October’s Glory

October!! 

Kings Landing historic village was hosting a class on bee skep making. I signed up but suffice it to say that I left the village without one. It was too frustrating a process for me and at 51 I am fine with admitting it. But the day touring the village was successful and signs of autumn were plentiful…

I always think they should be making apple butter in this in October. They have many many kinds of apple trees. 

                        Roses’ last seasonal hurrah. 

Now we are celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving at a small rv park in McAdam, NB. Let me tell you, the mornings and evenings are COLD. 

The scenery is gorgeous.

FYI, our province has forbidden Thanksgiving gatherings of any sort outside of those you live with. That’s fine with us as we take deep breaths and try to get ourselves and our neighbors through this surge. 

So aside from sitting by the campfire with wine, playing cards in the rv, and wandering the grounds, we hiked on a local trail and are doing a tougher one today.  some trail  pics…

The famous McAdam Train Station, a bustling place in the early 1900s, now a museum, place for pie and tea fundraisers, and a spectacular Christmas dinner. Our friend says it’s also haunted!

Lucy snuggles by the heat. At 13 1/2 she is an old Scottie.

I’ve premade turkey for today and we will add some sides and sit in front of the campfire and eat and be thankful. Because we are♥️🙏🏻

September Beauty

Many here say September is the best month in New Brunswick, Canada.  It sure is pretty great, though we’re not in the thick of Fall which is MY favourite time.

 Another trip to Kings Landing as the harvest time is here.

And for whatever reason I’ve been into making chutney and canning it: blueberry, apple, and ground cherry.

Must be the Autumn nip in the air…

Yesterday a friend and I drove to the countryside to check out a yard sale and market. Coburns’ orchard had this spectacular old pumpkin truck. We got cider, fresh beef, eggs and canned beets— all paid on the honour system! 

And our night time rug hooking group began! Whoo hoo! Can I say enough how awesome it is to be back?!  Stipulation was that all be double vaccinated as our average age is senior…I’m 51 and it is great to be considered the youngster. 

September Tyme

 My heart is sad for so many who are suffering with these violent weather patterns. It’s only a matter of time until all of us face climate changes personally. The earth is crying. 

What makes me content, makes my heart hopeful, is doing what I love to do and spending time with those I love. I’ve been able to do both the last few days. A blessing…

Our son, his partner and my daughter are visiting!! This is the first time I’ve met the partner and he is a delight. Hopefully a keeper too. Hubby and I took them to wonderful St. Andrews by the Sea yesterday.

Son, partner and our daughter 

Daughter and I making duck lips

The day was much enjoyed with an antiques fair, a walk thru the extensive Kingsbrae Gardens, and dinner at the old Algonquin Inn. 

A rainy Labour Day has kept us indoors so I made a hearty burger soup and a pumpkin bread then turned out my first small practice batch of candles.

  I combined a fire scent with apples and pumpkin so I’ll call these Cyder by the Fire. I’ll let them cure for 2 weeks before I sample one. ‘Twas Fun! 

My dad used to make candles with paraffin wax. His were unscented but he made them with multiple colours and used flexible molds of strange shapes so popular in the 70s.

Hoping you too can find things that bring you joy and comfort too 

19th century hooked rugs

 Another trip to one of my favourite places, Kings Landing, NB Canada.

My friend canceled at the last so it was just me. So this time I went to homes that I hadn’t visited in a while. These hooked rugs (and a couple quilts) are from the 1800s, according to KL.

The patterns are charming, some of the colours don’t do a thing for me. But sometimes I forget that the rugs were primarily for use and secondarily for beauty.

And this is what historical actors are working on today, chair pads!

Candles, Rugs, and Kraut

Well! Just when Fall makes days crisp around the edges, summer re-enters the room!

 It is muggy muggy and warm warm. 31C, that’s about 88f to you Yankees. And if you’re scoffing at that, remember many of us in Eastern Canada have no ac. 

My first experience with sauerkraut making was unsuccessful. Somehow little fruit flies entered the canister and bred. Perhaps they were already in the cabbage though. I’ll spare you the photos and I’ll try again.      

My rug by The Woolen Memories is coming along.

              

         

I’ve changed up Sandy’s pattern a bit, replacing the pears with apples, a pumpkin where a basket was and adding a moon. I may change the bush in the lower left corner to a cornstalk.
So, a daytime summer scene has been made into a night time Fall scene. I’m not liking the dark around the door so I will change it.

My passion for scented candles with cozy cabin-like scents has outgrown my budget.
I do so love scent to create atmosphere and affect mood.
I can’t find what I want here in Canada and shipping across the border-and even within the US- is now too exorbitant.
Being a crafter by nature, I’ve ordered soy wax and candle oils and will make them myself! So watch this space while I experiment with scents and conjure up candles with names like “Hearth Dried Apples” and “Gingerbread Lemon Loaf.”
Happy Thursday 

Kings Landing

 Kings Landing, New Brunswick, another lovely visit. Not too busy today and there was perfect strolling weather. Friend Lisa and I took an embroidery lesson then toured the gardens and homes. They’re all set in 1800s historical time periods.

Inordinate number of varmints this year made these necessary 

The latest Early American Life has an article on the elaborate and simple door hardware from the 1700s forward. The horseshoe hinges tickled me. 

Pregnant Onion in the clay pot; it looks much better than mine!

Friend Mike works here and plays a mean guitar

Can you make out the butterfly?

So many lovely collections of items….

And their food was wonderful— we had chowders with the fresh baked brown bread and apple ciders. I couldn’t resist taking home cinnamon rolls and a full loaf of their bread. Kinda puts me in an autumnal frame of mind ♥️