Autumn's Treasures

The autumn colors are coming on with hurried splendor.

One day they can be found creeping in here and there amongst the gardens and 

the next, at least it seems, the birch trees are aglow with the 

fiery hues found only at this most enchanting time of year.  

The poplars have begun to turn, the reds of the amur maple mingle

gently with the just touched tips of the tamarack. 

While this time of year finds me wanting to do this

I think I could be just as happy doing this

But instead, I'm really, seriously trying to get my blog "shop" up and running.  
Really, I''m trying.  Thanks for being patient.  
In between I'm working on a little autumn DIY project for you to try. 
I think you'll like it.  
{both photos above Sarah Maingot}


Enjoy its every moment, it's passing quickly.
Here's to autumn and all her possibilities.

A technical melt down and a so long . . .

LIFE IS BEAUTY

    FULL . . .

It's been a couple of those weeks.  Autumn is without question my most

favorite season.  A time when the sun shines more brightly, when the warm cool breeze

and scent of the earth's floor bring a sense of renewal and calm and feeling of

contented joy.  It's a time full of "nesting" tendencies,

of harvesting natures bounty, of making and baking and preparing 

for the colder days to come.  It's a beautiful time full of life and which

on occasion finds me asking the question:

"How can life be so breathtakingly beautiful and so 

challengeing and heartbreaking all at the same time?"

In the scheme of things, the technical glitch (a.k.a. computer meltdown) that has 

prevented us from getting our "shop" up and running on the blog

or posting at all,

seems unimportant when it also arrived at a time when I said

so long to a really great guy in my life.  

SAMUEL HYSLOP

10.10.98 - 13.09.11

A great companion who loved to help out in the garden, loved to be carried, but in 

just the right way, was a great cuddler but hated to be hugged,

a really great "hot water bottle", an incredible hunter, watching out for his brother even 

sharing the occasional mouse, going on one unauthorized week long vacation causing 

intense worry at home until a mailbox flyer in the neighborhood returned 

him home safely.

We miss his presence in our home and in our lives.  Probably more so 

because unlike any feline companion I've ever had, Sam was a "talker".  He held 

his own in a great conversation leaving no doubt that he needed to be heard.

His range of vocals was noticeable.  The "I want to go out NOW" tone, the

"I'm hungry NOW" tone, the I'm in need of a good cuddle" tone, the "oh please, please, please" 

tone and the "hunting sucked" tone offered in reply to being asked

"how was hunting today Sam?".  Known to be a scrapper who protected

his territory when the unauthorized "wild" cats showed up on his turf and

a kind and gentle soul at the same time to be sure. 

You were loved Sam, rest easy and party on!

Here's to the family members of the furry kind . . .

Getting ready . . .

I know, I know, it says "coming soon".  

I really did mean it at the time but time's the thing!

It's soooo hard to believe it's already September.   It has been

a fantastic but seemingly fly by summer. 

We have had our first few nights of light frost but an early

rise to spray the gardens down has prevented most damage.  

The forecast is fantastic and the overnight temps more reasonable.

And so it goes come September.  There is still much to be done

in the gardens.  The final perennials are going into the gardens to allow

them to put down proper roots before winter, the cutting gardens will

be harvested one last time for fresh cuts for market this week, the harvesting for 

our lovely dried bunches has begun and will continue throughout the week,
the soap making marathon has begun in preparation for the gift 

giving season, the house is a mess and the laundry has been piling up. 

We've been a little busy.  Not complaining, just saying.  The infamous

list never wanes and some days it's all about priorities.  

But, having said all of that, we have been busy taking pictures and getting ready to

post the pretty awesome little pictures of goods for sale. 

Effective Monday, September 12th,  you'll be able to pop by the "Shop" and pick out a 

treasure or two.  Mark your calendar, don't miss out, we've been

saving stuff up!  

Here's to being busy and enjoying these golden, sunny, cozy days.