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Inspiration for this blog came from my cousin Roy. His daily reflections of the events in his life have been thoughtful and interesting. Family, friends, colleagues are welcome to read my blog.



Sunday, October 17, 2021

FUN AT THE FARM









 A day out at a local farm with daughter and two grandchildren. Round the Bend in Kettleby had a good well spaced outdoor space for everyone.

 The kids like feeding the animals especially the rabbits.
Two hours passed so quickly.
Nice to be somewhere that is not so crowded and outdoors. Masks available when needed.
#farmfun#roundthebendinkettleby#funtimewithdaughterandgrandchildren#pumpkins#feedingtheanimals#norealcrowds#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

3400 POSTS TO DATE

 Posting takes some creativity and lots of ideas. Repeating some old ideas or seasonal themes.

When I started blogging I did not know how I would come up another idea for another day.

So to be at 3400 posts. It seems a little incredulous.

I enjoy blogging as it keeps me looking for themes, ideas, photos. It gives me an opportunity to use my writing skills.

So I will plug away to post number 3401.

#3400poststodate#blogging#writingablog#ideasforapostcanbeastretch#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CROCHETING A LOG CABIN QUILT

 The log cabin pattern is one of my favourite quilt patterns.

So I decided trying a crocheted version. 13 different pieces or variety of colours in the blanket version. For this one shades of purple and orange with a peach one in the middle.

The center is always a bit lighter.
Add a third.
Add a fourth aand fifth.

Now for number 6.
Number 7.
Number 8.
Number 9. See the pattern. The next row is bigger than the last one
Number 10.
Number 11.
Number 12

Number 13.

The assembling of the squares can vary depending on the design preferred.


Sewing in all the ends an putting a double border around the outside and the blanket is done.
Orange and purple are healing colours. Besides I used up lots of balls of wool available.
Now it is time to make another material quilt.
#logcabinpattern#crochetlogcabinquiltblanket#orangeandpurpleareforhealing#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro


APPLES ARE A WONDERFUL FALL FRUIT


 So here is my centerpiece for Thanksgiving. What better fruit to have than a dish of Ontario apples.

Apples are so abundant this time of year.

There are so many opportunities to go apple picking at the local farms.
#applesinontario#applepicking#anappleaday#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

Monday, October 11, 2021

THANKSGIVING MONDAY-DAY FOR QUIET REFLECTION AND FINAL CLEANUP

 Preparing for a Thanksgiving dinner was more than just dinner. As stated previously it is always time to Fall clean. So a cleaner house and a good meal.

My grandchildren actually ate more food this time. Nice to have fewer leftovers. 

Sonya asked if we could do a new tradition. Have a walk after dinner. So we did- all 11 of us.

Thankful for my dishwasher. Two loads yesterday and one load today to finish all the cleanup.

Being able to slow down today gives me some fodder for thought.

How many Canadians are celebrating with loved ones?

How many are missing loved ones?

The homeless who eat at a donated dinner location and get a much needed hot meal!

I like Thanksgiving as it is basically a dinner. It is the start of a holiday season to come.

So I make sure I buy double the cranberries so I have them. Double the turkey gravy so I am stocked.

The joy of having family and noise takes away from the too quiet of a home sometimes.

So Thanksgiving Monday and its reflections.

How about you? How do you pass the time today? Did you have your big meal Sunday or do you have it today?

#thanksgivingmonday#thanksgiving#eatingtoomuch#cleanup#fallcleanup#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

Saturday, October 9, 2021

CANADIAN THANKSGIVING WEEKEND 2021

 Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving the second weekend in October.

It is a time of reflection, harvest, and lots of good eating.

For many it is a great Turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

Church attendance with cornucopia of harvest vegetables- corn, squash, sweet potato, potato, cranberries, parsley, apples, pears, pumpkins. And homemade stuffing!! All produce from our beautiful country.


Our family shares the load of the meal. I cook the turkey and trimmings. My daughters bring the appetizers and dessert. I used to bake some pies but no more. It makes the preparation easier.

I have posted previously on the history of Thanksgiving so those posts can be found in my links.

Mostly with COVID it makes a family meal and time together more precious. This year in Ontario we can have indoor gatherings of up to 25 people if vaccinated. Our family group is 11 so we are good.

Tables are spaced out and if warm enough windows will be open for ventilation. By staying safe we can make it a good time to be with each other.

A prayer is sent to those who are missing a loved one this year. 

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving everyone!!

#Canadianthanksgiving#thanksgivinginCanada#eatingturkey#harvesthomeveggies#cranberries#pumpkins#stuffing#eatingfamilytimetogether#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

Thursday, October 7, 2021

THANKSGIVING PREPARATIONS ONGOING

 Once I buy the turkey I always feel the dinner is on the way. All the trimmings and variety of veggies are bought over time.

However I put pressure on myself to clean my house for the festive event.

It is amazing when looking for dirt and dust it is found in great abundance. So those corners that have not been visited for some time are clean.

I am always learning that the more glass pictures and knickknacks one has, have to be cleaned.

Decluttering those areas like my desk in the den feels good.

Organizing my genealogy projects in a neat row let's me get the research and writing those stories going again soon. My indoor work per se. 

Of course, the garden cleanup prevails until about mid November or until the snow flies.

I am conflicted though about how much cleanup. Some gardeners say chop away at everything. Other say leave it until Spring so the little critters and bugs and whatever can use the seeds and plant life over the winter. The second option is more appealing as garden cleanup is really boring. I mean really boring.

Getting all the garden stuff in the garage so garage cleanup can start after Thanksgiving. Another super boring job but I like to put my car in the garage on those snowy days. So necessary.

So preparing for Thanksgiving and a wonderful dinner with family is not boring. It actually brings me joy.

The girls bring appetizers and desserts so no baking is needed by me. 

Having everyone together for a short time feels nice. Besides my busy working Moms can have a break.

How are your Thanksgiving preparations going? Do you enjoy this time of year?

#thanksgivingpreparations#cleaningthehouseforThanksgiving#lovingthemeal#cleaningisboring#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#garagecleanup#gardencleanup