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. 

Welcome to my first Small and Wonderful Things post for November. It hardly seems possible that here we are sitting on the first days of the second last month of the year, but, tis true.

This is the beautiful Jack-o-Lantern that Dan did for us with the lovely pumpkin that Eileen picked out.  It was a stunner.  He did such a great job. It looked fantastically spooky sitting on the porch on Halloween.  We did not get very many children at all this year.  I think we counted less than 30, so we have a lot of treats left to get rid of.  Eileen ended up being too shy to go to the door, but that's okay, she enjoyed keeping count and watching from the window. 

One little girl had the cutest little puppy in her treat bag. I said to her, now that's my treat. It was so sweet.  

Here's something else that's really sweet. Baily in his Halloween Costume. Isn't he adorable with his little cowboy had, vest, scarf and Sherrif's badge. Cindy took him over to Sheila's dressed like this and she was thrilled.  She is going to print a photo of it off for her.  Cutest little cowboy ever.

 

(source)

Its been a month today since Eileen had her operation and she is doing really well.  She has decided that she is going to stay with me for two more weeks, bringing it to six. It is her choice and I don't like her to feel pressured either way, to go home or to stay. I want her to feel comfortable whatever her decision and if she feels better staying here for another two weeks I am not going to complain! She knows what she needs and what she is capable of.  She has only just started to shower by herself. I, personally, want her to feel fully competent and capable before she goes back to her place,

But we are grateful for how far she has come, and for the goodness of God in bringing her this far. She still has one area in her lower right side that is sore. All the stitches have healed otherwise and she is feeling well.

We had to go get her prescriptions sorted on Saturday. The CSS workers had had them put into blister packs from now on and she was unsure about what to do and Saturday morning she had none left. I wasn't sure what to do either, so I called the pharmacy. They had them there, ready and waiting for her, so that was good and now she knows what to do. Just go and pick them up every 30 days.

 

(source)

I was back to church yesterday, first time since before Eileen's operation.  It felt nice to be there, to be able to partake of the sacrament, etc. It was fast and testimony meeting so I was able to bear my testimony of gratitude for Eileen's journey back to healing, and for the cancer not having spread and being contained., and of a God who knows the beginning from the end. Before we even get mired in the mud He is at work planning how He is going to rescue us or help us out, putting things in place ready for when we need them to be ready.

I firmly believe that.

Anyways, it was nice to be back and do all the things that I love doing at church.

 

(source)

Sunday night dinner at Cindy's. We went yesterday, for the first time in over a month. It was really nice. We ate some really good food and laughed, a lot. It was just nice being there. 

I wanted to show you this painting of poppies that Cindy did. She is just so talented. She belongs to a group called The Artists Circle and they are having some sort of exchange and this is going to be her offering.  She also has some poppy paintings on exhibition here at the museum in town. 

I think I am super blessed to have a sister who is not only really caring and steadfast, but who is also very talented in everything that she does.

 

(source)

Every day I give thanks for all the abundance in my life.  Faith, family, home, friends  . . . health, cats.  I have so much to be thankful for. My cup truly is overflowing with enough. To ask for more would be incredibly selfish. I have enough, all that I need and then enough to be able to share a bit with those who don't. That's all anyone really needs.

A thought to carry with you  . . . 

☾ ° ★° * 。  

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

*There is a calmness to a life

lived in Gratitude,

A quiet joy.

~Ralph H. Blum

I wouldn't have it any other way  . . . 

In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Cinnamon Roll Toast.  Simple and delicious. I made this up when my youngest son was a child. He was particularly fussy and I couldn't afford to keep buying things like Toaster Strudels, etc. for him to eat so I made this. There is no sugar in the toast itself. Just three simple ingredients, bread, butter and cinnamon. The glaze, well that's sugary, but its just a drizzle. The whole combination tastes just like a cinnamon roll without all of the faffing about. Ready in 10 minutes tops.

I hope you have a beautiful day and a beautiful week. May it be filled with an abundance of all that you need. I hope to get to comments today.  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!    

   

Saturday Nice . . .

 

(source) 

To think that I shall move in company,

With stars and wind and cloud,

The hills that clap their hands in joy,

The brooks that sing aloud.

To think that I may know the earth,

Where pale white lilies blow,

Blue shadowed hills where tiny tracks

Are printed in the snow.

And here beside me walking now

are hosts unseen I swear,

I feel their presence like a cloud

About me everywhere.

Oh world untouched by mortal hands

Bend closer still that I

May hear the rustle of the wings,

Sweeping across the sky.

~Edna Jacques, To Think

Beside Still Waters, 1952

I love this poem. No surprise there. I love most of Edna's work. I often feel the presence of my late loved ones close by and every so often I will be left a glimmer. To tell me that they are near by. A little feather perhaps, tucked in a place it never should be.  Or a cardinal cloaked in red . . . I never see them here . . . but one will stop by, not to eat but to sit and gaze at my window. One time when my cousin Sheri was here, two came. We both immediately thought of mom and my Aunt Freda. Sisters, mothers, friends. It felt as if they were pronouncing their approval of us being there visiting together.  Like they were happy that the love they had for each of us lived on in the love that Sheri and I have for each other.  That's what it felt like anyways. 

 

 

(source) 

The chilled air smelled of woodsmoke,

of distances and passing time.

Frost glimmered on the 

morning fields. Crows

called across the pewter afternoons.

~James Carlos Blake

The smell of woodsmoke in the chill of the autumn air is one of life's simplest pleasures. It drifts across fields and through quiet neighbourhoods, carrying with it the memories of crackling fires and cozy evenings . . . begging  us to slow down after the busy days of summer. 

There's something magical about that first hint of woodsmoke on a crisp breeze. it feels like autumn's way of welcoming us home.

A gentle reminder to pull on a warm sweater, put the kettle on, and savour the beauty of the season while it lasts. It will all too soon pass.

 

(source)

I love a frosty morning. The world seems to be coated in magic, everything having slowed down overnight, wrapped in a sparkling blanket of ice crystals that catch the first rays of morning sunlight in a magical way. Every blade of grass glitters like a tiny jewel, your breath hangs in the air, and the crisp silence paints a picture that words cannot ever capture.

There is something special about the first frosty mornings of autumn. They make you appreciate the simple beauty that surrounds us. A warm throw, a hot cup of cocoa, and a moment to admire nature's handiwork before your day begins in earnest and the warmth of the autumn sun steals it away from you.

 

(source)

Cindy and I spent a pleasant afternoon together yesterday, the first in a while.  Dad and his friend were busy enjoying themselves together and we took ourselves off for our own little fun fair.  First we went to Walmart. We always do. I was able to get the cat food that Cinnamon really enjoys and that she will eat. 

I picked up something for my lips. They have been really dry lately. I have never had that problem before.  I got some lip moisturizer. Burts Bees Lip Balm. I got the little pack that had two kinds.  A vanilla bean one and a pear and coconut. Delicious enough to eat. I also got a lip scrub that you can use a couple of times a week. I have never spent money like that on myself. I would buy things like that for other people, but yesterday I thought why not. I deserve things like this too.

The Walmart was in an uproar. It looks like big changes are about.  Things were all moved around. I wanted some Birthday cards and had a hard time finding them. I did eventually. There have been rumours that they are making the local Walmart more like a grocery shop. I would welcome that to be honest. The cost of food has gone up so much in recent months that anything which would help us to save money at the cash is a good idea.

We also went to Sobey's. I had promised Eileen to make us Sub Sandwiches for our supper last night.  She was going out for lunch so I knew that she wouldn't be wanting a big meal for supper. I picked up the makings of some subs at Sobey's. It all added up and came to much more than it would have done had I just picked one up at Subway, but at least we knew what was in them and how fresh the ingredients were.  Eileen really loved hers. I enjoyed mine also.

I had picked up a French stick to use and she really loved the bread. I added garlic mayo, rocket, sliced peppers, sliced red onion, sliced cucumbers, cheese and there were two meats. I only had turkey but Eileen had both turkey and ham. I also added sliced tomatoes to mine and some olive antipasti stuff I had in the refrigerator. Simple suppers are often the best kind.

(source)

I had not been home long since when there was a knock on the door. Zillah, my neighbour from the right side, was there and she had two little Halloween treats, one for each Eileen and myself. A little cupcake cutely decorated and some little chocolate jack-o-lantern candies. That was such a kind thing of her.  

Way back weeks ago, my sister had left a little poodle beside the large poodle yard decoration that Zillah had on her porch. The little one was almost identical to the large one. We were wondering how long it would take her to notice and if she would say anything.  She asked me about it yesterday, had I seen anyone leaving it. I just laughed and said perhaps the poodle fairy had been around, but no I hadn't seen anyone leaving it.  Then I confessed that it had been my sister. That she used to have a business called Lost Lovelies Found that she collected things found at yard sales, etc. and she had this poodle, a smaller version of Zillah's bigger one and that she had just left it there to brighten Zillah's day.

And it did brighten Zillah's day. She had asked everyone in the hood did anyone see anybody leaving anything, and nobody had. Mystery solved.

 

(source)

I got lots to do today.  I have several loads of laundry to get done and I want to cook something. Do a general tidy up before tomorrow. Church tomorrow. Plus the clocks go back so YAY! an extra hour's sleep. I also have to take Eileen to the drug store. They had her prescriptions put into blister packs and she only has two days worth of pills in them, so I need to ask them what needs to be done next. I know they need a few days notice to put them into the packs. She also needs to pick up a few things in preparation to her moving back into her place this coming week. Wednesday is the day.  Then I promised her to take her to Dee Dee's diner today for a late lunch/early supper.  They will be closing soon for the Winter months.

And yes  . . .  it's Halloween. I am doing my usual worrying if I have enough treats in the house or not. I may have to pick up something else, just to be sure.  (I always worry that I don't have enough.) We do get lots of trick-or-treaters here.

And so with that I will end this off. Not a very long one today, but some days are just like that I guess.

A thought to carry with you  . . . 

☾ ° ★° * 。

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

 *.˛.Wild is the music of autumnal winds

Amongst the faded woods.

~William Wordsworth

In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Pumpkin Bread with Spiced Maple Butter. Seriously tasty. Studded generously with sticky sultana raisins and tart dried cranberries, nicely spiced and topped with toasty chopped pecan nuts prior to baking.  A very delicious loaf.

Happy Halloween. I hope your day is filled with ghoulish delights and lots of treats!  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 . . .

 

(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! 

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⊰✿░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!

 

(source)

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

 

(source)

Pumpkin shapes  . . . 

 

(source)

Misty mornings  . . . 

 

(source)

Porridge  . . . 

 

(source)

Candy coated leaves  . . . 

 

(source)

Woolen fabrics  . . . 

 

(source)

The beauty of nature  . . . 

 

(source)

Painted wooden drawers  . . . 

 

(source)

Order  . . . 

 

(source)

Majesty  . . . 

 

(source)

Wall paper  . . . 

 

(source)

What a pretty keyboard  . . . 

 

(source)

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

 

(source)

Lemon curd  . . . 

 

(source)

Comfy shoes  . . . 

 

(source)

Pretty tea cups  . . . 

 

(source)

Pretty pumpkins  . . . 

 

(source)

This  . . . 

 

(source)

Tealights  . . . 

 

(source)

This  . . . 

 

(source)

Cozy little towns  . . . 

 

(source)

Jack-o-Lanterns  . . . 

 

(source)

Bubble baths  . . . 

 

(source)

Tortoise shell cats  . . . 

 

(source)

Pretty  . . . 

 

(source)

A basket of cozy  . . . 

 

(source)

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!

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⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿

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And I do too!