Preparing For The Change of Season

As we slowly move nearer to the Autumn equinox, I have been noticing subtle changes here on the Island.  The nights are drawing in and certainly getting not only colder but the darkness is upon much earlier.  We have started to make preparations for the changes, although in truth we are not sure how bad the Winters are here.  We are led to believe that the storms can be bad with winds reaching over 100 miles per hour and the ferries stopped.  Time will tell but with that in mind I have done some extra shopping this past week adding lots of extras to the the store cupboard.  We have also been told that there are a lot of power cuts so we have invested in a good torch, candles and have arranged for the stove to be serviced and the chimney swept.  We have already bought logs and intend to have a large stock in readiness.

Some extra goodies already stored in the freezer, scotch broth, herb bread rolls, lemon drizzle cake  and banana bread.

These were a bit of a faff to make and although tasty took quite the effort to knead.  I will be sticking to the breadmaker in future making my life so much easier.

I sliced each loaf and packed each slice individually to stop the over eating that so often occurs when I have baked.

We have started to get some projects together, when we are unable to work outside.  One is a chest of drawers that we got from the local charity shop.

The knobs were bought off e bay and the wallpaper from a car boot sale on our recent trip to visit family.

I have a couple of projects that need finishing off, they have been languishing in a basket for far too long.

Wool was also picked up at a bargain price from the car boot sale in readiness for teaching one of our neighbours to crochet, her 14 year old daughter is keen to learn too so already we have a small group formed.

Hector is ready to move into his big boy bed so I have made a start sorting out the fabric for his quilt.

Christmas is fast approaching (for me as a craftor) so I have a list of things I want to do for  family and friends.  Sadly only small tokens this year, shop bought gifts will have to suffice as we will be away again in Nov/Dec doing the round robin of the family and taking time off to visit our favourite holiday destination Florida.  We are going for three weeks and have already made plans to meet up with friends in Mount Dora.  We both feel ready for some fun in the sun, time to relax

I start an on line course this week too looking at eco systems, so I certainly have lots of things planned to keep me busy.  Wreaths and flower arrangements are also on the list along with decorating some linen bags.

Then of course there is the scrapbooks that need to be caught up with, cards and tags to be made as well as the wonderful array of pickles and relishes to be made.  Christina over at A colourful Life sent me some wonderful scraps of tweed fabric, off-cuts from her amazing duffle coat make, her generosity and thoughtfulness was a delight.  These are what I intend to use for my cards this year.

Mincemeat and puddings are also a necessity and will need to be made early so that I can take them to family.  I know ridiculous thinking so far ahead but in real time terms not long at all.  I also have a list of books that I would like to read and some new jigsaws that Gerard and I want to do.

As the earth rotates around the sun bringing us the change of season, I realise that there is so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to.  We are blessed in so many ways, we have a roof over our heads, good food and the love of our family.  I am indeed thankful...

See you soon.