Saturday Meanderings

Sorry to have missed last week’s Saturday Meanderings. Technical issues, frozen phone and too many hours trying to fix everything put me a bit behind schedule. But here we are now into November and I am trying to put the brakes on everything life related. Happy Saturday and thank you so much for being here. I cannot tell you how much I value you, your comments and support. So let’s get started on all the good things that happened this week.

Halloween Recap

Mr. Bones is a focal point of our Halloween decorations and after a quick bath in the sink, he greeted our dinner guests at the front door.

A few posts ago, I shared my desire to create a spooky woman looking out through an vintage window frame. Well, here she is. The window frame, purchased at a vintage thrift store, is perfect as it gives me lots of space to wind vines, branches and moss.

Since we never get children trick or treating, we host a small neighborhood dinner party on the back porch. Since I decorated with lots of witches hats, it seems appropriate for me to be a witch too. And doesn’t my husband look creepy?

Fall Has Arrived

Arizona is known for having such beautiful light and it is especially noticeable in the autumn. Here are some photos from the around the yard.

Here is the view out to the hen house and garden. The western sky provides a golden backdrop.

The 4 palm trees stand like sentries in the eastern front yard and reflect the colors of sunset.

The area between the rose garden and the orchard has very old date palms, whose feathery fronds silhouette the sunset.

Dinner in the Orchard

Prior to the pandemic, we would annually host a dinner in the orchard to support our church’s music program. We haven’t had an event in over 3 years. On Friday night we are hosting 33 people for a sit down dinner and a musical venue once again. My only concern is that we are experiencing a significant drop in temperature. Keeping my fingers crossed that with a few heaters, blankets and shawls, we will at least be somewhat comfortable. More to come on this next week.

Poll Worker

As we all know, elections are next week. This year, I signed up as a Poll Worker and will be employed the day of the election (for $12.00 per hour) as an election clerk. This is the first time for me and it is amazing how little I know about the procedures/processes at an election site. Each poll worker needs to be trained and certified.

After voting by mail for many years, I am actually excited to cast my ballot in person on Tuesday Remember to vote~it’s a privilege that many do not get to have.

Apples

We have SO many apples and I am experimenting with new recipes. If you have a favorite apple one you would like to share, please do so. This week I made Apple Brown Butter Bars from a Better Homes & Gardens October 2019 issue. I will share the recipe once I make it again, as I didn’t find the directions very detailed. But they are very tasty!

Cranberries

To me, there is something romantic about the cranberry. Growing up in New England, we would take family vacations to Cape Cod where cranberry bogs are abundant. This tiny, vitamin packed fruit is traditionally paired with both Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.

My new blogging friend, Maureen from Red Cottage Chronicles shares a recipe for these sweet and tangy Cranberry Cheesecake bars. I hope to make them soon, but wouldn’t these bars be a great gift too?

You can see her post here.

What Do You Think?

I absolutely love the exterior of this 18th century home in Oxfordshire, England. Owned by London interior designer, Samantha Todhunter, she is known for blending historical places with bold and modern design.

The main living areas of the house (with exception of the kitchen) have big, bold colors with attention grabbing design details. In contrast, the bedrooms are more serene and traditional. Anyway, I’m curious what you think. You can see it all here on The Glam Pad.

New Visitor to the Neighborhood

It was quite shocking this week to see this javelina (wild peccary) in the lot just next door to us. I have never seen one before and not only is this fella big, but he has sharp tusks. They can be aggressive in urban settings, and consider dogs a natural enemy. We hope he cannot get onto our property, because our sweet old beagle, Sox cannot hear or see very well.

Well, that’s a wrap for this Saturday. It will be busy but fun week as my blogging friends are coming to stay for a few days. Hoping for lots of laughter and creative moments.

Have a wonderful, relaxing weekend!