Sunday, November 24, 2013

The year is old. The birds are flown.

I love weekends. Yesterday I made a lasagna for dinner and while it cooked, I took George for a walk around the property. It has turned cold and the ground is hard but I think November is beautiful.

 

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The sun was sinking low in the sky, giving a warm glow to the land, as we made our way around the southwest corner of the property.

 

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I miss seeing the widow’s walk at the top of the house. Long-time readers may recall that it was destroyed by gale force winds in March of this year. I wrote about it here.

View from my kitchen window

 

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I am so blessed to be able to live here.

Amen.

 

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November comes
And November goes,
With the last red berries
And the first white snows.


With night coming early,
And dawn coming late,
And ice in the bucket
And frost by the gate.


The fires burn
And the kettles sing,
And earth sinks to rest
Until next spring.


~ Elizabeth Coatsworth

 

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And I am so glad this dog is in my life.

 

 

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Amen.

 

 

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NOVEMBER

The striped and shapely
Maple grieves
The loss of her
Departed leaves


The ground is hard
As hard as stone.
The year is old.
The birds are flown.


And yet the world,
Nevertheless,
Displays a certain loveliness--


The beauty of
The bone. Tall God
Must see our souls
This way, and nod.


Give thanks: we do,
Each in his place
Around the table
During grace.

~ John Updike

 

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I love that poem. It is featured in the children’s book, A Child’s Calendar. This beautiful book is a collection of twelve poems as the seasons change in a child’s life. The poetry is by noted author John Updike and the illustrations are by Trina Schart Hyman.

 

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I decided to venture into the field in the front of the house on my walk yesterday. A hawk was perched high up in one of the trees at the edge of the woods and as we got closer, it let us know that we were invading its territory. Whenever I hear or see a hawk or an owl, I think of my husband.

He always walked the edge of this field. So that’s what George and I did.

 

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And then we watched as the sun finally set.

 

 

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One of my son’s friends came for dinner last night. I made Caesar salad, garlic bread, lasagna, and tortellini with sauce. My son isn’t a huge fan of lasagna but his friend is. It was delicious. I paired the meal with a nice cabernet sauvignon from California called Dreaming Tree. I didn’t know it at the time I purchased it, but the winery is owned by Dave Matthews (and veteran winemaker Steve Reeder). Cool.

It’s gotten quite cold today and very windy. Wind chill is 14 degrees or so I hear. Better bundle up for that walk.

Hope your week is a fine one, my friends ~

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50 comments:

JC said...

I always love seeing photos of your yard and of course, of George. The views from your home are beautiful.

XO,
JC

Kerri Farley said...

Beautiful scenery and beautiful words!
Amen to it all :)

Merisi said...

Reading and looking at the images, I felt transported to this beautiful piece of land you love so much. I imagine how much comfort retracing the walks you took with your husband gives you, the sight of the hawk, a messenger of love never lost.
Up until you wrote about the widow's walk of your home, I had always wondered whether anyone ever climbs up there, enjoying the view from high up. Will your landlord put up railings again?
Warm hugs and heartfelt wishes of many moments that embrace you with comfort and love,
Merisi

Merisi said...

P.S.:
I went back, with your link, to the one picture of the wind-blown tufted titmouse. I forgot to look if I commented back then, back no matter, just want to tell you that it is my favorite bird image ever. It makes me want to place my hand around the birds, to keep him warm and safe. Hugs, M.

Mersad said...

What a wonderful countryside, and the dog is beyond adorable.

it's me said...

Love all the photos, especially the sunset. The poems are perfect--

There is always something to be thankful for...I try to remember that each night as I count my blessings.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Dogs are the world's best comforters and companions aren't they?

Hilary said...

November and March have always been my least favourite months - though they do indeed each hold a beauty of their own. You sure know how to find the best that this month has to offer. Beautiful images, Kate.

Midlife Roadtripper said...

What a beautiful walk in a November sky. Enjoyed the visit. Calming and lovely.

Linda said...

It's always so calming to come here. That property is so beautiful and you photographs make it shine. George, always George. Thank you for sharing your corner of the world with us. And the poetry. sigh.

Unknown said...

Lovely photos, as always - wishing you Thanksgiving blessings this week!

jo said...

Beautiful photos!! Wonderful dog. Have a great week.

Peppermint Ph.D. said...

Beautiful :)
And, Amen.

Carolynn Anctil said...

What a beautifully peaceful weekend. Those are lovely little poems. I'd venture to say that George is very grateful to have you in his life as well. That is the look of adoration, if ever I saw it.

So happy you're happy.

Blessings,
Carolynn

Connie in Hartwood said...

Oh, my, Ruby gets exactly the same look on her face. While you walk, do you ever wonder about all the people that were there before you, walking the same ground for so many decades? Silly question ... of course you do. It's a weird way to put things into perspective, to find the place in this big universe where we fit.

Candace said...

Your house and property are so stunning...and so is George, of course.

mkd said...

Your weekend sounds peaceful and serene as all of your posts do, your sense of being is amazing and George is, as always beautiful. I have to ask - is he ever naughty?

Country Gal said...

Lovely post and photos ! We are under a winter wonderland mild and sunny, it is so pretty . Miggs and I were out playing in it earlier and I of course went snap happy lol ! Oh your supper for yesterday sounds delish . Thanks for sharing . Have a good week ! Catch ya on the flip side !

Anonymous said...

Just lovely...the photos, the words, the poetry, the house. You are indeed very blessed. I hope you felt a little bit of your husband with you on your walk. and I hope you have a beautiful holiday. xo

beth said...

it's so gorgeous where you live....a true blessing, just like you said....amen!
xoxo

Hilary said...

Yes, thanks for our pups, eh? What would we do without them.

Anonymous said...

I love seeing your photos…you do live in such a beautiful place!

Low Tide High Style said...

Lovely photos, and that is a wonderful poem by John Updike. Sounds like you had a yummy dinner, and I hope you have a great holiday week!

xo Kat

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

I had no idea Dave Matthews had a winery, now I want to try Dreaming Tree. They don't sell it at the local Food Lion, though...

Beautiful images.

Jeanne Walker said...

I was busy all day today and into the night with church-related stuff. It was so nice to sit down and take a walk with you around the Manor House property. What a blessing it is to be able to live there! I love George...tell him I said so! Happy Thanksgiving to you and the boys. And remember to set your scales back ten pounds tonight! xo

JaneK said...

I love how the nature around your property evokes the memories of your husband and I love how you honor those memories by continuing to do some of the same things he always did.
Thanks for your peaceful post.

Cloudia said...

It is SO lovely visiting with you and dear George. AMEN!



ALOHA from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
=^..^= <3

Bluebird49 said...

Thanksgiving Blessings to you, Kate! You show so much beauty in every picture! Hope to see one of a hawk one day. I love them, although I understand why others don't.

becky up the hill said...

Okay, now I am hungry and it's almost 10:30 at night. Lovely dinner. Keep warm dear Kate.

Daryl said...

i love November too .. and you ... ♥❄♥ Ƹ̵̡Óœ̵̨̄Æ· ♥❄♥

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I don't know that I've seen that front field before, it's beautiful!

What a lovely post, especially that first poem -

thotlady said...

Sweet George in the last photo. The property you live on is beautiful. I so wish I could live out of the bustling city. Ahhhh....some day.

The JR said...

They don't get any prettier than George.

I wish the hubby would eat lasagna. If I make it, I have to eat all of it. I think I have some in the black hole (freezer) still.

Lili said...

I can feel your gratefulness so much in this post. The long walk and hearty meal at the end sounds wonderful. And a little wine is always good too! xo

Reena said...

Oh, that lasagna sounds sooo yummy! Love Thai food but after two weeks, a girl can only stand so much rice! Miss ya! Lovely pics and words.

aspiritofsimplicity said...

You live in a beautiful spot. I love Trina Schart Hyman. I am going to look up this book.

thimblevee said...

This is a particularly lovely post - I can sense the melancholy, but the thankfulness and appreciation for your blessings rang through so beautifully. I especially loved the poems and will definitely explore the link to the book. Thank you and I pray you will have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving holiday.

Jan's camera said...

Beautiful poems. Beautiful photos. Beautiful George. You are making me like November. I am going to check out that children's book. Happy Thanksgiving.

Anonymous said...

Such a heartfelt post. It has to be the most wonderful feeling to love where you live - so do I, and it makes for a very content life.

CJ x

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing these wonderful images, Kate.
So very grateful for you......smiles

sharon said...

you do live in such a beautiful place. I would love to walk the grounds of your place in the different seasons of time. George is such a wonderful companion to have. I miss our cats terribly sometimes. Wish we could have them back. lasagna sounds good. we had a good vegetable beef stew with cornbread. Mmmmm. have a good Thanksgiving!

Tiggeriffic said...

Love being with u on you pictural walk. Just beautiful. I love all the seasons. Fall has such glorious Colors. George is looking good and enjoying his walk.
Ta ta for now from Iowa!

Show-Me Sooz said...

I've been thinking of you, Kate. Blessings to you, George and your two sons as you remember your husband this weekend. (Oops, I really didn't intend to put George in front of your sons ;)

Susan in Boaz MO

Debbie From Illinois said...

Just stopping by to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and your boys and of course to George.

Blessings and comfort to you.

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful heartfelt post. I hope you have a beautiful Thanksgiving. By the way…my old blog is gone. This comment will link you to my new one! xoxo

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful heartfelt post. I hope you have a beautiful Thanksgiving. By the way…my old blog is gone. This comment will link you to my new one! xoxo

Annie said...

Thank you for transporting me to your corner of the world. I love your posts, your pictures, sweet George, and the beauty you share with us. It makes me feel peaceful, and encourages me to appreciate the little things in life like the leaves I collected on my walk today. I'll be checking in again and again.

thecatalanway said...

I just nipped back to take a copy of that poem - November - it is so lovely. then I noticed that I didn't leave a message the first time I called by. And it was such a lovely post - I probably didn't have time to do it justice and needed just to contemplate. I hope you are having a Happy thanksgiving - like many people over here I don't really understand what it means but I know it is important over your side so I hope you are having a peaceful and loving time, surrounded by your memories and your loving companions - two and four legged. Give George a stroke from me. I am sitting beside Bonnie, being also so glad to have her here with love Kate x

GailO said...

November has such a bare bones beauty to it...I love it's grey chilly days. I love John Updikes poems too....that book is one of my favorites!

Gorgeous photos Kate and that meal sounds delicious!

Barbara said...

I love weekends and November and I really loved walking with you. Thanks for sharing your beautiful place with us.