Saturday 2 September 2017

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.










33 comments:

  1. Living somewhere so remote, it's a good job you are so well-organised. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to the chest of drawers. As ever, a lovely post. x

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  2. Have you tried using the bread machine as a mixer and then baking the rolls in the oven? It's a bit of a faff and I still knead a couple of minutes by hand before I shape the rolls, but a lot less hard work than doing the whole thing by hand.

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  3. The days are alternating between Summer and Autumn here at the moment. It's good you're getting prepared for the colder months ahead. X

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  4. It's certainly a good thing to be prepared. When I baked banana bread for the freezer the other week I cut them in half, as you say this stops overeating. I really love that bird wallpaper,looking forward to seeing the makeover of the drawers, x

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  5. Sounds like you'll be prepared for bad weather, though have you considered getting a generator. We've been kicking the idea area because of the storms we get here.

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  6. Bird wallpaper is so pretty. I am thinking of putting some up in a small bath of mine. I just love birds. That banana bread I am sure is very tasty, looks so good. I do like that chest of drawers, look forward to seeing what you do with it.
    Thank you for visiting my tree removal post. Those men were experienced and had some fine equipment. Got the job done well and everything was cleaned up. They even level the indentions from the wheel of their truck in the yard where they had to work, except for the trunks of trees, looks like they never were here.

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  7. Looking forward to see your finished projects. Have a happy day!

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  8. You have so many projects. How do you ever get them all done...and make all that good food. I love the wall paper! It is beginning to feel a little like fall here too. I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of what wintertime looks like there. You write a beautiful post.

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  9. I love all the colours and patterns in the materials, and I love soup and banana bread! You are busy in such a great way!

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  10. Blindly you are one busy lady, no wonder you need a trip to Florida (jealous!) And get you starting a crochet group! I'm starting one here on Tuesday. Really looking forward to it!
    Jillxo

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  11. Echoing Henny Penny's comment I am also amazed at all the projects you have planned!
    I love the knobs you got off e bay. There are a few there that I just love.
    I also rely on my breadmaker to make life easier. I only use the dough setting and then go on to make whatever shape I want.
    Won't it be interesting to see what winter will be like!! I look forward to hearing about (and seeing photos).

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  12. So much to think about and do. It's all a bit of an adventure and weatherwise we're all wondering what's coming next. Glad to hear you're all organised in case you get snowed in.

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  13. I love reading about your projects and seeing what you have planned. It sounds like you are ready for winter. Even a nice warm trip. Your bakes are yummy looking! So smart to slice and freeze portions. Enjoy your weekend. ♥

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  14. How wise you are to plan ahead for the winter storms. It never hurts to have food and supplies on hand in case of emergencies.
    I always enjoy reading about what you're crafting and sewing. Summer is giving a last blast here and the heat is incredible. The evenings and nights are cooling down, though.

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  15. Hope nothing will happen.. and praying for your safety..

    Love the bag of yarns...and your fabric stash is awesome.. I've stash of all kind of little fabrics my mom actually kept with for long time,now they are in my possession.. They are some scraps I can remember them faintly that I had frocks in my childhood ..

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  16. What a lot of lovely projects for you to while away your time on those stormy winter days. That baking looks yummy!

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  17. Well, no matter what the winter might bring (kind of exciting really), you certainly will not have idle hands. How I admire your industry! I am looking forward to hearing more about your study of eco-systems.

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  18. I'm glad you're stocking up for fall and winter months. I try to keep the cupboards stocked with non perishables if it's needed and water. It's been dry here and can't wait for rain to come back. Too many wildfires in the area. Glad you're thinking ahead especially your first year there. We never know what the weather will be anywhere. Just wait for it. Have a good weekend!

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  19. My goodness you are so well organized. I love that you have thought of everything. Good, warmth and projects too. It sounds as though you also have some lovely travel plans too. I really enjoyed reading of all of your preparations. I can't even think of fall right now with temperatures still around 100F and fires burning everywhere around us. I'm still in summer mode!
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  20. Very wise to plan ahead for the winter months especially as you haven't experienced them in you new home area before. You have lots of lovely projects to work on to fill those long, dark evenngs:)

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  21. Your hands are full of projects !!!! Your mind too;)
    Have fun with them !
    Have a nice week !
    Anna

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  22. I forgot earlier to mention that your last paragraph was a very grateful sentiment and I am also thankful.
    betsy

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  23. You have been busy! It is good to be prepared for winter storms and power cuts, very sensible. I really like that you also prepared for activities and projects, not just for bare necessities. Escaping the darkest three weeks of the year is probably a good idea. December can be quite disheartening in Scotland and with you being further north still, I imagine it will be darker still, and for longer.

    I received a little packet yesterday, what a beautiful surprise. The broach you made for me is lovely and a perfect match for the duffle coat. Thank you so much! xx

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  24. We've started to mentally prepare for the changing of the season but nothing actually done about it yet. I've noticed that the days are getting much shorter and the nights have been much cooler as well. The air conditioner has been off and the windows have been wide open for days now except for maybe a day and a half last week. We've been talking about closing the pool already. It's supposed to be below normal temps for this time of year for the next two weeks. By then, it will be almost the end of September. So crazy how quickly the time goes!!

    You always motivate me to get going on my projects!! My Etsy shops have been busy with so many crafters purchasing crafting supplies from me. It seems like everyone is raring to go for the holiday season already!! : ) xo

    ~ Wendy

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  25. My heart skipped a beat when I saw that box of knobs . . . what a fantastic treasure. You will have fun with those:)

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  26. I am looking forward to hearing what the winter months will be like. I'm sure they will be exciting. With sharing your skills, it looks like you are settling very well with your neighbours. And of course looking forward to seeing your projects progressing. Xx

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  27. I am curious to see how the winter will be ! But I think you are already good prepared ! Lots of things to be done ! I did craftwork in the past but now I am too lazy and nobody wants it anyway, lol ! I can't knit a Lego Dinosaur !

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  28. I loved reading about the changing seasons. You are a good writer! I, too, am anxious to hear how the winter will be. Your post makes me realize that I need to do some prepping here. Of course, won't be the same as where you are, weather-wise, but it is good to take note of what one might need! You do have a lot going on!
    xo
    Lynn

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  29. It makes me smile that I am only a few states away from Florida and yet you go there way more often than we do! I haven't been there since 2003 or so!

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  30. I'm making hats for many of my family members for the holidays. Let's hope I get them ALL done in time :)

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  31. You certainly have a lot going on Lorraine from preparing for the onset of winter, food prep and freezing, holiday crafts and upcoming travel.

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  32. I do so love this time of year and I can't wait to see your cottage all cosy and ready to weather those storms.
    You have some lovely projects planned.
    Hugs-x-

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  33. Love to see all your projects. So inspiring. And so smart to be well prepared and get your pantry and supplies ready for the winter storms. I do wish I could find some friends who knit and crochet. It might help motivate me!

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