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.





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





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





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.





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 . . .