I simply adore this time of year.
Today was a grey, rainy day. Cool and wet. Rubber boots and sweater weather.
I walked around my gardens first thing this morning, Griffin sniffing the perimeter as we went, my mug of coffee warming my hands and steaming fragrantly under my nose. Everything is changing. The flowers are spent, their seed pods remain. The vegetable garden is almost bare, just some hardy kale is left to be picked. The leaves of the oak tree in the back are changing colors, many falling to the ground. It’s all a little bit sad but also so very beautiful. There’s nothing like the show my burning bush is about to put on.
I spent some time in my kitchen, preserving – I just couldn’t resist, it had been a while. I left the screened-in patio door open so that I could hear the rain as it continued to fall. To its pitter-patter, I made a savory Crabapple Chutney, a batch of luscious Grape Jelly and some spiced Crabapple Cordial. We have another market coming up in a couple of weeks you see, and I was happily replenishing my stores. Michael meanwhile, had some errands to run in town. He was home by the time I was done though and after lunch we set off for a drive to Ormstown.
A couple of artisan friends have opened a shop there. The Marché Artisanal D’Ormstown was born of a desire to showcase items that are made by artisans. There are handmade, handcrafted items of every description; from decorations to jewelry, clever cleaning products and thoughtful gifts. They also have delicious baked goods – pretzels, breads and focaccia pizza (we bought one to go and devoured it). They also carry Michael’s charcuterie boards and my preserves! They had their grand opening today and Michelle said it was spectacular! I hope you take a drive out there to explore at your leisure! It’s a lovely shop, filled with crafts lovingly made by some very talented people. Do yourself a favor and go soon so that you can also enjoy the multicolored beauty Mother Nature is changing into.
There’s just something magical about autumn, isn’t there? The world around us changes from a luscious green to shades of bright yellow, vibrant reds and muted browns. Gentle breezes are transformed into sudden gusts of wind that set the leaves to dancing. It’s a time of cooling temperatures and lengthening nights, and the soulful longing for warm, crackling fires. It’s the season to be thankful for the bounty we have received and the loved ones we have shared it with.
I simply adore this time of year and I am so grateful that I can share my thoughts with you, dear friend. Thank you for coming on this journey with me.
The BEAU Harvest Market is set for Saturday, October 16th, by the way. I’m going to stay busy making more of my seasonal preserves to have them with me – let me know if there’s a variety you’d like me to make. Hope to see you there, Friend. ‘Till then, keep well.
