November always feels like a quiet month to me. Once the fireworks are over, even though the stores expect us to immediately go crazy for all things festive, I like to take it a bit slower. Don't get me wrong, in the background plans are being made and gifts are being sought out, but I'm not ready to be eating mince pies and roasting chestnuts just yet, or whatever else Instagram may lead me to believe I should be doing.
We've had a gentle couple of weeks. Germs have reared their ugly heads once again, so we've suffered some restless nights. Lily has had a horrible cough which has gone on for several weeks now, that thankfully seems to be easing off at last.
On the fine days we have taken some lovely short walks in the local area and spent a good while watching the Salmon jumping in the river. The leaves, once a carpet of red and orange under foot, are now slowly turning to a sludgy brown mush and the trees at the back of our house are beginning to look quite bare. There's no doubt Winter is approaching!
On the not so fine days I have found myself spending a lot of time in the kitchen once again. At this time of year I find a lot of pleasure in cooking good hearty food for the family. Filling, comforting meals of Homity Pie, Curry, Stew and Dumplings. I take great satisfaction in knowing everyone is well fed. And when it comes to baking I have a little assistant on hand to help out.
I has been a pleasant change not having any plans so far this month, other than our usual day to day routine. Sometimes the mundane is good. No drama, no challenges, no rushing around. Just time to take a step back and appreciate what we have.
J. X
A wonderful little helper, always a joy to have children around. I have been really busy getting ready for Christmas so that now I can enjoy the season with friends and family but no stress. You certainly captured some great photos, I loved the little Robin.
ReplyDeleteAww, thank you. I use the word 'helper' in its loosest sense but she does put the fun into it. The Robin was very sweet. I thought it might have flown away before I managed to get a photograph but it seemed quite happy to sit for a while. X
DeleteThe first three photos are stunning, who would not want to go for a walk when the weather is like that?
ReplyDeleteI don't do Instagram so am not tempted with perfect flat shots of how my life ought to be, but Pinterest can be a bit of a b*gger . . . especially if you search for something like "Christmas crafts".
Your food sounds wonderful too :)
Thanks Jayne. The weather has been beautiful except for a few days.
DeleteI have to admit, Instagram can get addictive and a lot of time can easily get wasted browsing perfect pictures of perfect houses so I try to limit my time on there. However, just like Pinterest it can be great for ideas and I find it sooo much more user friendly. X
PS: is your penultimate photo Homity Pie? Looks just like the sort of thing that Management would enjoy.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed Homity pie. One of our all time favourites. Or as it is known in this house.....Carbohydrate Pie. :-)
DeleteI love the menu you made.. Love all the pictures..
ReplyDeletePlease visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com
Thank you. X
Deleteit is good to have time to appreciate, so often we are too rushed to do it. I'm knitting socks at the moment too, and about 5 other projects......
ReplyDeleteFive? My goodness, I don't know how you manage it. As of this morning I'm down to just one again. I've finally finished my throw! X
DeleteThe pie looks delicious, I am a big fan of pies!
ReplyDeleteMundane is good for me too, we've had quite a busy month, so it seems odd to be spending a Saturday at home but it's very nice.
Pies are just the best, both savoury and sweet. Especially at this time of year.
DeleteIt's lovely to have a bit of time out isn't it? I hope you enjoyed your day. X
I hope Lily is feeling better, coughs are really horrible, they seem to last for ages and it's always night time when they're at the worst. I always used to be a one project kind of girl but that's changed these last few years. At the moment I've got two knitting projects on the go, two crochet projects and a cross stitch. I quite enjoy having plenty of things to choose from. Your photos are lovely, they definitely convey the crisp autumn days we've been lucky with this year, though we've had quite a bit of rain just lately so I think things are on the change as we head in to winter.
ReplyDeleteShe's much better now, thank you Jo.
DeleteI don't know how people manage all these projects on the go at once. I struggle with one at a time. At least it offers plenty of variety depending on your mood. X
Sounds good, relaxing and homely. I love the photo of the Robing, your view is gorgeous xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Cheryl. Homely works well for me. X
DeleteGood for you, I love IG but it can seem a bit OTT sometimes, no one should feel they have to keep up or do things just because others are, and you are so right we all need to take a step back and appreciate what we have. xxx
ReplyDeleteInstagram is great but I have been really surprised at just how early people have been decorating for Christmas. I do love Christmas but decorations up in the middle of November is much too soon for me. X
DeleteYou sound just like me. Have to admit I have had mince pies, I love the flaky pastry ones, and they sell out quite quickly, and I am not very good at making those ones. I like the quiet life. I take the attitude it will happen when it happens.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have my first Mince Pie of the season this evening. X
DeleteGlad to hear Lily is on the mend and what an adorable little assistant you have. I find the first week or so of November quite full on. It starts with Halloween, then Bonfire Night, then Thomas's birthday, so by the time all that's over with I'm definitely ready for the mundane. There are plans going on in the background here for Christmas as well, mainly lots of list writing. I like to be organised so I can enjoy it with the family, but I am determined not to allow it to creep in too soon either. Very disappointed that they are playing Christmas songs on the radio already! Really hope November continues at a gentle pace for you Jules :) xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Suzanne. You have had a busy month so far. I hope you are able to have some time out before the craziness of the festive season begins. I haven't heard any Christmas songs on the radio yet, only in stores. X
DeleteSo sorry to hear that the germs have been around, but glad that your daughter's cough is clearing up. You do have a wonderful little helper in the kitchen. Love that look of concentration on her face! Enjoy having her help. I've never had homity pie, although I've heard of it and looked it up, once. Maybe something to try, one day.
ReplyDeleteI love your pictures of the countryside and the robin, especially. It all looks so lovely. A quiet month is good, especially before the holidays. Hope you continue to enjoy the rest of November and slow, gentle days.
The germs are on their way out now, thank you Bless. Lets hope we've seen the last of them for a while now.
DeleteHomity Pie is a firm favourite here. It's cheap and cheerful. Very tasty. Definitely one to try. X
Looks like you had fun,I love my little helpers in the kitchen they make even the most mundane things a little more magical don't they
ReplyDeleteOh, it was so much fun. I don't think cakes have ever seen so much icing before. :-) X
DeleteOh I completely agree about keeping Christmas in December, I resolutely stick to it, although I try to do my important shopping early. Your photos look gorgeous and I feel the same about hearty meals at this time of year. I hope Lily gets rid of the cough soon and carries on baking forever. Have a lovely Sunady Jules xx
ReplyDeleteThe cough has finally gone. Hurray! Lily's feeling much better now, thank you. Yes, I've been buying gifts and making plans but keeping things very low key until December. It seems to get earlier and earlier every year. X
DeleteOh what gorgeous photos you have shared with us...I always loved to have little 'helpers' in the kitchen...and dishes were easier to wash when scraped clean by eager wooden spoons propelled by excited little hands trying to get every tasty morsel they could! I have never made a homity pie, but shall look up its recipe as it sounds like hearty fayre for a winters evening. Take care my friend. x
ReplyDeleteOh, do try Homity Pie, Jackie. It really is delicious. We love it served up with a huge pile of vegetables. X
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