A nod to November. . . . .

Thank you for the kind Birthday greetings.

October was such a busy month with a lot happening, 

mostly good, and using up my time. It flew by and now

 today, All Saints' Day, November is upon us along with the 

holiday season ahead. Things will stay hectic I'm sure.

Lakeside Birthday picnic.

Fall brings back frothy coffees!

Halloween was brief with less than handful of costumed 

kiddies at the door last evening - times have changed!

. . . . . and yes, the fig tree is dropping its beautiful leaves, crunchy

and curled, Bob rakes them daily. It was a good year though

and fruit was plentiful and delicious.

Today was a beautiful, colorful start to November

Hoping November will be an enjoyable month for all.

The history of 'the Picnic'. . . . . . . .

'Picnic'. A word shrouded in mystery.

'Picnic' has also changed in meaning over the years.

Originally it was a group feast to which each member brought along a share

 of the food and drink. . . . . and it's doubtful they were held outdoors. 

Although the association of outdoor eating and the picnic is not yet 200 years old, 

records of meals eaten outside go back centuries. In those days al fresco eating

 wasn't necessarily organized with pleasure in mind. The majority of cases were

 travelers wending their way over rough roads and dirt tracks, carrying provisions

 with them, and there was no choice but to eat out in all types of weather!

I've yet to get my picnic basket out of storage this Summer.

The intense heat, and many house and garden chores requiring attention before we

 left on the trip north, left no time for preparing a portable meal. Time for languishing on

 a grassy country spot in sensible temperatures just never arrived.

Looking through this little treasure of a book, once again I'm feeling up for planning

 a real picnic. . . . . . . if not this coming week, perhaps the next when hopefully it will

 cool off a bit.  Driving out into the countryside will be more enjoyable, spreading a 

tablecloth on the grass less buggy, and popping open a nice chilled rosé while nibbling 

tasty morsels, a Summertime adventure.

Are you planning to picnic this Summer?

Do you have a special place you return to. . . . . . . . or just drive

 through the countryside until you find 'the perfect spot?'

Of course one can also plan a kind of makeshift 'picnic' at home if traveling is not possible.

We often eat al fresco no matter the weather by sitting in the gazebo in the back garden!

There are no sweeping vistas, rippling streams, ponds, lakes or rivers. . . . . . 

. . . . . just bird baths, and a little tinkling fountain. 

Massive old trees overhead, with patches of blue sky just visible here and there, 

offer cooling shade.

The overhead fan turns silently, stirring the humid southern air.

Now and then a breeze sweeps through and rustles the tablecloth, lifts a napkin. 

 The birds sing loudly, take a bath then preen on a branch.

Yes, come to think of it, perhaps the home picnic is one of the most enjoyable.

This weekend will be very hot, I think I'll get the basket out and pack a picnic

to enjoy right here.

Autumn - perhaps time for a picnic.

I parked in front of a really tacky thrift shop when popping into my local Aldi on Monday

to pick up zucchini, squash, cauliflower, mushrooms etc. for soups - prices half of what you 

pay at the big grocery chains. 

Anyway, this thrift shop is rather nasty but I thought as I was right in front of the door I'd 

toss the veggies in the car and run in for a quick look before leaving.

Who knows, maybe some unexpected treasure would be discovered.

Since my lovely friend Vanessa moved away, and I no longer have a booth at SuzAnna's 

Antiques with her, visiting places such as thrift shops seems to have come to a halt.

My creative juices have dried up lately, but with the cooler weather on the way, I'm feeling 

more like getting out and doing some treasure hunting again!

So, what did I find?

Bob and I have decided we need to get out and visit more of North Carolina, 
especially places we can see during a fun day trip, or perhaps an overnight if we 
want to go a little further.

One item we keep meaning to replace is the old worn out picnic basket which we 
actually threw out a couple of years ago. It would be nice to pack a light lunch, an 
afternoon tea. . . . . or an aperitif if we decide to stay the night and don't have to drive home.

I was thrilled to find the woven basket sitting on a shelf, empty of course, 
but in great condition, no stains or rips in the dark green check lining fabric, 
closure and handles all in great shape.

I asked them if they could discount the price as there were no picnic accessories 

included - they took $1 off and I purchased happily for $6.99 - a bargain!

I thought I'd gussie it up a bit and add some of my pretty antique china and 

serving utensils before taking photos to share with you. 

Of course I will use more utilitarian 

accouterments for a real picnic . . . . . . but no plastic I promise!

Don't you think it's a cute basket, and such an unusual shape which makes 

it look quite vintage.

Do you. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 Like to picnic?

Have a special basket?

Consider picnicking on golden Autumn days?

Would you like to come along on a picnic some day?

See you in the country!