Fall Colors and the Theatre

We drove through the most glorious fall colors I can ever remember seeing for two hours until we arrived in the lovely town of Stratford, Ontario. We had tickets to see The Misanthrope by Moleire. It was live theatre at it's best. Strolling the Shakespearian gardens that surround the theatre was a treat, even if it was cool and cloudy with a bit of rain. We enjoyed hot turkey soup in the cafe on site. That's a Ginko tree so golden and bright that Mart is near. I'm in front of the Festival Theatre.

Canadian Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day in Canada is the second Monday in Oct. We celebrated the day with Martin's daughter Kathryn in our home. Martin drove to Petrolia to pick her up that morning. We enjoyed her company the whole day. She really likes having her dad nearer now. We roasted a turkey using a recipe from the pioneerwoman.com. Also, her baked butternut squash and apple recipe that we love. Potatoes, gravy (with roasted vegetables incorporated), dressing, and asparagus. The grand finale was homemade apple pie (with apples we picked last month with Peetra). If you look over Martin's shoulder into the kitchen, you'll see some of the remains of the feast. We taught Kathryn to play Mexican Train, a favorite of ours. Before we drove her home, we packed up some nice leftovers for her to share with Jake who had to work that day. We all have much to thank God for at this time.

and more sewing

This is the third remake of this fabric. It started out in the sun porch in California, along a wall of windows. My sis, Peggie, helped design those. Then part of it became the drapes in the upstairs guest room in Oklahoma, where they remain. What was left was just enough for my little writing room window in Canada. I like to use inexpensive flat sheets to line curtains. So, another fulfilling hand-stitching job. I consider this one of the joys of my sixth decade. Busy hands are happy hands.

More Sewing

Like I said, I like to sew while I watch TV in the evening. By hand. I gave my sewing machine away when we downsized. I didn't think I'd need it. But I've always enjoyed hand work, and I find it keeps me awake long enough to enjoy a program or movie. I tend to think that when I sink into my easy chair, it's nap time. So, one stitch at a time, I've managed to finish some very satisfying projects. The hamper liner even has french seams (I learned to do that in 7th grade sewing class many years ago). The curtains in our bedroom are fully lined. "I can't believe you did that all by hand!" my sister-in-law Willie said. I can hardly believe it myself. But, I was there.

Necessity. . .

. . .is the mother of invention. I needed a foot stool. I have several storage totes. One of the totes is filled with fabric. I have extra pillows in the closet. And I like to sew while I watch TV or DVD's in the evening. I'd tell you how I did it, but it depends on the size of the fabric remnants you're using.

Big Boy Legos

I wish I would have snapped a pic of this project when it first came out of the box! Lots of pieces neatly lay all over the floor. Mart was almost finished with the project when I took this photo. He is assembling a drawer here. We are really enjoying having a basement. Mart has a very nice room that he can use for a workshop, warm and dry in the winter, and cool in the summer.

Good idea!

There is a lovely french door between our dining room and kitchen. I couldn't think what it was there for. Until today. Cooking onions and cabbage for soup--maybe not a nice fragrance to have wafting through the house. Viola! I pulled the sweet little french door closed and no foul odors could escape into the rest of the house. Bless you again, Mrs. Kelly. (Since she lived here for sixty years, we give her credit for all the details that we like in our home.)