Here we are in November and we haven’t turned on the heat yet! I was kind of hoping we’d do more hikes this fall, like we did last year, but we kept busy with plenty of other worthwhile activities.
Read
I’m happy with my reading progress this month, but I didn’t actually love any of the novels I finished. On the other hand, I have some great picture books to share: How Big Is a Pig?, Robin and the Stick, When You Have to Wait, Melvin and the Boy, and Mud Puddle (a classic!). There are some really lovely illustrations as you can imagine from the cover art.
Do
- At the beginning of October, I had a day out in Brockville to celebrate my birthday. I and five other ladies went shopping at the Superstore, Bulk Barn, Staples, and thrift stores — not too fancy, but stores we don’t have in Ogdensburg, and I think everyone was happy to try some new things and find some good deals. I was especially pleased with the shirts and dresses I bought for a few dollars each. After shopping me met at Cozy’s Tearoom for delicious sandwiches, sausage rolls, crisps, scones, and tea. A friend of mine from university was able to meet us and we walked and chatted around downtown Brockville and by the waterfront. It was nice to be treated and spend time with friends.
- This month I bought prescription sunglasses for the first time.
- For Canadian Thanksgiving we gathered at Kring Point State Park for good food and catching up with relatives. We somehow we managed a fairly traditional Thanksgiving dinner with two fridges, a microwave, no oven, and very few electrical outlets. (I take no credit!) The stone building was a pleasant place to hang out and the kids enjoyed the nearby playground.
- I took the kids to two contra dances, one at Pickens Hall and one at the Lisbon Town Hall. Our caller does a great job making the evenings beginner-friendly, but she’s also been teaching some more complicated dances lately.
- My older four sold their wares at a student handcraft fair – wreaths, jewelry, cards, and bath bombs. They definitely made too much stuff, but it was a good experience. I did a little shopping myself and maybe the kids can sell some more things to friends and neighbours.
Eat/Drink
I didn’t try too many new recipes this month, but I thought this Smitten Kitchen broccoli cheddar soup was delicious. I’ve been drinking my tea from Distinctly Tea in Stratford nearly every day — so many good flavours; if you’re ever in the area definitely stop in.
Grow
We finally picked and ate our lone Sugar Baby watermelon. We also harvested potatoes and beets, not a large crop but still satisfying. I cleaned up most of my bucket garden (kale and Brussels sprouts are still growing). We planted three varieties of garlic!
Listen
Forgive me if I’ve shared “His Mercy Is More” on the blog already. Not a bad song to have stuck in your head!
Meditate
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
– Joshua 24:15b