Thursday, 4 April 2024

My Favorite Things . . .

 


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.  Lets share!  


 


The Classics. They are called the classics for a reason. They are timeless and just never get old.


 


Spring flowers, although it will be a while before we are seeing any here. It is supposed to snow today, and in fact is snowing now.


 


Radishes. I love their peppery crunch.


 


Vintage stoves  . . .  they have such character.


 

Fresh chocolate chip cookies  . . .  they are a real favorite of mine.


 



Enamelware  . . .  the potatoes look pretty good also.


 


A cup full of blooms  . . .  what a pretty way to enjoy them  . . . 


 



Oh my goodness  . . .  its a chocolate pig. I could not bring myself to eat it. Its too cute!


 


If this is a scarecrow, it's adorable  . . . 


 


Homemade garden trellis's.  That's how they did it in the old days. Very quaint.


 

Homemade ribbons  . . .  they're all winners. Love them!


 


Blue and white dishes  . . . 


 


Beautiful gardens.  Oh how I miss the National Trust. Used to love visiting their homes and gardens.  There is nothing like that here.


 


Old timber framed houses. This is Alfriston Clergy House in Sussex. I have been to it. The Manor was timber framed also.


 

Garlicky roasted asparagus  . . . 


 

Weathervanes  . . . . 


 

Scones and tea   . . . 


 


Hellebores . . .  so pretty and the deer leave them alone . . . 


And those are my favorite things for today. I hope some of them were yours also!


A thought to carry with you  . . . 


° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/   ~
\。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ | 田田 |門 ★
 *.˛.Now and then in this workaday world,
things do happen in the delightful
storybook fashion,
° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
and what a comfort that is.
° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
~Louisa May Alcott
° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • ° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •





In The English Kitchen today  . . . . Garlic Butter Parmesan Butter Smashed Potatoes . . .  delicious, with loads of crispy bits. The small batch.


I hope you have a wonderful day. I think we are having a snowy one here in Eastern Canada.  A weather warning is in effect. We may not get what they are saying, but then again, we might!  Whatever you get up to, stay warm, be safe and don't forget!

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


And I do too!    

   

Wednesday, 3 April 2024

Wednesday Witterings . . .

 

 


Well, I had a fairly successful visit to the Doctor yesterday. She could definitely hear the crackles in my knee and did a thorough examination.  I had to go back in the afternoon to get a cortisone shot in my knee and I have a requisition for an x-ray and she is going to recommend me for  knee-replacement surgery.  She says there is a 3 to 5 year waiting list.  So I won't hold my breath for that one!


The cortisone shot hurt like the dickens. And she ended up doing it twice because the first time she got it into the wrong spot, so she had to re-insert it.  Oh my.  I am sure my sister must have heard me out in the car. I did try not to make any noise, but it was impossible not to.  In any case it was done.  I felt pretty good, albeit a bit lame until last evening and then the freezing came out and I was in tears. I did not think I was ever going to be able to fall asleep, but I did eventually. I was awake at 4:30 this morning, but did eventually fall back asleep and slept until 6:30.  I went to bed at 8:30 last night but didn't fall asleep until about 10.  I just couldn't get comfortable.

I have a cane now.  😢  It feels somewhat better this morning. We will see how it goes. I am hoping and praying that I will be able to turn the corner.


 

 There is some serious bad weather on the way, starting tomorrow.  I think we better make sure that dad has some frozen meals in his fridge just in case. They are calling for three days of wet heavy snow. Yikes!  I suppose it is not all that unusual for this time of year.  We best be out and about getting what we need in today just in case.  We might not get anything or we might get the lot.  A lot of time the bad weather just kind of skirts around us here in the heart of the valley.  Cape Breton usually gets lambasted. We will just have to wait and see what develops. 


 

I was going to finish up my taxes today, but I might put them off until tomorrow now.  Cindy and I were going to go to Walmart and get some kitty litter and a few other bits, but not until this afternoon, and then there is supper out tonight with dad. Not sure yet if I will be able to do any of those things. I will have to see how the day goes. I don't want to strain my knee if I can help it.  

Learning to walk with a cane is a bit of a learning curve for me.  I get it right for a few steps and then I get all discombobulated. Hopefully it won't be forever!

The cats don't know what to make of it.  Nutmeg is a bit afraid of it and keeping a wide berth. Cinnamon is curious, but also giving it a wide berth. Cats are such funny creatures. Nothing goes un-noticed.  Anything new in the house and they are immediately alerted. Things are often investigated at a distance at first and then when they realize that they are safe, they will investigate things closer.


 

I have two grandsons graduating from High School this year.  How did that happen?  They have grown up far too quickly. Both are going into electrical fields next year. Gabe is going into Electrical engineering and Jon wants to design electrical components.  My father was an electrician.  He is proud that the acorns have not fallen too far from his tree.  I want to do something special for each boy but am not sure yet what I will do.  Probably a monetary gift.  A lot depends on how much I have to spare. It might be a little or it might be a lot.  I am very proud of them. This is a great achievement. They are both really good lads and have done very well.  


I am on the last episode of Moses on Netflix.  It is a kind of docu-drama and references all three corners of the Abrahamic covenant. Judaism, Islam and Christian.  I find it fascinating, and have learned things I didn't know before. If you are interested in history, whether you be of a religious persuasion or not, I think most people would enjoy it. I have always found it fascinating that three of the world's largest religions all have their roots in the same place anyways.


I think if people were to dwell more on the things they have in common rather than on the differences, then we would  understand each other and all get along much better than we do.



My little man is laying here right next to me on my desk, singing me a song of love.  Every couple of minutes I give him a stroke which he loves.  I could hear him meowing outside my bedroom door about 4:30 this morning which is probably why I woke up.  Its a good thing that I keep my bedroom door closed at night. I don't think I would get much sleep otherwise.  I have tried a few times to keep it open but I always end up putting them out and shutting the door as it doesn't take very long for it to become clear that they are not interesting in settling down and going to sleep!

He is such a funny little man. If it is getting close to feeding time and I happen to be sitting on the sofa he will get up next to me and put his paw gently on my face. Just a little pat.  Just to let me know he is there and hungry, lol   What would I do without these two.  They are such good company.



Cinnamon is not quite as bold in her approach but she is usually circling the wagon as well, making her hungry presence known.  I love it when she makes biscuits on my lap.


And with that I best leave you with a thought for the day.  Time is getting on . . . 


A thought to carry with you . . . 


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

 *.˛What lies behind you and what lies
in front of you pales in comparison to
what lies inside of you.
° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
~Ralph Waldo Emmerson
° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •




In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Bread Machine White Bread.  This is the loveliest loaf of bread. So soft and squidgy with a nice crisp crust.  Almost like a French bread, but richer. Three days later and it is just as soft and fresh as it was on the first day!


I hope you have a beautiful day, no matter what you get up to. Stay safe, be blessed and don't forget!


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

   






Tuesday, 2 April 2024

A Day Book . . .

 



FOR TODAY, April 2nd, 2024


Outside my window ...

Its dry and sunny, but quite cool.  Its also garbage day so the street is lined with piles of bin bags. I think the summer cleanup is soon, so I will be needing to get whatever I want to toss ready and sorted to put out. I don't have a lot, just a few things.



I am thinking ...

This weekend is the Annual Spring Conference of my church. I always enjoy the talks so much. I am preparing my mind to receive the inspiration which is going to be given.  I believe that God loves, hears and speaks to his children. I believe that these conferences are an opportunity for each of us to receive personalized guidance and inspiration.  I am really looking forward to that.



I am also thinking ...

About my Doctor's appointment later this morning. I really hope and pray that there is something they can do for me.  This is very wearing emotionally and mentally.  Chronic constant pain is no fun. Cindy is going to drive me.  You need to pay for parking where the Doctor's office is, which involves walking halfway around the hospital an into the lobby to the parking machine.  Yesterday I struggled just to go to the post box two doors down to post a letter. I kept having to stop.  I really hate this. 


In the Kitchen ...



Air Fryer  All Dressed Hash Browns   Simple.  Delicious. I saw these in a reel on Instagram.  Easy enough to do.  They would make a great snack or appetizer as well.


On my "to cook" list ...


The Mediterranean Dish.  Olive Oil Pasta. This looks really delicious.



Good to know ...




I would love to create ...



Scrappy Pot Holders from Blooming Poppies.



 A suitcase sewing box.  Inspiration only.



Star snowmen. More inspiration only.



Fab Art DIY Crochet bags.



A Happy Cat. Could not find the source.


Oh My Goodness  ... 




Fall off the bone ribs.  Jenny Can Cook.


I am reading ...




A Year of Living Kindly, by Donna Cameron

Being kind is something most of us do when it’s easy and when it suits us. Being kind when we don’t feel like it, or when all of our buttons are being pushed, is hard. But that’s also when it’s most needed; that’s when it can defuse anger and even violence, when it can restore civility in our personal and virtual interactions. Kindness has the power to profoundly change our relationships with other people and with ourselves. It can, in fact, change the world. 



 In A Year of Living Kindly―using stories, observation, humor, and summaries of expert research―Donna Cameron shares her experience committing to 365 days of practicing kindness. She presents compelling research into the myriad benefits of kindness, including health, wealth, longevity, improved relationships, and personal and business success. She explores what a kind life entails, and what gets in the way of it. And she provides practical and experiential suggestions for how each of us can strengthen our kindness muscle so choosing a life of kindness becomes ever easier and more natural. 

An inspiring, practical guide that can help any reader make a commitment to kindness, A Year of Living Kindly shines a light on how we can create a better, safer, and more just world―and how you can be part of that transformation. 


Looking forward to ...

Still getting my taxes done. Doctors appointment. Conference. Spending time with my sister. 

Things I love ...

 


British Robins  . . . 

 


Chickens in the yard  . . . 


 

Pretty tea cups  . . . 

 

Spring blossoms  . . .  won't be long now  . . . 


 


Beautiful scenery and travel programs   . . . 

Things I know to be true ...



Something to watch ...



Testament, The Story of Moses  on Netflix.  Very interesting.


Makes me Smile ...



A Thought to carry with you ...

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

 *.˛.The hum of bees
is the voice of the garden
~unknown  ° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •



And that's my daybook for this week!



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

  ⋰ ⋮ ⋱ blessings in life.*´¯`.¸¸.☆ 




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



Have a beautiful day!  Don't forget!  

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


And I do too!    

   

Monday, 1 April 2024

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.




Family dinners.  We had a whole weekend of family dinners, starting with pizza at my sister's on Friday, Swiss Chalet on Saturday and then here at mine yesterday for Easter Dinner.  I really love getting together as a family like this. Family times are the best of times. I missed that for over 20 years. I am so grateful that I get to enjoy them now. I do not take them for granted.  I enjoy every minute of them. Cindy makes a great pizza.  The food Saturday night was not the best. (That Swiss Chalet place always falls short of the mark. I don't know why.)  And yesterday was pretty special.  Cindy cooked the ham and made her special sweet potatoes. I cooked corn scallop and potato scallop, carrots, Brussel's sprouts, rolls. We had some pickles and then I made sugar free jello for dessert with whippy cream. Best part. Being together.  Best part of every meal!  It is good to break bread together.




I am so grateful for this family that God gave me.  For a mother and father who always loved us and showed us the way.  For my sister who has always been my best friend, and a brother too.  He's always looked out for my sister and I.  Cindy and he are much closer in many ways as they were a lot closer in age to each other and built more childhood memories together, but as adults my brother and I have also been close in other ways.  We are just a close family and for that I am grateful.




I had a nice facetime with my oldest son yesterday.  It is always nice to talk to him, spend this time with him.  His friend is about to start a food truck in Fredericton and my son is going to be the cook. Just burgers and fries, but it is an exciting time for them. I wish them well on this new venture.




I am grateful for Easter.  We always spend a lot of time celebrating Christmas and a lot more seems to go into that, but Easter is even more special in a multitude of ways.  I am grateful for my Christian beliefs and the hope that they bring. Because He lives we too shall live. Death has lost its victory and sting.

I did not go to church yesterday. They were having a munch and mingle lunch afterwards and I knew I could not stay for that. Instead I worshipped here at home. I  listened to some good messages and music and felt good about that.



 


The latest Easter Video from the Crosby family. I have been listening to Clare since she was a very little girl (3).  The family has always put out a special video every Easter.  As they have added children to the family they have been included and this latest video has all of them in it, playing instruments, etc.  It is just heart warming to see this family. I love them.





I am just grateful for every day I am given here.  All are a blessing to me.  The sad ones, the happy ones, the ones filled with pain, the ones filled with joy and everything between. I am grateful for them all. I recognize them for the gift that they are.  I hope that I never take any of them for granted.

My life is full of abundance.  Family, faith, friends, love.  I am blessed beyond measure. I take none of it for granted.


A thought to carry with you  . . . 

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

 *.˛There are people 
who take the heart out of you
and there are people
who put it back.° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
~Elizabeth David° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •° * 。 • ˚ ˚ 





In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Orange Glazed Carrot Loaf. A tea bread that I have been making for a very long time.  It was a recipe I got from my mother-in-law back in the 1970's.


I hope your week ahead is filled with abundance.  May you all be truly blessed.  Don't forget!

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


And I do too!