WREATHMAKER

Thanksgiving Day brought 16 of us around our table yesterday. After a glorious fall day on Sunday, we had wind, rain and cool weather as everyone arrived. We have much to be thankful for. Today we can enjoy the leftover turkey, and of course, a piece of apple pie. This autumn our hydrangeas have been beautiful, turning a prettier pink than usual. I seeded some Osaka ornamental cabbages, and they too have been very pretty. I love the delicate markings on the leaf edges. I hope you all had a lovely weekend

When we desire a little touch of France, and delectable treats, we head across the river to a little French Bakery. There are only 3 or 4 tables but it as a delightful experience. There is a constant flow of customers, all welcomed with big smiles and a "Bonjour!" by the lovely French owners. It is difficult to choose among the taste-tempting croissants, cakes, and tarts Macarons in many flavours.... A nice variety of jams are also available, all from Provence Big smiles and crisp uniforms add to the ambience. Of course, coffee is a must!

I was given a free packet of forget-me-not flower seeds, and was pleasantly surprised at the abundance of sweet little flowers. I have been cutting them for small arrangements. I was struck by the similarity to the pattern on my favourite tea cup and saucer- Shelley Dainty Blue A little tea setting outdoors near the pond seemed in order A blueberry printed tea towel was pressed into service as a runner. The tea today was Celestial Blueberry

On a recent car trip through Manitoba, we visited the Negrych farm near Dauphin, a pioneer Ukrainian homestead . The buildings were constructed  between 1897 and 1915, and amazingly, have remained in their original style. Repairs are made, but the integrity of the buildings remain.   Buildings are log construction, and most materials came from the farm itself. The outer walls are coated with a clay-based mixture. All shingles were hand-made. The style of construction is Carpathian, from an area in Europe.  All hinges, gutters and other fittings were hand crafted. I was very impressed with the location which was near a beautiful creek, from which water was drawn, and ice blocks were cut in winter and kept in an ice-house where milk and meat were stored well into the summer. Kitchen tools and containers were also hand-made   One very interesting building contained a smokehouse and a clay oven. An alcove above the oven (top left) was...

Have you ever eaten chanterelle mushrooms? Recently my brother visited, bringing along some freshly picked chanterelles, and while we attended church, he prepared a delectable lunch for us....lovely omelets filled with mushrooms. The chanterelles were lightly sautéed in butter... The egg mixture was prepared...eggs, green onions, parmesan cheese, and a dash of cream.. And then...the finished plate! Bacon was crisp, and the toasted Italian bread was just perfect! I felt truly spoiled!

Fresh-picked strawberries are so tasty! I saw a recipe for strawberry pie and tried it out. Tea is always better from a fine china cup!

Lilacs, tulips, lungwort, Solomon's seal