October Shades, Knitting & A Soup Recipe -

Goldener lights set noon asleeping

Like an afternoon;

Colder airs come stealing, creeping

After sun and moon;

And the leaves, all tired of blowing

Cloudlike o'er the sun;

Change to sunset colours, knowing

That their day is done.

. . . . .George Macdonald

Here today the sun is bright, the sky clear and blue, and it's warm.

I just did a little flower bed clean up and it was actually hot.

The knitting came out last weekend as we awaited the storm.

The clicking of the bamboo needles and the warmth of the yarn 

between my fingers was calming as all raged outside the windows.

This is the color for the first cowl of this new season. It will 

complement my ZARA brown wrap coat from a couple of years

 back, and a new cashmere sweater of a similar shade - the label

 named it Syrup - I'm thinking more Ginger Snap.

FYI - if you're shopping for new sweaters (also coats, jackets and other

 items), and have a T.J.Maxx close by which has a 'Runway' department, 

you too might find an amazing selection of items at deep discounts.

Even though the cashmere sweaters are marked Past Season they

are classic, never look dated, and are beautiful. 

The VINCE, NAKED CASHMERE,THEORY brands etc. originally

 $350+ were selling for $129+, and in my store there were dozens in

 all colors to choose from!

Yesterday I cooked, and cooked some more!

What started off as just using up a butternut squash for my favorite 

seasonal soup (easy recipe below - I just change to lo-sodium

 vegetable broth), ended with a complete meal including delicious

 roasted Halloumi cheese and veggies, and a dessert - apple

and blackberry galette.

A most tasty and warming meal for a cooler Autumn evening. . . . and

 of course leftovers for another day!

This could have been Bob cleaning up after Hurricane Ian, except

the leaves here are still mostly green. Of course they'll be many more

 fallen gold and brown leaves in the weeks, even months, to come!

We'll be traveling north soon and I know the colors will be advanced

 compared to here in the southeast.

Have a great week - I'm picking out clothes for New England and 

think I'll include at least one warm, cozy cashmere sweater!

 

Autumn is waiting in the wings. . . . .

 

Knitting needles are out. 

A sign of what's to come. 

I will stay busy and creative while watching movies

 and such during those many long evenings ahead!

My favorite season is on the way. Gently moving closer through the slightly

 shorter days and cooler nights. The leaves on the massive oaks have yet

 to turn; the fig tree still bears remnants of its fruitful bounty; the

 hydrangea blooms are rusty, their leaves dropping haphazardly into the

 flower beds, having struggled through the hot, dry summer to make a

show and present their seasonal best.

September is bringing changes and I'm ready, are you?

I'm not planning much in the way of Autumn decor, just moving things about

on shelves, adding my papier-mâché versions of pumpkins and the

 lovely painting of the white pumpkin - a favorite always. I took them out of

 storage over this long weekend and couldn't resist displaying them.

A visit to the pumpkin farm will come later once the weather has cooled.

I will look for green/grey/white pumpkins for a dining room table display

and some potted chrysanthemums for the front steps.

Do you have plans to decorate for Autumn?

Knitting needles staying busy!

 

Knitting news - and another winner!

Yes, I finished knitting the cowl for recent winner Vee in Maine.

Her little parcel is going in the mail today and heading north to

 arrive hopefully before the first snowfall!

Speaking of which - I still miss those lovely years of long ago

when I lived in New England and spent quite a lot of time in

the beautiful state of Maine..........at my favorite beach, 

Ogunquit ("a beautiful place by the sea" in Abenaki language)

 in the summer months, and taking drives north from our

 homes in New Hampshire and Massachusetts in winter

 when the weather wasn't too severe but the landscape 

was often snow-covered.

*********

So the brown yarn is used up - that was Ms. Vee's choice.

At the time of the drawing I told you that Bob and I decided to 

also pull a second name for later - after all I need to keep my

knitting needles clicking all the long winter months ahead

while stuck in front of the evening TV screen!

Here's the other winner. 

Congratulations Lorrie.

Lorrie lives far away, also in the north - and in another country!

Bob and I had the pleasure to meet up with Lorrie and her charming

 husband a few years ago when visiting another of our most favorite places, 

the lovely city of Victoria on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

Many of you also follow Lorrie at Fabric Paper Thread and I know agree

when I say she is a special, beautiful, and gracious woman in so many ways. 

Lorrie - Bob and I were delighted when your name popped up naming

 you the runner up. . . . . .and I have the 'merlot' shade of yarn you

requested waiting for the knitting needles so will get started on your

cowl soon!

Only three little boys showed up at the door for Halloween candy

last evening - disappointing. Recalling the years when there was a

steady stream of ghosts, witches and Ninja warriors on the front porch.

How about at your house?

November here already!

Here's to another great week ahead.

We took a short drive yesterday to look for autumn scenery.

I'll share photos soon.

Autumn winners -

First and foremost, as promised, today Bob drew the name of the winner of 

the knitted cowl!  There were 22 comments however a few of you passed 

on wanting your name included for one reason or another, which was fine. 

I'm happy to announce the winner is VEE a long time blogging 

friend at A Haven For Vee.  She is located up north in one of

 my most favorite states, Maine!

Congratulations Vee - I will get started on your choice of cowl (brown)

 asap. I know it will get cold up your way very soon! So listen for the

 click clack of my knitting needles down here in still balmy North Carolina!

I'll get your address later and then let you know when your little gift is

 on the way. . . .arriving before it snows perhaps.

I purchased beautiful freshly harvested butternut squash on the recent 

pumpkin farm visit. Hoping they will be as tasty as the ones from there

 last year - much more flavorful than any bought at the grocery store!

Speaking of cold days and nights ahead, one of our favorite homemade

 soups is roasted butternut squash. . . . . . I'll be in the kitchen later this

 week preparing a batch for supper and the freezer.

Thanks to all of who participated in the drawing for the knitted cowl.

Just so you know, Bob and I decided to draw a second name which we are

 going to keep secret for the time being! Once I finish Vee's cowl I'm sure 

I'll have plenty more long, cold winter evenings for knitting . . . . . so

you may be a winner also!

Enjoy your week - we are having perfect October weather here, 

and especially colorful sunrises . . . . . worth waking early to view.

 

A bit more about knitting, and a "gift" for you!

An autumn and winter color palette of mossy green, Merlot wine, and warm brown is part of my own cold season wardrobe. These colors, along with basic black, charcoal, grey, navy, cobalt blue, are what I now enjoy wearing. Since growing out my grey hair - my one positive pandemic happening - I find I can wear even more colors comfortably since saying au revoir to red hair!  I believe even my red 'holiday' coat will look better with silver hair which I can honestly say I'm enjoying.

I also love to have something warm around my neck once the weather turns

chilly . . . . . . but it can't be itchy!  

I see so many beautiful yarns for knitting but have to steer clear of many I know will cause discomfort and annoyance rather than warmth.  I found this particular yarn a couple of years ago at JoAnn Fabrics and have used it for scarves and cowls ever since. It's 100% acrylic, smooth, washable, knits up really well and is inexpensive. I mostly knit these neck warmers in moss stitch which looks almost like a textured tweed when completed. They are simple, straightforward, with one twist prior to hand-stitching the ends together, so sit neatly around the neck.

I knit mostly while watching TV in the evenings - but you may find me picking up my needles when I want to sit, relax, and think about life during the daytime. I've been known to knit on a car ride, in an airport, in the lounge of an expedition or cruise ship, and sitting on the front porch. When caught knitting in public there is always someone who asks, "what are you knitting." Little girls often question you and tell their moms they want to learn how to do that. Hopefully the moms, or grandmas, can knit!  Now and then a little boy will also ask. . . . . I have always loved boys who not only can knit but embroider, needlepoint, quilt etc. and then grow up to design and sew amazing clothing - think Kaffe Fassett!!!

Well, enough rambling, I could be knitting lol!

I still have some of this particular yarn and would like to knit a cowl for you.

If you would like one as a gift some time this winter, and don't mind waiting a while, I'll draw the winner next Monday. Leave me a comment on this post and tell me which of the three colors shown above you would prefer - mossy green, warm brown or Merlot wine. They are one size, fit all gals or guys, and you just pull it over your head. I wear mine with crewneck sweaters, jackets and coats outside, and have been known to keep one on around the house when the cold weather arrives . . . . . . and which I'm anxiously awaiting.

We actually made it to our favorite pumpkin farm over the weekend - more on that always delightful annual trip coming soon.

Knit one, pearl one. . . .

Purchased on my way to Antarctica ~ January 2013

Do you knit?

With cooler air flowing - here still only after sunset as days are still in

 the 80's - the click clack of knitting needles can be heard in my head.

 Now I just need to get my fingers loosened up.

I have to admit I'm just not up for big projects such as a really chunky, cozy

sweater or cardigan.  Following a pattern, usually printed in smallish type, is 

too hard on the eyes now. 

Store-bought, or an online purchase if you prefer, is much easier and much

 quicker.  A garment such as these can take a long time!  Winter would

 definitely be over by the time I completed something similar. . . .I'd be

 pulling the summer linen tops back out of storage. . . . .the ones I'm

 busy putting away this week!

As for cost, good quality yarn is not cheap. 

Buying a readymade sweater can be expensive if you're leaning toward

 good quality cashmere (my favorite), smooth, classic Merino wool, or silky, 

soft Alpaca, also a favorite. However, if you shop around there are some

 wonderful sweaters out there at more reasonable price points in blends

 of wool, acrylic, polyester, cotton, even yak fiber.

Way back in my teens I was quite a good knitter, making many sweaters

 and cardigans. Nowadays I'm knitting only scarves and neck cowls, usually

 while watching TV in the evenings. I can do this without having to bother

 with any patterns - plus I feel like I'm staying busy creating something rather

 than just wasting time staring at another screen - you know what I mean.

In all honesty, right now sitting at the computer, or in a chair with a heating pad

 is all I'm truly up for! Tomorrow I start physiotherapy which I hope will help

 with the pain in my right lower back/hip/leg. It's a month now since something

 went wrong and walking/bending has just become more painful, sleeping

 harder, and feeling good has been missing from daily life.

Yesterday Bob and I received our COVID booster - #3 Pfizer - at a local

 hospital. No side effects other than warmth and a slight ache at the injection site. 

We still go away from the house masked at all times - mandatory here indoors

 in public places, and we even keep them on when passing people outdoors.

After the hospital yesterday we headed to the mall to run a couple of

 errands - before my Tylenol wore off!  Amazed at how many, mostly young

people, were not wearing masks in the shops, even though all store 

personnel were!

Leaving you with something pretty. . . . . . . this lovely pumpkin/fireplace

 setting. Not mine but I do need to start doing something soon to make mine

 look more seasonal.  I'm hoping to make it to the pumpkin farm this weekend.

Have a wonderful weekend - it's almost here.

Do you see them?

There are definitely signs of Autumn around us.  

Just a glance into the garden and I see such changes in the past week. A few golden leaves dropping from both the fig tree and the Japanese maple. Opening a new magazine I find things to do such as knitting, home decor and crafting leaning toward Autumn shades of gold, rust, orange and brown. How many more scarves and cowls can I knit?  With 'silvered' hair I suppose I'll have to find new yarn colors soon!

I will not be sad at all to see summer leave this year! It's not my favorite season in the best of times. This year the weather has not been overly generous with what I would describe as "beautiful Summer days."  Rain and heat, oppressive humidity, lots of almost sunless days, heavy grey clouds, and rarely a brilliant 'Carolina Blue' sky which we are known for! 

I did a little baking at the weekend - this blueberry peach crostata, good and somewhat healthy.  

I also had my car detailed ready for Autumn, it's looks like new although quite old! Our long time friend will return on Thursday to do Bob's. 

Although we have no plans to drive far in shiny clean vehicles, we did go for pedicures together on Sunday afternoon. Our sweet Vietnamese ladies are always excited when "Mr. Bob" accompanies me - he made them laugh behind their masks!  

We made travel reservations for a Thanksgiving trip to family in Arizona - in hopes it pans out. We are also making plans to get home to England next Spring - I can hardly wait! 

I stepped outside late on a recent evening. The air had cooled a bit for the first time in months and the shrill sound of the cicadas had lowered a little. Then I heard them in the high trees across from the cottage, a pair of Great Horned Owls. Their conversation was interesting being so close, yet invisible.  I wondered what it was about. . . . . a new romance, what delicacies they might find for supper, flying conditions for that cooler night? Such large beautiful birds, but sadly rarely seen in their natural habitat.

Great Horned Owl

My photo from a visit to the World Owl Trust some years ago.

This tufted, yellow-eyed owl with gravelly hoots that carry far, sound almost like a muffled foghorn from a distance. When pairs chant together the female goes first, followed closely by the male. The second and third hoots in their series tend to be the shortest. Great Horned Owls can be found all over the continental United States, Alaska, and most of Canada. The 'horns' are actually tufts of feathers. The ragged ends of the wing feathers result in silent flight. This large bird doesn't build a nest but takes over nests of crows, hawks and Great Blue Herons, or uses tree cavities. One brood per year with two white eggs, are usually laid here in the Carolinas in December and January. Fearless, it's one of few animals that will kill skunks and porcupines.  Amazing birds!

How is your week going?  Well I hope. I'm off now to water the garden as it's looking parched with no rain in several days. I may pick basil, it's still growing strong and green, to make yet another batch of pesto to freeze.  

Getting it all together. . . . . . .

Change is in the air.

The furniture store called yesterday afternoon with good news . . . . .  

. . . . . our purchase had arrived after its long road trip across the USA!

The sad part is that not too long ago, almost all American furniture was

 manufactured right here in North Carolina. Just an hour or so down the

 highway were all the factories turning out beautiful wood case goods and 

upholstery, employing thousands of quality employees. Furniture 

manufacturing was the lifeblood of this southeastern state. 

Like most manufacturing companies they have gone. . . . . . and yes,

 I know, my furniture probably took a long sea voyage prior to being loaded

 onto a truck in California to bring it to North Carolina!

The circle of life is not always what we would like it to be.

Anyway I'm happy it's on the way and will be ready when

 the delivery truck shows up this afternoon.

The bedside rug is a new purchase. Then I 'shopped the cottage' to see what

 other items I could find and might be considered in bringing the bedroom

 together - my favorite part.

Textures - I love to mix them, and I feel with neutral colors especially

 they are most important.

These pillows came with the Drexel living room sofa bought 18 months ago. 

For some reason the lovely saleslady threw them in with our purchase - I was

 shocked later when I unzipped the covers and discovered $95 price tags on each!

They are good quality with feather/down fillers (Ralph Lauren Home) but I didn't

 use them as I had other larger, more comfortable ones. They might be fine on 

 this loveseat. The throw is a find from years back, made in Scotland, soft, cozy

 chenille. The colors are good with the rug, especially the cute tassels. 

Next view of this room will, hopefully, look a lot better - fingers are crossed, 

making knitting somewhat difficult but keeping me busy until I see the truck

pull up!

Tweedy texture with Hobby Lobby yarn - my favorite to knit with.

A beautiful sunny, but very chilly, day here.

Lots to do indoors so I won't be venturing further than the potting shed!

More later. . . . . . . .

Knit One, Purl One -

H&M 2018

Time to starting thinking about Autumn clothes - my favorite wardrobe season.

Have you thought about knitting lately?

I discovered this yarn at Hobby Lobby last week and have started knitting

 ready for cooler weather. . . . . just a simple cowl scarf, easy going with no

 pattern to follow, whilst watching movies in the evenings. 

Last night we watched Les Miserables. Loved it again and shed a few

 tears yet again - thanks to wonderful Hugh Jackman and Eddie Redmayne!

I like how this easy to use yarn knits up into a tweed effect, but feels soft

 and smooth. Using size 8 needles and moss stitch.

This color is 722/Marled Mocha, a dark chocolate. 

It's made in Turkey, acrylic and washable, and although marked $4.99,

 I used the Hobby Lobby 40% off coupon and that made it a real bargain.

Yes, I love this yarn too!