I finally called it quits and gathered in the last of the tomatoes and peppers from the garden. House plants and patio plants that could be wintered over came in as well. These had to be repotted. Their soil is tired from the summer’s growth and I didn’t want to bring in any bugs that might have been crawling around or laying eggs in them.
I spent a lot of time this past week with my Father, trying to help him decide where he wants to live after December 1st, when the closing on his house will take place. We looked at different condos and communities but his heart isn’t in it. A decision seems a long way off. Meanwhile, a relative showed up at his house one night needing a place to stay. Amongst the truckload of her possessions were 3 cats. As the house is still being shown until the buyer’s mortgage approval comes through, this is a problem. That is not the only problem with this arrangement but my Father feels he can’t turn away a family member in need. Hmmm, life gets complicated.
Ripening tomatoes in the windowsills and finding sunny spots for the newly potted plants is very therapeutic. Cooking is too. I baked my oldest daughter an upside down peach cake. Then, I sliced up 5 big apples, added some cinnamon and 2 Tablespoons of honey and dotted them with a couple of tablespoons of butter. This cooked along with the peach cake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Topped with freshly whipped cream, it was delicious.
I feel for your father’s situation! Moving to a new situation is difficult at any age. Sounds like you’re an understanding daughter willing to take the time needed for him to feel more comfortable.
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Thanks. I’m hoping once he is settled somewhere, he does feel comfortable and happy!! ‘In between times’ are often the most trying. So nice of you to comment!
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I agree!
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You truly do portray a beautiful life, despite the complications that inevitably arise. Mouthwatering, too.
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Thanks so much! If I had more land, I would love to add some large animals to the mix. I will have to keep living vicariously keeping track of your ranch and your gorgeous horses:)
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Wishing your father the best with his decision, it does take time to find a new ‘home’ and you understand that, your dad is lucky to have you.
A very homely and nice glimpse into your life Cynthia.
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Thank you! My father wasn’t a minister but I grew up in an old parsonage. It is a beautiful home and was a great house to grow up in. The new owner will love it. I think my father will be somewhere good soon and we’ll make his new home cheerful, comfortable and a happy place to be.
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Cynthia,
I used to make my favorite pickled green tomatoes, with my dad in the fall. We both loved them, but no one else did. They were just the tiny green tomatoes, garlic, dill and vinegar. Now my dad is gone, but I would still make them if I had the little tomatoes. I think canning, baking, cooking gives us comfort because it is something we actually have control over in a sometimes unsettling world. I wish both of your people a comforting home in the near future.
-Ginene
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I’ve often thought the same thing about vegetable gardens, Ginene. Unlike my crazy perennial gardens, my vegetables are kept nice and orderly. I’m finding myself expanding them and reducing the perennials the last few years. That is a nice memory you shared about your Dad. I can picture it:). Thanks for the good wishes and , as always, your wonderful comment!!!
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I just picked all my last things too. It will be fried green tomatoes for a while!
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I never made or even tasted those but I’m thinking of giving them a try. Thanks for the comment!
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Nothing beats gardening and cooking for a little therapy. Cheers to you and your dad and all that need a little positive energy within your garden walls!
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That’s for sure, Benjamin!! Works every time.. Thanks!
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How nice and cozy these photos are and I think this urge to bake in the cool weather is instinctive or something …I’ve been doing it too.
Hope things all work out for your dad.
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Thanks! It is going to be fun to see what this next season brings with everyone’s blogs. Looking at yours has fired me up to finish a quilt I started last winter….maybe if I change it to a lap quilt, lol.
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We’re still holding out on some beans. Indoor plants are still out, but not for long!
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Seems like it all went so fast!
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The vegetables look really great 🙂
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Thanks! Glad you posted a green tomato recipe, lol. Looks good too
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Try it – it was really easy 🙂
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I certainly enjoyed reading your post. I love the photo of the tomatoes on the window sill. We used to do that when I was a kid 🙂 Judy
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Thanks! Lots of people wrap them in newspaper and put them in boxes. Maybe a better method but tomatoes in the windows have become a fall tradition for me. You guys with your amazing photos ……feel a little self conscious about my pictures sometimes, lol!
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I think your photos are very nice.
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Everything sounds so lovely with you. Have you ever read Anais Nin’s books? Her diaries? She had that quality also. A way to make even the grimmest things in her life sound beautiful.
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I have read some of her things, not her diaries. I think I will, though. Thanks for the idea.
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Would you be willing to share the recipe for upside down peach cake? it looks heavenly and peaches are my favorite!
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