careful not to disturb anyone. I am an early riser, always have been, but I am ever cognizant that others are not and I don't want to wake anybody up! 

I slept like a baby last night.The mattress on mom's bed, although in pristine condition, was quite firm and I just wasn't sleeping well on it.  So last week I used some of my savings to buy a new mattress.  I did the research. This is the last mattress I will ever buy. I wanted to make sure it was a good one and worth the money. Endy was what I ended up with and they had a sale on. 

 
It was delivered right to the door!  For free.  Unpacking it was an incredibly unique experience.  So well packed. It was flat as a pancake and folded in half. I was quite surprised. We unrolled all the plastic from it, and then removed the vacuum pack and Presto Chango!  Like magic it turned into a mattress right before our eyes! I couldn't believe it.  And it is amazingly comfortable.  The most comfortable mattress I have ever slept on. It was well worth the money. 

My arthritis makes it very uncomfortable for me at times to find a way to sleep where it doesn't hurt. Last night was like sleeping on a marshmallow. I highly recommend! 


Its nice to see Christmas Decorations going up around town. That was always something we enjoyed doing with the children at Christmas, driving around and looking at all the decorations. My mother and father were never much for putting up outdoor decorations. Mom was far too thrifty for that. I confess as well, when the children were growing up, the most I would do is a string of lights around the front room window. I was on my own a lot with the kids due to the nature of my ex's work, and I was never much for ladder climbing.  I do so love to see other people's decorations however! Apparently Dan gets a real tree every year.  I am looking forward to that! 


Jake has already picked his tree.  This is his. He has two others! One is for the pets.  He also has a light version. I can't wait to hear the story behind all three. I'm sure it is a good one! 

I finally got a letter yesterday.  Just one page. I am not sure how much they are allowed to write from prison, as in how many pages. Expect not too many. And they would all be censored.  He has apologised to a degree. My sister told me (and rightly so) not to read too much into his words. He will be well aware his letters are being censored and so he will have been very careful to write just the right things.  With things such as parole, etc. in his future.  I did not read it right away.  I kept it for a couple hours before opening it up. I wasn't sure of what to expect and I wasn't sure what my reaction would be. I was protecting my heart. 

 
I took a picture of Jazzy to share with Eileen when I was talking to her yesterday. Its not a great photograph because I took it with my iPad. She was sleeping (Jazzy) and I just snapped a shot. She has the prettiest green eyes, and the cutest personality. She is a little charmer for sure. My sister has this little light thingie. You push a button and it shines out a red light that you can point in any direction so the cats can chase it. Jazzy wants me to do it all the time. She's so cute.

No photographs of Mitzie this week. I hope she is okay. I am sure that she is. 

I thought maybe one day I will get another dog, but then they need walking and I wouldn't be able to do too much of that, so maybe not. Maybe I will get a cat. We shall see.  A lot depends on where I end up living. Pets do add a lot to your life however. Especially if you are on your own. 

 
People are stirring now. The sky is lightening up and the coffee pot is bubbling away.  I do love the smell of hot coffee in the morning, even though I don't drink it. I always loved when you first opened a jar of coffee and poked down through the vacuum seal. It smelled lovely. 

I do like a nice coffee cake. Like a Coffee Walnut Cake. Mind you I just like cake. In any way, shape or form. 

And it shows . . . 

 
People are starting to get really anxious now about the Virus. I don't blame them. Eileen was feeling really afraid yesterday when I was speaking her on FB. I told her to just keep doing the things we have been asked to do and staying safely distanced from others. If we all do these things we have nothing to fear. My father says he is depressed because of it.  I can totally understand that.  
 
My cousin has tested positive with it. He lives in Northern Quebec. His mother was my Aunt who passed away last week.  They were all at the wake and funeral. Hoping it hasn't passed through the whole family. Time will tell. 

I cannot understand how anyone could think any of this is a hoax or a Government plot to control us.  I know that some people actually believe this, but then again, some people still think the world is flat and that the Holocaust never happened.  It takes all kinds. Its the differences in each of us which makes life so interesting. 


I think it is only natural that all of us are feeling more than a little bit distressed and annoyed, depressed even about this situation we find ourselves living in. Humans were not meant to be on their own. We quite naturally crave the companionship of others and of family.  I think it is important to remind ourselves that this is not a forever thing. This too shall pass and in the meantime we can find small and simple joys in each and every day.  
 
Yesterday was a beautiful and sunny day, quite warm actually, with a beautiful blue sky. I got to play with a cute little black kitten and bake a cake.  I got to help my sister prepare a simple supper for all of us, (Cindy, Dan, myself and Dad) and sit down to eat it with them.  I am  dry and warm and safe. 

In these days of Covid, you have to take your blessings where you find them, and count them all joy. It is so easy to dwell on all of the things that we are missing. I don't particularly like wearing  a mask.  I find it difficult to breathe and it actually makes me cough.  I don't like having to try not to cough when that happens. But I am grateful for the mask and for the protection it gives to others and to myself.  If everyone would just wear one and take precautions we could see the end of this sooner. 

 
No, its not ideal, but we are at peace. Our sons are not off fighting Wars, and we have much to be grateful for.  Maybe 2020 will be the year we learned all about what truly matters in life and what means the most to each of us. Maybe it will be the cause of us drawing closer to each other, together. Maybe it will be an impetus towards people being more caring and loving towards others. Maybe 2020 will go down as the year we all learned to count our blessings.

Just think of how good we will all feel when it is all over.  May we never take love, our health and our freedom for granted ever again.

A thought to carry with you  . . .  

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

 *.˛.°Books are the plane, and the train,
and the road.   
They are the destination,
and the journey. They are home.
~Anna Quindlen.° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • 
 


This is the cake I baked yesterday. It is an Applesauce Spice Cake with a Browned Butter Frosting and it is delicious! 

Have a wonderful Saturday.  We are going to go out shopping and dropping off a my dad's. I can't believe that we are already at the end of November. This year has flown by and has been filled with surprises.  Don't forget! 

═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ ⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ 

And I do too!   



























 



 

Friday 27 November 2020

My Friday Finds . . .

 

 

A few of the things  I find each week that pique my interest, bring me joy, inspire me to learn, create, do, become, inspire memories . . . maybe they will do the same for you!    

Who can resist smiling at Barbie all dressed up for Christmas?  Not me, that's who!  Donna's Doll Designs.  Some serious Barbie eye candy going on.  
 
 

A Dash of Sanity.  Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars.   

 

Simple Comfort Food.  Pizza Style Hot Dogs.  Come to mama! 

 

Home & House Review.  Tips for great quilt care.   

 

Mama Bear Bliss.  How to stay productive and motivated every day. 7 helpful tips.  I don't know about you, but I have had a year of feeling not motivated! 

 

Crafty Staci. Game Board Mug Mats.  Cute!   

 
 
What a beautiful needlebook.  Jenny of Elephantz.  A complete tutorial. 

 

De Graff Design.  Crocheted Pot scrubbers. Me like.   

 

Chocolate Mintz in a Jar.  Knitted washcloths. 

 

Homestead Survival.  Rice pack shoulder heating pad.  

 

Granny Star Ornaments.  A free pattern from A Happy One.   

 

Brome Fields.  Beginner Scarf/Cowl Pattern. Free.   

 

Angel Pillow Cookies.  From Kitchen Nostalgia

 
 
Free  Boot Cuff Pattern. From Crochet from J.   

 

Sew Scrumptious.  Make Up Bag Pattern and Tutorial.   

 

On the Cutting Floor.  DIY Reversable wool hat.  Love this.   

 


Handmade Felt Covered Pocket Journals.  From Rosie Pink.   

 

From Lila Griffith, diy yarn pompom birds.  I can see these as Christmas Robins!   How utterly cute!  
 
 
 

Pom Pom Christmas Tree, from Love Knitting.  This is adorable. So simple to make as well. Complete Tutorial. 
 
 


From Craftsy.  How to paint a realistic sky in Water Colours.   

And those are my finds for this week. I hope that there was something of interest for you here!   Something to inspire you to get motivated and creating.

I had the nicest phone call yesterday from one of my ex-sister's in law. I am sure we had not spoken in 21 or 22 years.  She was the one sister in law I had missed the most. We were always really close with each other. We grew up together, went to the same schools, etc. We used to go to Bingo together and took quilting classes together and all sorts.  She and her husband lived in our driveway in their RV for a time when we lived in Meaford. It was so very lovely to hear from her.  We have plans to get together in the new year! (Covid allowing!) 

Had a lovely supper out with my father and sister last night. We went to Angie's which is just below town. I saw my 8th grade homeroom teacher. Miss Ross.  I had not seen her in years. I said hello as I always do when I see her. She always appreciates it and she has never forgotten me, nor have I forgotten her. She was always very kind to me.  Always. 

A thought to carry with you  . . . 

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

 *.˛.°Gratitude will shift you
to a higher frequency
and you will attract
much better things.
~Rhonda Byrne•。★★ 。* 。 



In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Sweet & Salty Chocolate Chip Cookies.  A small batch recipe chock full of sweet and salty goodness! 

I hope you have a wonderful day filled with lots of the people and things that you love! Boo Black Friday!  Don't forget! 

═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ ⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
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And I do too!  






Thursday 26 November 2020

My Favourite Things . . .

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These are a few of my favourite things. Maybe some of them are your favourites too. It is a good to take your mind off things that are bringing you down and to dwell on the good more often than not. You can admire without wanting. What can I say, I like to look at pretty things!  

 

 
Embroidered linens  . . .

(source
 
Bunting  . . .  any kind  . . .  any season  . . . 

 
Flowery China! 
 
 
Yarn  . . . 

 
My favourite book  . . . and movie for that matter . . . 

 
I think this is just beautiful  . . . 

 
The Graphics Fairy.  This Victorian Alphabet Chart. 
 
 
Pretty book bindings  . . . 

 
Pretty nightgowns  . . . 

 
Enamelware  . . . 


This is just so pretty  . . .  
 
 
Toadstools  . . .  
 
 
 
Hedgehog Donut Holes  . . . 

 
Georgian  . . .  very  . . . 

 
So very pretty  . . . . 

 
Prim and Proper  . . . 



 
Johnson Brothers  . . . 

 
Love this  . . . 

 So beautiful  . . . .

(source)  

Filet Crochet Shelf Edging   . . . 

 
She has tea on the brain  . . . .

And those are my favourite things for this week!  

A thought to carry with you  . . . 


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

 *
One day you will tell your story
of what you overcame and what
you went through, and it will be
someone else's survival guide.
~Brene Brown•。★★ 。* 。 
 
My dad is coming for lunch today. I am going to make him a Grilled Cheese and Bologna Sandwich, just like in the old days!  My sister will be at work, but we are all going out for Haddie Bits tonight!  I have never had them, but I hear they are very good! 



I'm talking Turkey Leftovers in the English Kitchen today.  Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends and family!  I hope you have a wonderful day! 

I hope you ALL have a wonderful day! 

═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ ⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════   
 


And I do too!