I've so enjoyed our visits back and forth throughout the year, all the sweet comments wriitten and well-wishes when a word of encouragement was needed.
Tales of a British expat, transplanted into the lush Tennessee countryside. Lover of old, time-worn, and antique. Tea-drinker, flower-grower, animal-nurturer.
Friday, December 24, 2021
Peace On Earth Goodwill Toward Men
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Plodding Along Nicely
We've been spoiled up until this point, with warmer than usual days, many not requiring the wearing of a jacket.
This past week in particular, our daytime temperatures have felt more like Summer Days.
I'm busy gathering Christmas gifts and checking my list twice.
Only ten more days to go, time to get a move-on.

~ Henry Beston : Northern Farm
Sunday, December 12, 2021
'Til They're Clean And Sparkly
When Christmas holidays roll around, the copper pots get an extra cleaning.
Magical.
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
The Turning Of The Leaf
Finally, a little Autumn color has crept in.
Just in time for a blustery wind, to blanket the ground with Autumn brilliance.
Raking leaves sits at the top of the "to-do" list.
And a portly kitty spends her days chasing them.
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Soup's On
When the leaves are beginning to change, and the temperatures start to fall, my thoughts turn to comfort food.
A favorite simple soup is homemade mushroom soup, earthy-goodness, silky smooth and comforting on cool Autumn nights.Serve with a crusty loaf of French bread, light a candle or two and enjoy.
Cream of Mushroom Soup.
6Tbsp. butter
1 med. onion
3/4 lb. mushrooms
3 Tbsp. flour.
1 clove of garlic ( very finely chopped )
1 tbsp. fresh thyme chopped or 1 tsp. dried
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
dash of nutmeg
1 Knorr Swiss vegetable cube
3 cups of chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 large bay leaf
fresh ground pepper to taste.
fresh parsley or chives for garnish
********
Melt the butter and add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until onion is transparent at medium.
Add mushrooms and continue to cook for about 5 min.
Add the flour and the vegetable cube and stir in. Immediately add the chicken broth and water, incorporating slowly.
Add bay leaf and pepper, cover and bring to a boil.
Add Worcestershire sauce , thyme and dash of nutmeg.
Turn heat down immediately and simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove bay leaf and add cream.
If desired, top with fresh croutons or crackers.
Garnish with parsley or chives.
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
The Nesting Season
The ground is soaked from a day of rain. Much needed rain, for which we are grateful.
I've been busy running errands today, ticking off my to-do list.
Hearty soups have now become the meal of choice.
Nights are noticeably cooler, and darkness falls before the clock strikes six.
Candlelight glows.
The nesting season begins.
Sunday, October 31, 2021
Trick Or Treat
We'll leave the light on for you.
" By the pricking of my thumbs,
Something wicked this way comes,
Open, locks,
Whoever knocks ".
Shakespeare / Macbeth 1606
Thursday, October 28, 2021
Foggy Start
Our day started with a thick, soupy fog, and much cooler weather than we have had in several weeks.
Rain is falling, and predicted for the next couple of days.
Of all days, I had appointments to keep, and putting them on hold wasn't an option.
The shopkeepers down on Main Street are displaying their Fall wares and decorations, Oktoberfest is in full swing.
Friday, October 15, 2021
Batten Down The Hatches
Our days seem to have reverted back to Summer temperatures, warm and breezy.
Later this evening thunderstorms are to move in, not my favorite type of weather, especially when tornadoes are in the prediction.
Walking about the garden tidying up any potential objects that may become hazardous in 60 mph winds, I noticed the Clematis vine is once again in bloom, the third time this year !
Such a gentle, giving vine, sharing her beauty for one last smile.
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Autumn Silence
Enjoying a day of quiet time . The trees are changing color, and Autumn leaves are making a show, finally.
Some days it's good to do nothing. No deadlines to meet, no chores to complete, no lists to check twice.
Bliss.
Friday, October 8, 2021
Let's Eat Pie
Almost as popular as traditional Pecan Pie, this delicious Japanese Fruit Pie graces many dinner tables here in the South.
The combination of pecans, raisins, and coconut suspended in a chess-pie type of filling is wonderfully rich and toothsome.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium mixing bowl combine eggs, butter, sugar, vinegar and vanilla extract.
Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes. Cool before serving.
Monday, October 4, 2021
Season Of Mists
Autumn morning mists came calling.
Saturday, September 4, 2021
Penelope Keith's Hidden Villages - Full-screen
Thursday, August 12, 2021
Growing
The triplet fawns are growing like little weeds.
Their spots are disappearing, and momma dear tries her best to run away, but they still insist on trying to feed, chasing her down the field.
Armadillos have moved into Middle Tennessee.....ooh joy.