Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Bits & Bobs & Life Goes On

Thank you all for your very kind words about my sweet angel, Lily - the house has been so quiet since she's gone. I was so used to the sound of her nails tapping around - even though the other two babies make their own little taps, I am still missing the sound of our tip-tappity Lily. 

 

Life goes on, and I'm glad she's at peace. I find comfort in my cozy home and the beauty all around me.

Our peak foliage season is behind us now, but I did manage to get a few nice photos to share with you. 


We sure did have some gorgeous autumn days, with blue skies and sunshine lighting up those colorful trees. 


There are still a few flowers hanging on, but it's just about time to put the garden to bed for the season. 

I've been watching the forecast carefully, and hoping I have time to get my geraniums boxed up before the first hard frost. 

If you want a tutorial about how I overwinter my geraniums, check out this post. 


It's time to tuck my fig tree into the downstairs closet again....it produced figs this year for the first time, but they didn't ripen. I think maybe our growing season is too short? Maybe I'll take it out of the closet earlier next year, to give it a head start. I plan to pull off the figs and see if they will ripen on a windowsill, but I've been stalling, letting the tree stay out on the deck for as long as possible. 


It's been a long, busy wedding season and I'm so grateful at the end of another long day to pull into my driveway and settle into my cozy house. 


We didn't spend nearly enough time relaxing around the fire pit this season, but the nights we did were glorious. 


I crave the warmth of my wood-stove on these chilly fall days - I still have my little Duraflame heater in the living room for days when I don't have the wood-stove going, but it will be moving back downstairs before long, when the wood-stove is in use 24/7. 


The babies find whatever little puddles of sunshine they can to curl up in on these cool October mornings. They seem to be missing Lily, and have been looking for more cuddles and kisses than usual...and I'm happy to oblige. 


I didn't go crazy with the fall decor this year, I kept it fairly simple, just a few touches here and there. 


I think with all the beauty outside my windows, there's not a ton I need to do indoors to make it feel as if Autumn is upon us. 


I set my table before work most days, anything to make my evenings more relaxing. We've settled into a season of soups, roasts, stews, chilis, anything warm that sticks to the ribs. 

Tonight will be Matzo Ball Soup, a favorite of my sweetie's, and something I'm happy to make for him. Served along with home made biscuits, it's a simple country meal perfect for a cold Autumn night. 

Before I leave you, I ask you to keep my mom in your prayers....she had knee replacement surgery this morning and she's got a long road ahead of her.  I thank you as always for your friendship and prayers. 

xo

29 comments:

  1. I've been reading your blog from afar for a few years now (I was living in Saudi and now Dubai). Your photos and writing are so natural and un forced. However, I've never commented before now. Simply wanted to wish you well after the sad loss of Lily; and to send good wishes to your mum after her operation

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    1. Thank you, Colin, that's so sweet, I really appreciate you taking the time to read and comment!!

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  2. I know how strange it is to not have one of your fur babies amongst you...next month will be a year since we lost Zippo and I still miss him terribly. I sometimes look at my remaining two cats and think how odd it is that Zippo isn't with them. They definitely leave a hole in your heart and in your home.

    I'm glad your wedding season is finally winding down and that now you'll have more time to relax in your beautiful, cozy home. We bought Brian a fire pit two years ago and can you believe we haven't used it yet?! Tim's coming over for dinner Friday night so I'm hoping to use it then.

    I will keep your mom in my prayers. I've only had meniscus surgery, not knee replacement, but my aunt has had both knees replaced and I have a few friends that have had that surgery, also. I hear it is a *very* painful and long recovery. :-(

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    1. I had my knee rebuilt after a skiing accident about 8 years ago, and my recovery time was a solid painful year. It's still not perfect....I can't wear heels any more without suffering for a few days afterward. When I carry anything heavy up or down the stairs I'll suffer also - meanwhile I have to carry loads of firewood up a flight of stairs! I try to do more trips with smaller loads, that seems to do the trick. I just ordered glucosamine as I notice my joints getting stiffer as I get older....hopefully that will help!

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  3. I'm sure the babies miss Lily, dogs know.

    You're right about not needing alot of fall touches inside with the beauty you have surrounding you.

    Not cold enough in NJ for comfort food yet.

    Stay strong. Enjoy the rest of your week

    Cindy

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    1. It's a lovely day here today, Cindy, about 60 degrees and sunny....but the nights are in the 30's so I've been using the fire....and tonight will be turkey chili with homemade cornbread for dinner - yummmmm!!

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  4. It looks like you are having a lovely fall. Your house is so cozy looking. I'll bet your little pups are missing their friend. Take care - Jenn

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    1. I'm glad my pups have each other for company, Jenn - especially since they are home alone while I am at work.

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  5. I'm so sorry for your loss of Lily. My heart goes out to you. Your house looks so cozy for the cool days ahead. We are just starting to see the leaves change here in Georgia. I have had both of my knees replaced. It is a difficult journey, but so worth it in the end. xo Laura

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    1. Thanks, Laura - I'll tell my mom that. The surgeon said her knee was in terrible shape, that she should have much relief after this - and they had her up walking yesterday already!

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  6. I pulled my lemon tree and succulents in. We are expecting a possible frost tomorrow. Hard to believe it was in the 80s just last week. Fall is finally showing her colors.
    Lisa

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    1. Wow, Lisa, that seems early for your area!! How did the loofahs do?

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    2. They did not do as well as expected. I had just to vines. I read that one vine can give you up to 20 loofahs. I only got about 6 loofahs from my 2 vines. I have a whole lot come out but would die before they were bigger than my finger. It was fun and love that I got few off. I think I have enough to make some soaps for gifting but that it.

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  7. Another lovely post. Praying for your Mom to do well during this recovery time after knee surgery.

    Happy Autumn ~ FlowerLady

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    1. Thank you, Lorraine - she has a long road ahead of her, but by the time she comes back to the mountains she should be in much better shape than when she left!

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  8. Your fall is beautiful. Our colors are just starting here in NC. Sending prayers for your Mom for a speedy recovery.

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    1. Amazing, isn't it? Our trees are mostly naked already and your fall is just beginning!

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  9. Will keep your mom in my thoughts. I'm just so sorry about Lily. I've kind of been holding my breath about Charlie for about a year. Because you know they're just not doing as well as they once were and it's such a worry. You have a beautiful home to come home to. We're just now having turning leaves.
    Brenda

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    1. I know exactly how you feel, Brenda, I was doing the same for the past two years with Lily....that's why I decided to rescue a friend for Monkey. I'm so glad I did!!

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  10. Hard to believe winter is almost here again. Your home is so very beautiful. I love how the sun comes through those windows, especially in the dining room. It looks so warm and cozy.

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    1. I fell in love with my home the second I walked into it, Henny - and when I saw the view of the mountains and the horses next door that was it! The sunshine is a wonderful bonus!! :)

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  11. I love looking at your cozy home. I am also beginning to look forward to the days of using our woodstove, but for now it is the small electric fireplace that is in our entertainment center. It is cozy, especially in the mornings when I wake earlier than everyone and can read or work on the grands' quilt.

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    1. That sounds so peaceful, Carol - what a perfect way to start the day!

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  12. Hi! I hope your Mom does well with the operation and heals quickly. I don't have a lot of geraniums but just cut them back and leave them in the soil on hubby's workbench in the garage. Fall is a lovely time of year. Nancy

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    1. She's doing so well, Nancy - she's impressed us all with how she's getting around!!

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  13. Wishing your mom a successful surgery and recovery. We have a sunny day here (central MN) and another nice day for tomorrows forecast. We've been busy with fall garden/yard prep also. Wishing you a peaceful fall.

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    1. Thank you! Mom's doing great!! Our first snow is on the way, looks like sometime this week.

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  14. Beautiful post. I love your fireplace and I love your touches of Fall.
    One pot dinners are what my husband loves and you are right, it does stick the ribs and satisfying.
    Prayers sent to your mom. She will do fine. I had knee replacement surgery two years ago and as long as you keep up with the exercises no matter how hard they are, the knee will work fine. I am going to have my other one done probably middle next year.
    I remember having to get up and walk hours after surgery. It hurt but it worked.
    Betsy

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    1. She's doing amazing, Betsy, she's walking with just a cane already! We're so impressed with how quickly she's healing, and she's talking about having the other one done right after!

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