Being Thankful

 Another Thanksgiving has come and gone, and it was superb. I have so much to be thankful for: family, friends, and good health, among many other blessings. I celebrated with as much zest as I could muster, creating memories to be treasured. Enjoying grandson time, I played both freeze tag and indoor soccer without breaking any bones, always a positive. The day was actually pretty close to perfect.

Jane brought out the fine china and crystal as we feasted on turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, yams, green salad, and a scrumptiously juicy apple pie for dessert.

Glen Ellen, CA

As I drove back to Sonoma County the next day,  Mother Nature provided a display of magnificent reds,oranges and yellows... and again at Dillon Beach on Saturday as she painting the evening sky with her expert brush. Breathtaking!

Almost as glorious as the sunset were the steaks we barbecued for yet another delectable meal. I'm not stepping on the scale for a few days!

 Now, back home, I am enjoying the quiet yet savoring the recollections of this Thanksgiving. Yes, another good one...

May the Force Be With You

Since spring is my favorite season, I like to bring a little of that season's glory into my home during the much darker days of late fall and winter.

Step 1

With that in mind,  I visit my favorite nursery and plunk out some cash for a handful of paper whites. Once home, I gingerly arrange them in a very tall vase (with about 2 inches of water and pebbles in the bottom) which I then place in a sunny spot to initiate the forcing process. The roots begin to appear almost immediately. 

Step 2

 And voila! In a couple of weeks, I see spring holding court in my living room. The aroma is delightful, filling the room with a delicately soft sweetness.



Step 3

So, bring on the wind, frost, and rain. I am busy making my own private spring. See, you really can fool Mother Nature!



Imagine



Lt. William Horn



On this Veterans Day I cannot help but reflect on my dad's service to our country during World War II. We never spoke about it; I never asked any questions. Now it is too late. He's gone.

My thoughts go, as well, to all veterans who have served over the years, often thanklessly, and to those who are serving today. I am grateful for their sacrifices and wish that war didn't exist.

Imagine.

B-17 Flying Fortress
My Dad's Plane

Check out other Sepia Saturday photos.

A Comfort Food Moment

The calendar has been telling me for quite some time that summer has taken a hike, but Mother Nature has still been in a summery mood, so much so that I~ being a lover of fresh air~ have been able to  have the sliding doors and some windows open in the early evening. 

Cleo

Winnie

Those days are over. Now the furnace is back in business, sandals are no longer on my feet, I'm dressing in several layers, and the pug ladies are all decked out in their woolly sweaters.So, what does that mean? Mac 'n' cheese, of course! I made my first batch yesterday, and it did not disappoint.

I am reminded of how much I enjoy the changing of the seasons and the trappings that go with each one.  So, I am loving the falling leaves, the crisp air that makes the tip of my nose go numb, and the stick-to-my-ribs comfort food: heavy stews, tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches, and...mac 'n' cheese.