I take my coffee with milk.: “Bad weather always looks worse through a window.” Tom Lehrer

Yes, September, October and November have been dismally dull and rainy, but
we have continued our daily bike rides and after the snows came, long walks. It
is easy to look out the window and and feel the desire to snuggle back to bed
but wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, a little time outdoors always
helps the spirits soar.

I savoured some time in the studio making Christmas gifts and working on my annual
card. Mailing them early I hope that they will arrive everywhere on time as
Canada Postal workers are on rotating strike action. I also baked a few trays of our
favourite Christmas cookies to freeze for the season. Of course we have been busy
cleaning, organizing and loading the Motorhome for our trip south.

Near September’s end, I watched these bees on the patio performing
“Bees Do It!” male-on-queen dance. Wow!

As the farmers began harvesting the corn and soya beans, the local market
stalls filled with appealing apples, splendid squash, gorgeous gourds and
plump pumpkins.

Baby punkie.

Dani challenged me to carve it.

One of my mini gourds.
We met Dina and Mark in St. Jacobs for a fun visit, a comfort-meal of
German food, Beer tasting at the brewery and a great stroll through town.

We had a scary Thanksgiving waiting to hear how wee Finn was doing
after being rushed to hospital with breathing difficulties. He bounced
back quickly with oxygen and meds after being diagnosed with Asthma.
Great to see the quick action of Dani and Al and once again, we commend
them on their great parenting! At times like these Australia seems even
farther away however we are all feeling very Thankful.

Feeling better and ready to go home to his cars.

Looking adorable in the Engineer’s cap we got him in Greenbay.

Dani having a rough day at work.

Strange, these Morning Glories continued blooming six weeks
after being cut away from their pot.

Drove up to Midland the week after Thanksgiving where temperatures
and snow were falling. As well as a great visit and country drive, Wend
and Lachlan took me out for a special Birthday Dinner. Thanks so much,
I certainly feel 65 officially now!

The best display of creativity, I have seen in awhile!

These all had burned-candles in them, what a sight that must have been.

Amazing mists rise below Blue Mountains.

Met cousin Jane in Creemore for coffee.

Mennonites return from church.

Hope this does not catch on, I also saw some lilac ones.

Had to break up the Sunday morning church group.

Even though we’d had cold weather and a little snow our first killer frost did
not happen until November 10.

The Castor Beans were frozen as they were whipped by strong winds.

Had to put up a few seasonal decorations for the birds.

Had to go out on the morning of our first big snow. STOP SNOWING!

Peaches ‘n frozen-Cream Corn

We watched hundreds of Canada Geese flying south
this morning in groups of 12, 18, 26 & 50! And later
saw our backyard visitors chowing down against the cold.