Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Delicious October

My sisters left yesterday. Char had been here since Oct. 7 and was originally planning on just staying for about 4 days to care for George while we were away at the hospital in Baltimore. George loves Charlotte. Judy came up from Florida last Friday, after things got bad. But hey, things are so much better now.


One thing’s for sure: I could not have gotten through these past weeks without my family.


It’s raining and chilly this morning as I write this. I love October.



DSC_0192 copy 2

I found this sunflower growing in one of the geranium planters and used a couple of textures from Shadowhouse Creations on it. They’re both very subtle, and one is a raised texture that lends the look of an oil painting.


Bokeh texture


Raised effect texture



DSC_0180 copy 2

Pumpkins on the front porch looking cheerful in yesterday’s sunshine.



DSC_0189 copy 2

Used a Kim Klassen texture on the photo above, although I can’t remember which specific one. Sign up for Kim’s Texture Lovin’ List, and she’ll send you a free one each week ~ she is such a generous soul.



DSC_0183 copy 2

We found these little gourds growing around the house. I believe they came from the seeds of the decorative ones I bought last year.


: : :


I’m actually enjoying planning and making our dinners, and my husband (and until yesterday, my sisters) is enjoying my cooking prowess. As most of you know, I rarely venture into the kitchen and it’s not because I’m unable – it’s just one of my husband’s domains. But until he can get back into the swing of things as far as meals go, we’re enjoying some of my favorite recipes.


This week, I’ve made

Roast chicken stuffed with lemon & rosemary, accompanied by roasted root vegetables and apple pie for dessert

Bangers & mash, shepherd’s pie style

Chicken & leek pot pie

Bangers & mash is an English treat, and a favorite comfort food at our house. Bangers are sausages, and the mash is mashed potatoes. Tonight I’m making Sauteed Tomato Pasta, an old favorite of my son’s that incorporates whipping cream and prosciutto into the recipe. My husband loves pasta and I’m trying to get some weight back on him. Unfortunately, I don’t need any extra poundage . . . but am loving the comfort, not only from the taste of the food but from the aroma that wafts from the kitchen to the rest of the house.


Here’s the recipe for the Chicken & leek pot pie from Tea & Sympathy, an English teashop in NYC. Found it in the pages of this week’s People Magazine, something I never buy, but Steve Jobs was on the cover.

Chicken & leek pot pie

If all continues to go well, I start back to work part-time on Monday! I am happy, so no worries there. And my husband is on the mend. Thanks for your caring words, all.

Until tomorrow, my friends . . .
123 Signature

41 comments:

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

So glad to hear things are looking up!... and, I pulled that recipe out of the People mag too, it looks delicious!

Gail said...

I can smell the aromas and hear the love. Keep healing!

Nurse Nancy said...

All that food sounds yummy and so glad that things are better all around!

Anonymous said...

Ahhh.... pot pie sounds good today. It's a misty, rainy morning. Bet your husband loved your cooking!

Connie in Hartwood said...

Now you've made me hungry ... I have been working without breakfast so far this morning. I think I have some sausages from the butcher in the freezer ... that and some eggs ... just call it a high protein breakfast. (I'm glad things are going well enough for you to plan to go back to work. That's always a good sign.)

Jamie said...

Yesterday you had me googling the closest Burger King and today on this rainy Wednesday, I'm now wanting Champ. Champ is an Irish food, basically mashed potatoes and leeks (there's more to it than that but not much more).

Reena said...

When I read posts like this, I realize how much I have missed you. Always something peaceful and calming here. Rainy, bleak day here as well. A day meant to curl up and watch old movies!

Eat To Live said...

How great to have a sister who will drop what she is doing for you!!

Your photos are absolutely beautiful.

Denise at Autumn Sky said...

It all sounds so cozy and warm and yummy smelling. I don't need the calories either, so maybe a chicken and leek soup would be good.

Country Gal said...

Fantastic photos.I am soo glad to hear things are going well .Family is the most important to all of us wether it be for helping in tough time or just being there. Yup good old Bangers and mash a Brit tradition here as well and yes we love our tea and tea shops the rest also sounds yummy. I am ao happy to read your happy and enjoying things once again . Heres to a speedy recovery for your husband. Have a wonderful day

Jeanette said...

What would we do without our families, right? Glad you husband is doing well and enjoying your cooking!

WPgirl said...

So glad things are going better. From your descriptions I can almost smell the deliciousness coming from your kitchen. Thanks for keeping us updated. I will continue to pray for both of you.

Daryl said...

Thank you .. I am trying to lose the 5 lbs that I lost and regained .. and just put on at least 2 more reading about your cooking ... xo

Gretchen said...

Glad conditions are improving and that you are enjoying creative cooking. Hmmmm, interesting about the gourds reseeding themselves. I'll try it with the ones currently on the dining room table. Hope the light continues to get brighter for you both.

Jeannelle said...

Lovely photo work! Good therapy.

Ashley Sisk said...

These are such gorgeous photos - I really love the first one.

The JR said...

Your photography always amazes me.

I'm so glad things going well considering what's been happening.

Your meals sound gourmet compared to what I cook.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Lovely to read such an up-beat post and to know that you are all on the mend. Those pumpkins are such a wonderful golden colour - they would cheer anyone up.

beth said...

good for you for being creative in the kitchen....i tend to shy away from that room in our house, too :)

and to know that andrew is healing well enough for you to go back to work part time....miracles i tell you. miracles !!

xoox

Deb said...

so glad things are going well for your husband and you...the food sounds delicious...

Mary said...

There is something so very satisfying in the simple act of cooking for the ones we love. I know that sounds corny, and somehow a big step backward from the feminism of my youth, but there it is...

I love your beautiful images here, Kate. It is cool and rainy here this morning, too. Your love of October shines through in every photo. Be well. Be happy. xoxo

tj said...

...Judging from the menu I would bet a dollar to a donut you've been hiding your inner Rachel Ray all this time, no? *giggle* ;o) Your menu sounds scrumptious!

...I wished I lived closer so I could help in some way but please know that here in the Midwest is a crazy, warm hearted, middle aged nut who thinks you are the cat's pajamas and then some and who sends her prayers and warm wishes your way every. single. day. And seriously, how's that for a run-on sentence, huh? ;o)

...And might I add that the pumpkin stem is a little work of art! Love it!

...Blessings to you & your family :o)

Low Tide High Style said...

So glad that each passing day is bringing progress! And I'm glad that you've had time at home to spend with your husband and your sisters, and to cook food you love. I'm sure he loves having you home, and I hope he continues to be on the mend.

Kat :)

Woman Seeking Center said...

Your dinners sound delightful. I'm not much on cooking ~ far more fond of baking. But these meals you've mentioned combined with the cool (continually) rainy weather could tempt me towards the kitchen, lol....

I'm especially curious about the details of your version (if ever you have time to jot down the recipe) for bangers and mash. Two of my DH's fav foods separately so no doubt it'd be adored if I made it here...

SO good to read today that all continues to be better day by day!

TexWisGirl said...

good news all around. God bless your sisters!

Lisa said...

A Sisters love is hard to beat.
I did some catching up and reading.
Love the photos on this blog also Kate
and Im thinking about you .

Mom on a mission said...

Beautiful pictures:) tx for sharing!

Unknown said...

I love October too! These images are wonderful and really capture the season :) Thanks for sharing! Enjoy the rest of the month!

JC said...

Good to hear that things are better for you. Fall does bring such lovely things. Pumpkins for one. Smells from the kitchen. And, of course leaves falling.

Jan's camera said...

Hi, I am glad to hear that all is going well. I am thinking of you. P.S. the food sounds great and the photos are lovely. I love pumpkins.

thotlady said...

Wonderful photos. :-)

mrs mediocrity said...

love that third photo...

it is so wonderful to hear that things are looking up!

Jeanne Walker said...

Love the photos! I don't recall ever seeing a stem on a pumpkin; the ones sold down here have had their stems cut-off. It is such a relief to read how well Andrew is doing in his recovery and healing!You are taking such good care of him and it is working. If I were anywhere close to you, I'd make y'all a pot of Chicken and Sausage Gumbo! Oh Happy Day!

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

Like Daryl, I feel as if I've gained weight just reading this.

It's wonderful to hear your blog voice again. Even though you're juggling with a lot, it's still relaxing to read what you have to say.

You make something as simple as cooking for your husband sound simply wonderful. And I'll bet it is.

GailO said...

First, I am thrilled to be reading that your husband continues to improve and that you are enjoying cooking:) That roast chicken dinner with apple pie for dessert has my mouth watering...

Second, I love these photos completely!

Third, sisters are the best support a person could have...

Dawning Inspiration said...

Beautiful images.... still praying.

Cloudia said...

selfishly glad that the amazing pictures, and George, will continue coming our way - and oh yes. . . We Care About YOU and are happy things are going WELL!

Bless You Dear-


Aloha from Waikiki;

Comfort Spiral



> < } } ( ° >

wildbanshee said...

I can smell and feel the warmth through your pictures.

Lili said...

There is just absolutely nothing better than a great meal shared with loved ones, and your cooking sounds so gourmet to me, wow Kate you go girl! Love your little gourd and sunflower volunteers and those pumpkins with their extra twisty stems are fantastic! You are definitely taking good care of your dear husband! xo ~Lili

A New England Life said...

I'm so glad your sisters came in to help out. That is true family devotion.

Sounds like you're eating better than we are! Making dinner has not been a priority since my back started bothering me.

Good for you Kate in getting back to a regular schedule this week. I would think getting out of the house would be a bit of a relief. I do hope your husband does okay in your absence. At least he has George ; )

forgetmenot said...

I've missed out lately on what is going on in your life, but I do hope that everyone is doing well and on the mend. Your macro shots are incredible and all those photos of George are adorable--what a "good buddy" he must be. Take care and I'll keep you and your husband in my thoughts. Hugs, Mickie ;)