I sat on our deck Sunday afternoon and the air was chilly.
I went into my unused sock drawer and pulled out one of my favourite happy pair of socks. These socks have a bit of a story. Some years ago, my friend Christina, insisted we all would be happier if we owned… and wore… happy socks! These socks were a gift from her.
In the Winnie-the-Pooh world, Christina was the Tigger… and we joked that where she was unconventional, I was rather staid and kept the rules. (I believe I wrote about that recently!). I am an Eeyore, a Winnie-the-Pooh want-to-be, and I’m OK with that!
And generally I wear boring black socks, if any at all, but once in a while I need to spice things up. Or in Sunday’s case create a little warmth.
The socks felt good on my summer-calloused feet, and this year especially, I am grateful for the cooling winds of autumn coming.
This time of year the quilts and sweaters come out, and it is time for the bi-annual closet shift from warm to cool. The soup pot comes out and there is so much inspiration from harvest. Last week I cut up a rather interesting squash I had grown in my garden, and we added ginger, carrots, onions and garlic as well as some peppers and simmered it all day. A little cumin and turmeric added some zest and the blended soup was delicious.
This morning I heard of reports of snow in the passes, and am wondering if we are going to bypass autumn altogether. Right now I’m hoping to put off the winter coats as long as possible and enjoy some sweater weather.
I’m thinking tomato season is done, and like many others I’m storing for winter. For years I have roasted tomatoes in the oven, and there is nothing like that rich smell of garlic, onions and tomatoes simmering in my roaster, sometimes for a few hours. I’ve added peppers and zucchini too, and cooked down and blended with basil, it makes a rich sauce that can be used all winter long.
Thanks to my new friend Hannah, I’m freezing my sauces in “pucks”, how brilliant! The silicone muffin tins work great, and once it is frozen, you can easily store in freezer bags, and just take out what you need. In fact, I think I might try that with applesauce….
Life can be full… especially in September. I’m reminding myself to slow down, to savour the moments, the smells, the sights. Just walking through a market and seeing the colourful inspiration of harvest is food for the soul. I met a dear couple at our local farmer’s market recently, both now in a extended care home, but there they were out for stroll. She in her walker, he carefully watching out for her, and they were enjoying the autumn sunshine, taking it all in.
So I’m inspired to pull on the socks, brew some Chai tea, and inhale… in the middle of a labour-intensive season, it is good to settle my heart and be grateful for the many blessings that abound all around us.
