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.

 

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Church on Sunday. Depending on how you look at it, it's either the perfect beginning or ending to a week. I know that when I cannot get there in person I can always watch it online, but it's not quite as soul enriching as it is to be able to attend in person.  To be able to partake of the sacrament and renew my covenants, to fellowship with the Saints. An hour where you are unplugged from the world completely. It's precious.

 

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The time I am getting to spend time with my daughter. I know it is under very sad circumstances but it is also a blessing to the both of us. One, because I am able to be here for her and to support her with my mother's love, and two, because we are getting to build some happy memories for her to carry with her for the rest of her life and mine.  When I was living in the U.K. I never got to spend time with any family. I was quite isolated over there. I missed my family very much. Words cannot explain. Now I am here and I am being blessed with plenty of family times. My sister, father, daughter, occasional visits from sons and grandchildren. Its all very special and means the world to me.

 

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We've had a very rainy weekend and temperatures have gone up a fair bit. A lot of the snow has been washed away and we are seeing grass.  It will be mostly clear today but there are some rainy days ahead.

At this time of year I would rather it be rain than snow.

 

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Spring fever has caught hold and I find myself wanting to blow away the cobwebs of Winter. Wanting to clear out cupboards, etc. Freshen things up.

 

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Eileen and I are enjoying Road to Avonlea. I had purchased the whole first season several years ago but had never gotten around to watching it. We are both really enjoying it. I know it is a very old series, but there is just a niceness about it that charms the heart and soul.

 

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Sunday dinners with the family.  I miss it when I don't get to go. Its nice to spend this time with Cindy, Dan and Dad. Who knows how much longer we will have dad here with us to enjoy his company. He is really slowing down.  Its nice to have Eileen with us as well for the time being.  Cindy cooked a really lovely stew yesterday which we had with mashed potatoes. I didn't think we were going to be able to go because my car wouldn't start. I need a new battery I think. Anyways, Dan came and picked us up and Cindy drove us home. We both appreciated it very much, and had a lovely time. We don't half laugh a lot when we get together. Its really special.

 

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Home Sweet Home. A place to hang my heart and call my own. I am blessed to have a place that's mine and that brings me peace and comfort. A port in every storm.

These two little munchkins. There is never a dull moment when these two are about. Love them so very much.

I know I say the same things pretty much every week. Faith, family, friends, home, health. Things I am always thankful for. Great blessings in my life. I have so much to be grateful for and I take none of it for granted.

A thought to carry with you  . . . 

☾ ° ★° * 。  

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

*The object isn't to make art,

it's to be in that wonderful state

that makes art inevitable.

~Robert Henri• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。

• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。

In the English Kitchen today, I am sharing Irish Apple Cake. A delicious cake with a sweet/tart apple filling and cozy streusel topping. Beautiful served with custard, or ice cream, or whipped cream.  Delicious!

I hope that your Monday is a great start to a beautiful week. May you be richly blessed with all that you stand in need of and all that feeds your heart and soul.  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!    

   

Dear Neighbor . . .

 

March 6th, 2026

Estate Lane

Middleton, Nova Scotia

-11*C/13*F

partly cloudy

Dear Neighbor,

What can I say about March. Not a lot really. March here is dull, dull, dull. Not like it used to be in the U.K. with the trees beginning to bud and the crocus starting to peek their little heads out of the ground. Here, winter still has a grip on us. There are no spikes of green just yet. 

I call this a swing month. Although we are promised the first day of spring on the 20th of March, winter will keep us wondering from now until then.  Blasting us one day and teasing us the next. And finally at some point it will stomp out of the room, pouting because it has to leave us and really doesn't want to go.

That's the way with swing months where we dangle in between one season and another, neither one being quite able to make up their minds as to whether they are going to stay or leave.

 

(source)

March is known for being a windy month. A month where great winds roar down the canyons of the skies.  Branches crash, brooks rivers race, snow scuds along the ditches as it begins to recede. March brings with it a vibrant energy that pounds in our pulses and invades the chilled lungs of winter.

Already I am feeling the urge to sort and air out cupboards.

As for the wind, despite what science may say, I feel that nobody really knows whence it comes or wither it goes, but as it blows it carries with it the dark of north woods, the white breath of polar ice, with a thin layer and whisper of melting warmth as it darts in and out of sun warmed hollows where the secret little flowers of spring woods are starting to stir and stretch their arms as they kick off the heavy blankets of winter. Blowing away the settled feelings of snug hearth and flickering candlelight.

 

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Eileen has her Bible study this morning. I am due to wake her up at 8 so that she can be ready.  She has asked me to drive her this week. The pastor has come and picked her up every other week, but Eileen doesn't want to go with her.  The pastor (who is a woman) has been trying to exert pressure on Eileen to make things up with Tim (who isn't the least bit interested in making anything up with Eileen.) I get it.  The sanctity of marriage and all that, but I think we have to put Eileen first and for now that means helping her to navigate a very painful breakup. Tim is not interested in staying in the marriage. He has already moved on. In fact I strongly suspect that he had already moved on before he chose to end the marriage. I want my daughter to be happy and I strongly feel that it won't be with him.  

Anyways, Eileen doesn't want to be alone in the car with the pastor, so I am driving her today. 

The reality is we are dealing with special needs people here.  Both Eileen and Tim are developmentally challenged. Tim more so than Eileen in my opinion. Eileen is very hurt by Tim's actions and the best that we can do for her is to support her in the situation she finds herself in.  I don't think Tim actually realizes what a marriage really is or the sanctity of it. He's too immature.  He has moved on and our duty is to help Eileen to do the same.

I had a word with one of her CSS workers yesterday.  I told her that they need to be a bit more respectful when they have the both of them in the car. I know that there are situations where they will both need to be in the same car, but having her sit next to him is insensitive. She said that they always ask Eileen if it's okay, and of course Eileen is going to say it doesn't matter. But, it does. And they need to just get Tim to move elsewhere in the car so she doesn't have to be near him, without asking her if it's okay. And, to be honest, I don't think I should really need to be telling them that. DUH. Just put yourself in her shoes. Of course you don't want or need to be sitting next to the great betrayer who has broken your heart.

 

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My bag of recyclables fell from where it was hanging yesterday and a glass prune juice bottle shattered in and out of the bag.  What a mess that was to clean up with broken glass amongst empty plastic water bottles and pop cans. It took some doing, but we got it done. 

Never cry over spilt milk is my motto. Milk spills sometimes and there is no purpose to be served in bewailing it. Just clean up the mess and move along.

 

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Tomorrow morning I have to be up bright and early and have Eileen to the hospital for 7:15 for her next iron infusion. This will be the third and she has one left to go after this one. Hopefully that will rectify the problem.  There is nothing worse than being anemic. I have struggled with it my whole life. You just feel so tired and depleted and lacking in energy and motivation. 

My life has gotten busier for sure. I don't mind. I am happy and feel blessed that I am able to help Eileen through this rough patch. Each night I pray that I will be able to do the best for her. Also that I will live long enough for her to be happily settled at the other end of this present situation. That is what family does.

This is my opportunity to give something back.

 

(source)

I know that this is not my usual lengthy missive this morning. I have to go and wake up Eileen in just a few minutes so I need to wind this down. I find it difficult to concentrate and write when she is up and I do need to make sure she gets some breakfast, etc. before I take her.

I won't be able to write anything tomorrow as I will be at the hospital with her so I am afraid this is it until Monday.  I do so hope that you all have lovely weekends!

A thought to carry with you  . . . 

☾ ° ★° * 。  

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

*Rest isn't giving up.

Its listening to what

your soul needs.

~Unknown 

In The English Kitchen today, Garlic & Herb Pork Roast. Such a simple thing. So delicious. We enjoyed this yesterday with leftover mashed potatoes and some veggies. So good!

Have a great Friday. Stay warm. Stay safe. Be happy. 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!    

   

My Favorite 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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Transferware  . . . 

 

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White furnishings  . . . 

 

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Braid carpets  . . . 

 

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White jugs  . . . 

 

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Fresh bread rolls  . . . 

 

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Pearls  . . . 

 

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Spring Flowers  . . . 

 

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Birch Trees  . . .  as a child I loved to peel their bark . . .

 

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Floral curtains  . . . 

 

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Fresh eggs  . . . 

 

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Foxes  . . . 

 

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Fresh naan breads  . . . 

 

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Baby toes  . . . 

 

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White bed linens  . . . 

 

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White nighties  . . . 

 

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Its on the way  . . . 

 

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Fresh morning buns  . . . 

 

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Old fashioned  . . . 

 

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Puppies  . . . 

 

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Fresh baguettes  . . .  especially with good butter and shaved European ham   . . . 

And those are my favorite things for this week. Hoping some of them were yours also.

A thought to carry with you . . . 

☾ ° ★° * 。  

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

*Some people chase perfection
I chase the joy of creating something
with my heart stitched into it.
~unknown • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。

• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。

I made Tomato Dumplings for Eileen yesterday. She was in heaven. Quick, easy and economical this was something I made often when she was growing up. It had been a very long time since she had had them. It pleases me to please her.

I hope you have a great Thursday!  I was awake at 4 a.m. thinking about taxes. Time to get them done.  Whatever you get up to, 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!    

   

Wednesday Witterings . . .

 

 

(source)

I am a bit late getting started this morning. We had to be up really early as Eileen was going to the hospital early for her second Iron Infusion. After I got her ready to go and she left, I thought I might have a short nap, but it was for naught. I couldn't fall back asleep. I will be nodding away tonight as I try to watch something on television no doubt!

 

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Occasionally I get emails from people who subscribe to my Grow Newsletter from the food blog.  I got one the other day from someone who wanted to cancel her subscription:

"I am vegan. Is there a vegan option for emails? If not, I would like to be removed Please and thank you. FYI: the reason I am vegan and killing of life to fill my stomach is sickening."

I politely responded that if she wished to unsubscribe she need only click the unsubscribe button at the bottom of the Grow email.

So then I get this response:

"Shall do. It is disappointing that you don’t care. Sigh"

I am not sure what I could have done any differently. If you want to be a Vegan than that's great for you. I have tried it and it is not for me. 

It is obvious from the outset my blog is not a Vegan blog, although I do occasionally post a recipe that is Vegan friendly. If you are a Vegan and you don't like recipes that are not Vegan friendly, then the answer seems to be pretty simple to me.  Don't subscribe to a blog that is not a Vegan blog. There are plenty of Vegan blogs out there to suit your purposes. Sorry to disappoint, but hey. I like to eat meat on occasion, and I don't feel, and will not let you make me feel guilty for doing so.

 

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Eileen had not had sauerkraut for a very long time. Probably not since I moved over to the U.K. so yesterday I cooked us some for our dinner.  Pickled Pork and Sauerkraut with some fluffy mashed potatoes.  It was some good and we both really enjoyed it.  I beat lots of butter into the potatoes. I have quite a bit leftover (the potatoes) and I am going to make something with them today. I do still have a bit of sauerkraut and pork as well, but I will give that to Eileen and have something else myself.

My friend Leona used to make delicious potato patties using canned corned beef. I might try to make some of those. I will have to dig out my Big Blue Binder and look them up.

I did look online (for ease) and found one but when I looked at the photo of the ingredients for this recipe: 

 

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Something is clearly amiss. That's not corned beef in the bowl. That's ground beef. That leads me to believe that this is not a legitimate site, but some AI produced page with a fake author, etc. In short, not to be trusted.

Oh I am being a negative nelly this morning aren't I!

 

(source)

We had a bit more snow during the night last night, but Eileen's worker was still able to get here from Annapolis, so it was not too bad. I doubt they will clean our street. The sun is shining brightly now although the skies are still grey. The temperature is above zero however so the new snow on the road should melt alright.  This is the season of transition between Winter and Summer.  Days where you get cold and Winter one day and mild and Spring the next, swinging wildly back and forth until Spring finally decides to grab hold and stick.  Even then we may get an occasional day of Winter. I have seen it snow in June. (Not hoping for that scenario!) The clocks spring forward this Sunday so here we go with the time change again.  I am so NOT a fan of time change. I wish that they would do away with that whole scenario. It always messes up my internal clock and takes me ages to get back on track.

I know I am not alone in wanting this madness to stop.

Oh dear negative nelly again.

The cats have adjusted very well to Eileen being here.  They don't mind at all. Even Nutmeg. He is such a funny little guy. He is the first to disappear when someone new arrives. The cleaners have never really seen him as he hides the whole time they are here, only coming out after they leave.

 

Cinnamon, on the other hand, follows them around, watches their every move, lets them pet her and relishes rolling around on their freshly mopped floors.

Those two are as different as chalk and cheese.

 I don't have a lot planned for today. Normally we would be going out to supper with Dad, but he is going to Greenwood for a Chinese and I am not a fan of that filthy restaurant, so we will be staying home. I think Cindy and Dan are going to take dad and drop him off and then go to another place themselves. Can't say that I blamed them. It really is a dirty spot. Eileen and I will do something here.

I am wanting to bake a cake today so I might make that happen. I also have a ton of comments to attend to. We will just have to wait and see. In the meantime, here is a thought to carry with you  . . . 

☾ ° ★° * 。  

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

*Develop a passion for learning.

If you do, you will never cease to grow.

~Anthony J. D'Angelo• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。

• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。

Sharing a recipe today for Potato, Cheese & Onion Pie.  This is very simple and very good.

Delicious comforting food made from simple ingredients put together in the tastiest way possible.  

I hope that you have a lovely day no matter what you get up to. I am so sorry that I have been quite boring as of late. I am not sure why that is. Whatever you get up to, 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!