Things Change

Its been so long since I have blogged.  I have missed doing this.  Christmas has come and gone, New Years too and I am looking forward to Spring.  Christmas was different this year.  We celebrated early for the first time in 30 years. Once the children move out and live in different cities, its sometimes hard for all to make it home for Christmas. 10 days before Christmas we had a great and  wonderful celebration with our son, his wife and our daughter.  The other 2 children live too far away to make it home this year.  That means on Christmas Eve my husband and I were alone.  I missed the years when the kids were little and excitement filled the air. The squeals and giggles, the surprised look on those little faces. I remember the little Christmas plays and concerts, when they sang in choir.  I found myself teary eyed through Christmas Eve and into Christmas day. My husband and I had a quiet evening.  We ate a wonderful meal and enjoyed each other.  I was so thankful as I looked around and realized I am blessed to have those memories!  We have so much to look forward to.  I know one day my home will be filled with little ones again.  Grandchildren will giggle and laugh with excitement.  I will be a first time Grandma any moment and can't wait to hold that little one in my arms.  The only thing is, I have to go to Australia to do that.  Yes, things change but I am adapting to it. 

A Few of My Favorite Things, again!
Shelves in the kitchen are so handy dandy, don't you think?

A quiet and wonderful view while eating a summer meal outdoors


The beauty of paddling a canoe on a quiet lake.  Of course you have to wear plaid. Oh and bring a thermos of coffee or hot tea, and a rustic sandwich filled with red onion, cheddar, cukes and tomatoes.

Drinking hot coffee by the water, just in time to watch the sun come up! (best time ever by the water)

Picking apples because I love apple pies and it brings back sweet  memories of when the my children were little and used to help me pick them. Apple pie, hands down, my favorite dessert of all time!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well I just can't believe that in one month it will officially be fall!  Really?  Wow, summer always seems to fly by!  We have had amazing weather here on the West Coast of B.C.   In fact we broke a record for the amount of days without rain.  Soon the time will come when I will be pulling out the plants and vegetables and getting the gardens ready for fall. Things always seem a little bare with out the vibrate colors of geraniums and petunias. The leaves will start turning color which always puts a smile on my face!!  Although raking them up is quite a chore!     After getting the gardens done I will be bringing out the sweaters and scarves for the winter and going through all the clothes in the closet.
Change up some pillows, bring out more candles and stock up on some fall supplies for the kitchen and freezer.  We have  finished picking all our blackberries and look forward to blackberry pies for fall and winter. 

I always have to have a cup of hot tea while I do this.

 I do love the season of fall!  The colors, the crisp air on my face.

I love to bake pies in the fall, and put a large pot of stew on the stove.

SUMMER....
Already I am picking the peas, fresh dill and just waiting for the tomatoes to ripen.  Summer seems to come and go so very fast.
We have a long stretch of warm weather coming here on the west coast.  The grass is starting to turn a little brown and already I have so many leaves falling from some trees.  I love the summer evenings when it cools down and then you can enjoy the evenings outdoors. The summer gardens are giving wonderful additions to our summer salads and flowers are in full bloom to grace our tables.  I have managed a little tan but am careful to apply my sunscreen, especially on my face and lips. My hair is bleached even lighter and whiter but its all okay.
Here are two older models who have aged beautifully
and gracefully.  I realize I went from salads to hair but its
summer and I am relaxed. Enjoy everyday to its fullest! Eat well, live well!

nothing like a summer salad

peas are ready now

tomatoes ripening

Gorgeous hair

don't forger the sunscreen

Another beautiful head of white hair

                                                             
                                                           

This Week Is Spring

Today was a wonderful and sunny day.  The air was still a bit cold but I couldn't resist working outside in the yard.  I put on my boots and gloves, got some garden tools and dug around a few plants today.  It always amazes me that the first things to appear are weeds!  Why is that anyway?  Oh well, I did see rhubarb making its way to the surface and some chives.  I managed to pull out some weeds and then decided to sit in a chair, enjoy the sun and soak it up.  Here's to spring!  I welcome you this week!

Feeling Like Spring Cleaning?

I don't know about you , but when the sun shines after so many dark and wet days, I feel like cleaning.  I guess its because you can see the dust and dirt so much better, especially at my age.  I want to get the floors scrubbed, the windows clean but I also want to get outdoors , so it is a bit of a struggle trying to decide where to go and what to do.  Today was a clear and beautiful morning , with the moon out and the sun coming up.  I opted for outdoors today. A long walk, then home to light an outdoor fire with a cup of coffee was perfect.  I couldn't help but notice a few things coming up in the garden.  Chives, primroses, and the leaves on the rose bushes are starting to bud.  Soon the cherries blossoms will be gracing us with their beauty.  Spring is such a wonderful and beautiful season. This is the time of the year I like to take long drives in the country and look at the animals with their babies.  Lambs, calves and colts, so wonderful to see them lying in the sun or kicking up their heels. Anyways, enjoy the soon to come sunnier, drier (hopefully) weather.

Candles

I love the pattern of the way this one shines

This is a wooden one from Sweden 

These 3 are Scandinavian and the chandelier below was passed  to me by my  Swedish  father in law.

These dreary grey days do make me want to light up the home with some candles.  I really am such a fan of candles no matter  what the outdoors is doing but especially in the fall and winter.  It seems to bring a warmth and a relaxation to the atmosphere around the home. Lately I have really enjoyed candles while taking  a long, hot bath. Oh there is nothing like it to let your cares fly away, and dream of lovely things and the ones you love. The flickering warm glow just helps the stress all slip away.  Wrap yourself in a thick warm robe after, go sit by the fire, drink some tea and you will soon be as warm and toasty as can be.  Put your feet up and read something wonderful and encouraging.  Now that we are empty nesters, I can do this anytime!!!  Here is a few of my candle holder, most of them from Sweden.