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October 2011
10/31/2011
10/30/2011
Cleaning out the pots
Stored everything on the front porch in the basement today: lawn chairs, flower pots, even the bag of rocksalt that's been sitting there since last winter. Getting ready to hibernate. Lots of rain today, but the darkness has little effect with the incredible color show being staged among all the shrubs and trees.
10/29/2011
10/28/2011
By hand
When we moved into this house more than 25 years ago, an incredible woman lived next door who'd raised two sons and two daughters and who baked fresh bread for her family every week. She was not a household drudge. She was full of energy and non-stop fun on top of being a great cook.
One day I mentioned that I wanted to make lasagna, but the whole thing seemed to be just too much work. That's when she wrote down this recipe for "short hand lasagna" and handed it to me. Of course, the meal turned out great and "short hand lasagna" became a family staple.
Yesterday, when I pulled out the aging paper to reconstruct the lasagna again, I thought so much of her, of I how lucky we all were to have had her living next door. I also thought about the writing of the recipe--by hand. Do many people write recipes like that anymore?
Mary is 100 years old this year, still living, but not in good health. This recipe had her own hand in it and looking at the yellowing paper and the blurry ink, I'm reminded of her every time I pull it out.
10/27/2011
End of the season: angel for sale
Walking by this end-of-season display sale, I was so taken with this little stone angel. The thought of leaving her out in the cold all winter disturbs me. Better to be taken in somehow, maybe to stand near some wintering herbs. Think what a blessing she'd be. How can you put a price on that?
10/26/2011
A timbered choir
The sky turns cloudy. Rain mists. Colors change and mute. Russet, ochre, mustard.The wind soughs through leaves. Chill fills the rooms. I put on tea to warm against the coming season.
10/25/2011
Ghastly ghouls, up close and personal
The neighborhood is filling up with ghouls both silly and scary. This mummy on the tree kind of unnerved me this morning when I first encountered it. I think it glows in the dark at night. I'll have to check it tonight. Halloween is definitely on its way. I have a friend who still dons her witches outfit every Halloween to greet the kids at the door to hand out candy. Hmmm. Now what could I do for a costume?
10/24/2011
10/23/2011
Sunday walk
A walk through Thatcher woods to see how things have changed in a week. Lots of yellows, not many reds, still lots and lots of green. Maybe we'll get some more warm days ahead.
