WREATHMAKER

In the spring I gave you a small glimpse of our bedroom reading area. We had those floral swags for many years, and although the style was dated, I still loved the Laura Ashley fabric named ‘Wisteria”. Beside our recently recovered wing chair was a round bar table, which was given to me long ago, and it was okay if covered by a cloth. When we were in Blackduck, Mn., visiting friends in October, I visited a fabric outlet store, and found another fabric I liked…Aviary Robin by Duralee. The price was right and the bolt held just enough for the 4 panels I needed. Sold! Off to my friend for sewing, and a week later we had a new look. We also purchased a small table from IKEA which is just large enough for a lamp and our clock. My talented friend also sewed shams and a runner for our dresser. A close-up of the fabric: My sister in law, also a lovely seamstress, sewed cream-colored cushions from remnants bought at the same fabric outlet…$2.00 per pound! On another note…. I am in...

Yesterday I baked some pumpkin muffins. As my husband walked in the door he said ”Mmm, something smells good!” I began to think of the many times I have heard or said the same words. Many memories of fall are associated with smell: My favourite candle “Leaves”… i remember one trip to Door County, Wisconsin during the era of dried flower wreaths and swags, and wood cut outs…everything “country”…it seemed every shop had a lovely smelling potpourri… My own house, smelling of pine or spruce, when I made hundreds of dried and cone wreaths for sale… …walking through the woods when I was kid…the smell of wild cranberry .. …and of course the delicious aroma of a roasting turkey at Thanksgiving… …Can you remember the lovely scents of HOME as you walked in the door?

It’s certainly fall weather here…a few snow flurries today, but we have had some nice days to clean up the flower beds, and we are still eating our home grown tomatoes and onions. Time now for a cup of tea and some warm pumpkin muffins. The china is Orchard Gold by Aynsley, so suitable for fall. I have just a few pieces, received as gifts from my parents when they travelled to England, and from their friends who visited us here. In case we want a little snack beforehand, I have these little pumpkin cheese snacks…so cute! Also on the table is a runner quilted by Mom, which may be called appropriately “flying geese”. and some late blooming asters from my garden.

Once again, as we celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada, I am so thankful… …for the love of my Heavenly Father, who blesses us with every good gift.. …for my precious family… …for beauty all around us…   Wishing my Canadian friends a very special Thanksgiving Day.

Some men would cringe at the thought….painting wood….especially brand new out-of-the-box wood furniture!!! My dear husband doesn’t mind at all…in fact, he is the one who paints everything around the house, ….like the old cane chairs….with great patience For many years we  had a cupboard in our dining room which matched our dining table which was just, …well it was just a cupboard. Time for a change! We visited a furniture outlet store and measured carefully to find a sideboard which would fit between the windows, and this was the one.Although the tag said we were buying a floor sample, ours came unopened and new. A few days later…voila! It’s been fun dressing the top for fall If you noticed the brick wall in the photo of the unpainted sideboard above, I have  a  notion to whitewash it, to tone it down somewhat, and I must admit I am a bit hesitant. Stay tuned!

Time for tea time again!   Today our sweet treat is baked apples. Our nephew gave us some of his home grown harvest, which we will enjoy in many recipes. We will use my thrift store crystal sherbet. I saw this simple idea for a table decoration on Pinterest, Just one large hydrangea bloom, stem cut short, and a little white pumpkin. I think it looks so cute. The teapot is Godinger and the cups and saucers are Gold Chantilly by Royal Worcester. A friend brought back a pure silk runner from China as a thank you for filling in for her at her work. Photos don’t do it justice…the lustre and varying highlights are lovely. I hope you are all enjoying the lovely autumn weather. It’s a beautiful day in Manitoba!