Saturday Meanderings

It has been a glorious week with many days with temperatures below 100 degrees! And it looks like this delightful trend will continue through the next 10-day forecast. We’ve even had a few rainstorms thrown in the mix. Fall is definitely on its way–which makes me laugh when I realize that, here in Phoenix, simply dipping below triple digits is enough to feel monumental. Of course, it’s hard to believe September is already three-quarters of the way through. We’ll be chatting about a few fall-ish things today, so grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let’s get started!

A Little Fall Decorating

As much as I see pumpkin-spiced drinks popping up everywhere and photos of sweaters and coats filling my feed, it is still hot here in Phoenix. However, I am a firm believer in the old adage, “If you build it, they will come.” So, out came a little of the fall decor this week.

In the dining room, I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that I still had my spring cherry blossoms on display. They were quickly replaced with autumn leaves and these adorable soft golden pom-pom picks. A few gilded glass pumpkins are lined up along the mantel over the fireplace. With just a few of those simple touches, I swear the room felt a little cooler.

The front porch was another story. After sitting unattended all Sumer through haboobs, triple digit heat and a collection of every spider web imaginable, the entry had begun to look a bit like the Addams Family haunted house.

Several hours later, after…

• power washing the fine layer of dirt and dust from the house
• washing the windows and screens
• removing all those very sticky black widow webs
• giving the outdoor lanterns a thorough scrub
• washing and drying four rocking chairs
• hosing all that grime off the floor

…the front porch and entry were sparkling clean~and once again inhabitable. The satisfying final touch was hanging the fall wreath on the front door.

There is still the rest of the house exterior to do, but getting those first little autumn steps underway is surprisingly gratifying.

A Plethora of Pears

As I mentioned last week, we had a bumper crop from our Kieffer pear tree at the cabin. This week, I put some of those pears to good use by trying my hand at pear chutney. Really wasn’t sure what to expect, but the thought of a flavorful, full-bodied chutney during the holidays enticed me enough to give this recipe from Alex at It’s Not Complicated Recipes a try.

I made my first batch with what I had on hand–dark brown instead of light brown sugar and dried cherries instead of golden raisins–and the result was spectacular. Truly, it was so good I could have eaten the entire jar with a spoon! I have since replenished the pantry with the actual ingredients called for in the recipe, and as I write this, a second batch is happily bubbling away on the stove.

I’m already thinking about all the ways to serve it during the holidays. It would be delicious alongside roasted pork or turkey, spooned over a log of goat cheese or a wheel of Brie, or spread on a cracker with a little sharp cheddar. I can also imagine it tucked into a turkey sandwich for a little sweet-savory kick. There is something about the combination of sweet, tart, savory with a wee bit of spice that makes chutney feel like Fall in a jar. Here’s the recipe if anyone would like to add this delicious condiment to their seasonal table.

Kitchen Dreams

I have a small kitchen at the cabin, and now that we seem to be spending more and more time there, I find myself dreaming about remodeling it. I don’t want to make it bigger–I just want to make it more efficient and definitely more attractive.

This recent article in Country Living caught my attention because it features a stunning kitchen that is light, beautiful and full of substance. I love everything about it! Even better, the article is filled with thoughtful ideas for maintaining the character and charm of an older kitchen while giving it a fresh, updated look.

I’m taking notes–and perhaps doing a little dreaming–because I think there is something to be said for working in a small space rather than automatically trying to make it larger. Sometimes a little creativity can make a kitchen feel like it has everything you need. You can read the article here.

What Are You Reading?

Lately, I’ve started reading the Death in Paradise murder mystery books by Robert Thorogood. We watched all 15 seasons of Death in Paradise (through Britbox and its Amazon channel) and enjoyed them immensely. When I discovered that the series’ creator had written a collection of novels, I knew I had to give them a try.

The books are clever, entertaining and tricky right up to the end, which is exactly what I want in a good mystery. There’s just enough of that Death in Paradise charm to make them particularly fun to read.

Robert Thorogood has also written The Marlow Murder Club series, which also has a television version, which I’ve tried as well. It’s okay-not great, in my opinion. I find the main character a bit annoying, which may have something to do with my lukewarm enthusiasm for the series. (I know, I know…apparently I’m not very forgiving when it comes to fictional characters!).

If you enjoy British mysteries with plenty of twists and a cast of quirky characters, you might want to give the Thorogood’s Death in Paradise books a try.

Since I seem to be particularly fond of book series, I’m excited to have discovered Tess Gerritsen’s Martini Club mysteries. I’ve read the first two~The Spy Coast and The Summer Guests~and both have been fun reads. The premise is particularly entertaining: a group of retired CIA operatives living quietly in a small coastal town of Maine, gathering as a seemingly innocent book club. Occasionally, however, they find themselves drawn back into the world of espionage and murder.

The third book, The Shadow Friends, was just released in August, so I’m looking forward to getting my hands on it. Gerritsen is already working on a fourth book, tentatively titled The Italian Affair, which is planned for 2028. I do love finding a series with characters I enjoy. So happy there are more books comings.

What Are You Watching?

We’ve been watching a few different things lately. Lioness has me hooked, and I’m already looking forward to the next season of Landman. And, of course, there’s always the Duttons from Dutton Ranch! Apparently, we have a fondness for a little drama and intrigue around here.

But one of my favorites continues to be Call the Midwife. I absolutely love the music in the series-it somehow adds another layer of emotion to every episode. I’m also fascinated by the glimpse it gives us into the lives of families and communities in postwar England, including the history of women’s health and midwifery. We are happily making our way through all 14 seasons (on PBS and Prime)!

Mary Must Haves

Our tea kettle in the pool house is a relic so it’s time to update that much-used appliance.

This is hands-down my favorite electric tea kettle. I like being able to select the temperature of the water and the colored lights indicate when it is boiling, when it’s finished and when it is warming. If you are in the market for an electric tea kettle, here’s the link.

My red-light therapy pad is plugged in next to the family room sofa. It is the perfect place for me to use it on some ache or pain nearly every other night. If you are suffering from a sore knee, hip, back, shoulder, this red light pad provides relief almost immediately. I can’t say enough about it and for $35.99 it is sooo worth it.

A Little Bella Terra Excitement

I’m excited to share that we’ve received a few inquiries about both Stay at Bella Terra and Gather at Bella Terra! It’s such a wonderful feeling to think about opening our historic property to others and sharing the beauty, character and charm of Bella Terra.

After so many years of restoring and caring for this special place, the idea of welcoming guests and hosting intimate gatherings feels like a natural next chapter. We’re looking forward to sharing this little piece of history and, hopefully, helping create some truly magical memories along the way.

Scott captured this picture of Finn in his happy place on the sofa at the cabin. I just love all the sepia-like tones and textures surrounding our big boy.

As you are reading this, we are traveling to Texas to spend a few days with our daughter. I always love these little pockets of time with family, and I’m looking forward to making the most of our visit.

Wishing you a wonderful final weekend of summer! Fall officially arrives on Tuesday, September 22, so perhaps it’s time to pull out a sweater, sip something pumpkin-spiced and welcome the new season—whether the thermometer agrees with us or not! Until next time, enjoy your weekend and stay safe out there.