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.    

 

 

Three gingers all under the same roof!  Good times!  We have enjoyed having little Josh here all weekend. He is off to Halifax today for his tests. Wishing them safe travels in the Winter weather and that all goes well with the testing. Looking forward to seeing them later today to see how it all went and to enjoy one last night together before they leave to go home tomorrow.

 

I am not sure how much Cinnamon enjoyed this part.  But it did make for a cute photo.  Look at those little paws sticking out the end of the blanket.  Grandsons are a lot of fun.

The cats are splayed out in exhaustion this morning.  They are getting a well-deserved rest. lol

  

Three generations together.  Almost identical photo to last year this time, but with a different grandson in the sandwich. Josh doesn't really like having his photo taken very much. He is camera shy.  He gets that from me I guess.

Kayla with Doug and Dad.  I think Doug is the only one who really looks happy here, but its not so. They are all pretty happy. Dad especially!  He loves spending time with family. He couldn't wait to see and spend time with Doug. On Saturday we couldn't get ahold of Dad so Cindy and I were really afraid that something had happened to him. It turned out he hadn't gone home after his trip to the mall but has visited with his lady friend's daughter and husband before coming to my place.  Cindy and Dan had a wasted trip all the way to dad's place, but the good thing was that Dad was okay. He doesn't half make us worry from time to time! 

They were all here for Pizza on Saturday night. I didn't get a photograph of everyone together.  Sad about that.  I should have been more attentive, but to be honest I was just so relieved that dad was okay!  We all had a nice visit together anyways.  

Yesterday it was Eileen and Tim's turn to come over and see Doug, Kayla and Josh.  Tim wore his Christmas hat the whole time. They were really happy to be here, and Josh was being camera shy hiding beneath his blanket! 

But he did enjoy helping Grammy cook (sans makeup and hair not done. blah!)  We were making Pot Roast for supper.  And yesterday afternoon we played a card game (just Josh and I) and did crafts and just enjoyed each other's company.  Its been a lot LOT of fun!  All the time I was in the UK I dreamt of this.  Now my dreams are coming true. 

 

My table has been enjoying the weight of a family gathered around it this past weekend, earning its keep. We managed to get seven around it yesterday without too much of a problem.  We feasted on pot roast, mashed potatoes, roasted turnip/parsnips/carrots, gravy and then cake leftover from Saturday night for dessert.  It was just nice being all together like this. 

I am wishing them a safe journey into Halifax and out today and that Josh copes well with his tests. It will be a long day for them all. They left here at 5 am to go to my ex husband's place. He was driving them into Halifax for the tests, etc. I  was up at 4:30 to wave them off and make sure they had everything with them that they needed.

Seriously this weekend has been beyond expectation. I have loved having my family around. I am so sad I didn't get any pictures when Cindy and Dan were here. Darn it! 

Cindy had a well deserved day off yesterday however, so that is good.   I hope she was able to relax.

Family times are the best of times. And here's some more good news Anthony, his wife and two boys (Gabe and Luke) are planning on coming for Christmas!  Tres exciting!!!

I am a very happy mother, sister, daughter, grandmother today.  I am so very grateful for family times together.  Dreams come true.  

And it snowed, which again, I did not get a picture of!  This has been the picture perfect weekend however!  

A thought to carry with you  . . . 

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

*Families are the compass

that guides us. 

They are the inspiration

to reach great heights,

and our comfort when

we occasionally falter.

~Brad Henry•。★★ 。* 。

I am very grateful for mine. Doug loved his painting that I had made for him for his Birthday as well.  That made me very happy. 

In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Chicken with Cheese, Leeks & Spinach.  Delicious and such a doddle to throw together. I love meals like this!

I hope your week ahead is filled to overflowing with abundance.  Don't forget! 

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And I do too!  

 

PS - I probably won't be doing a post tomorrow as it will be my last morning with my family before they return home.  I'll be back with you Wednesday! 💖

All Things Nice . . .

 

 

(source) 

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, 

   Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun; 

Conspiring with him how to load and bless 

   With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run; 

To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees, 

   And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core; 

      To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells 

   With a sweet kernel; to set budding more, 

And still more, later flowers for the bees, 

Until they think warm days will never cease, 

      For summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells. 

 

Who hath not seen thee oft amid thy store? 

   Sometimes whoever seeks abroad may find 

Thee sitting careless on a granary floor, 

   Thy hair soft-lifted by the winnowing wind; 

Or on a half-reap'd furrow sound asleep, 

   Drows'd with the fume of poppies, while thy hook 

      Spares the next swath and all its twined flowers: 

And sometimes like a gleaner thou dost keep 

   Steady thy laden head across a brook; 

   Or by a cyder-press, with patient look, 

      Thou watchest the last oozings hours by hours. 

Where are the songs of spring? Ay, Where are they? 

   Think not of them, thou hast thy music too,— 

While barred clouds bloom the soft-dying day, 

   And touch the stubble-plains with rosy hue; 

Then in a wailful choir the small gnats mourn 

   Among the river sallows, borne aloft 

      Or sinking as the light wind lives or dies; 

And full-grown lambs loud bleat from hilly bourn; 

   Hedge-crickets sing; and now with treble soft 

   The red-breast whistles from a garden-croft; 

      And gathering swallows twitter in the skies.

~John Keats, To Autumn 

This week I believe we have experienced all four seasons in just a few days. Its been sunny and warm, cold and crisp and rainy and damp, we even had snow one day. All in the matter of a few days.  Seasons in transition.  They are like that. It will be Winter soon enough.  I bought myself a window scraper. Now I need a brush. 

Dad came by earlier this week to see the cats.  Dad and I talk several times a day every day. I never thought I would have this extra special blessing of being able to talk to my father so frequently and to spend time with him like this.

He is a real cat person. He has always had a cat, and he really enjoys the kittens.  Of course they are looking more like cats now.  When we were children the family cat used to have a nap with him every night after supper. Dad would lay on the sofa and the cat would lay on his chest, whether it wanted to or not, lol. 

Whether he comes to see the cats, or he comes to see me, I enjoy these little interludes. Its just nice to spend time with him. My sister gets to cook for him every day and do his shopping, etc. I enjoy being able to spend little pockets of time with him. When he came the other day Andy Griffith was on the television and we had a lovely discussion of the good old days, and how much better television was way back when.  I wonder if he can get the CHCH channel on his television. He keeps it on the News Channel much of the time. I think the news is depressing. I never watch it. Never.

I got the most delightful gift in the post the other day from my friend Diana. Its an advent calendar. There was also a Jamie Oliver Christmas Cookbook.  Diana has been sending me cookbooks from her collection every now and then as she whittles it down. I really appreciate it as I had to leave all of mine behind as you know. I did get to send over my Big Blue Binder which was the important one!  So that was good.  Anyways, this was and is so very kind of Diana.  What a blessing to me she has been.  I am going to enjoy opening this up each day throughout December and having a nice hot cuppa and perhaps a biccie while I think of the value of friends and the many kindnesses I have been offered throughout this past year by so many. Thank YOU Diana!  There are some lovely herbal infusions in here!  (Yes, I peeked.)

My DIL posted this photo on her facebook page.  I love a Charlie Brown tree.  I am very much looking forward to seeing them later today.  I pray they have a safe and uneventful journey over here from PEI. It is just Doug, Kayla and Josh. Then I will have seen at least two of my grandsons.  It was a year ago that I was able to see Doug and Jon, who came here last November the day after I got out of quarantine.  

 

This was last year.  Jon has grown a foot since then I am sure! A lot has happened in a year. Doug got his defibrillator, I got my own place . . .  its all good. Dad is really looking forward to seeing them as well.  He just called and told me to let him know as soon as they arrive.  He plans on coming over to see them and spend an extended visit with them. He has already told his friend Marianne that he can't take her to the mall this afternoon because he is visiting with his grandson and great grandson.

It breaks his heart that he has other great grandchildren who live very close and whom he has never seen. I just tell him don't worry about it dad, its their loss.  There are not many people in the world who have an opportunity to get to know their great-grandparents and those who don't make the effort to do so, well  . . . its their loss. I would have loved to know mine better.

 

(source) 

The sun is shining out there this morning. The kittens are sitting in their perch watching all of the outdoor action. I will have to keep an eye on them this weekend to make sure they don't get out the door. I went to check my mail on Thursday and when I came back and opened the door, Cinnamon shot out like a bat out of hell. I had to drop everything and chase after her. So now I have been putting them in the back bedroom every time I need to go in and out. With such a small place the front door is easily accessible. I don't know what I would do if I lost them.

And with that I best get busy and do a bit of tidying up before everyone gets here.  I am excited and can't wait. I probably will be pretty scarce on here this weekend. But I promise to take plenty of pictures!

A thought to carry with you  . . . 

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

in whatsoever state I am, 

therewith to be content.

~Philippians 4:11•。★★ 。* 。 

In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Classic Lyonnaise Potatoes.  The small batch. Three simple ingredients. 

Have a wonderful weekend and couple of days. I will catch you on the flip side!  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!       

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 . . . Maybe they will do the same for you!     

 

 

DIY  A nightgown made from four squares of fabric.  I think I would choose some prettier ones.  But the concept is a great one.  Found on Do It Yourself Divas.  

 

 

Sarah Janes Craft Blog.  A DIY magnetic pin dish.   What a great use for a mismatched saucer, etc.  People are so smart! 

An easy Sleep Mask tutorial.   From The Wonder Forest.   These would make great gifts and stocking stuffers.   Especially for someone who travels a lot. 

 

I think this hostess apron is so cute.   I love it.   From Style Me Pretty.   Could be a great gift for the budding baker in your life.  

I love the simplicity of this Nativity Clothespin Ornament.  It's so sweet and the reason for the season.   From Missy Dear. 
 

 

Pom Pom Christmas Ornaments.  These are so cute!  And it is such a simple idea.  From The Crafty Swedes. 

Felt Circle Bunting.  Simple and so sweet.  From Missy Dear.  (again)   A complete tutorial. 

 

Grey Luster Girl.  A simple believe . . .  Simple enough a child could do it. 

Glittered Glam Trees. Simple and so pretty.  From Dream a Little Bigger.  A complete Tutorial. 

 

A lovely Advent Calendar.   I love this!    Unfortunately I couldn't find a source.    Love the little open ended boxes.  What a great way to use up some Christmas paper scraps. 

 

With a bit of yarn and some wooden curtain rings and a few other bits and bobs.  So sweet.  From Planet Penny. 

  

I love this infinity scarf.  It looks quite simple.   From One Dog Woof.   Instuctions here. 

 

Now, this is interesting.  How to make fitted sheets.  Sew Tessutti.  A complete tutorial. 

 

Seatbelt pillows.   So smart!  From Diy & Crafts. 

Vintage Collar Necklace Crochet.  This is so pretty.  What a unique gift it would make.  From Little Treasures. 

Open Ridge Crochet Wash Cloths.  I love these types of cloths.   I wish I could get the right yarn here.  I haven't been able to quite source it yet.  Here is a link to the pattern on Postcard From Waterloo. 

 

Free Inspirational Words Colouring Pages.  A way to practice mindfulness.  Love it.  In The Play Room. 

Ab Exercises you can do from the sofa while you are watching telly.  Now that's my kind of exercise. 

 

Turkey Cheddar Sliders.  A great way to use up leftover turkey.  These look fabulous.  From Shugary Sweets. 

How to make a Mason Jar Lid Snow Globe for Christmas using a clear plastic ornament. ADORABLE! Easy for everybody to do! DIY Christmas gift in a jar idea. From Smart School House.  

 

PomPom Christmas Ornament from Etsy.  But how hard could it be.  I love the brightness of it. 

Basic Ear Warmers.  A free crochet pattern.  From Cream of the Crop Crochet. 

   

Woodland Animals printable Cootie Catcher things.   Love these.  Used to play this all the time when I was a child, but mine were not so cute.  From Etsy.  Not free, but not expensive either.  

Happy Thought.  Ten printable animal masks.  Not free either, but cute and affordable. 

From Ravelry.  Peeking Penguin Boot topper cuffs.  So cute!  

Peppermint Advent Calendar.  From Jenny Allsorts.  So colourful.
 

 

Friendship Bracelets  from Swell Mayde.  Love them!   

Well, I am not sure they could exactly be called life changing, but there are a lot that could come in very handy!  If you are looking for an easy way to seed a Pomegranate, or keep a ripe Avocado, amongst other things, this is for you.  59 Food Hacks that will change your life. 

Alice Mary Lynch.  I am in love with this woman's dolls.  So pretty.  

  

Just look at the bride and groom.  So beautiful  . . . 

A delightful needlecase from Hen's Teeth.   I love LOVE this girls work.   It's a real art form.  She also has a shop here.

And that's it for this week.  I hope you found something here to delight your eye or heart, or better still inspire you to create!

A thought to carry with you through today  . . .

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

*.˛.So long as we are loved by others,

I should say that dwe are almost indispensable,

and no man is useless while he has a friend.

~Robert Louis Stevenson•。★★ 。* 。 

I watched The Holiday last night.   Its a fun romantic Christmas film.  There are parts in it I don't exactly like, but for the most part its quite enjoyable. 

 

In The English Kitchen today  . . .  ways to use up leftovers, plus a new recipe for two. A bit of something for every taste. Leftovers don't have to be boring! 

Have a wonderful Friday. I will be getting things ready for tomorrow. One more sleep!  I can't wait!  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!