The temperature here in Michigan is supposed to drop radically tonight. I don't know what radically means -- none of the weather people are committing (probably smart), other than to say it will be a good preview of winter. And they are predicting snow. Well, I live in Michigan so we don't have hurricanes and fewer tornadoes than certain areas, far fewer wildfires. Stop complaining, Jeanie.
Lizzie, on the other hand, has not adjusted to falling back. She's fine in the morning because I think overall she prefers sleep to food but she's started bugging me for dinner at 3:30. Now, I don't feed her till 5 or 6, but the usual nagging doesn't start till after 4. It's not that she doesn't have food in her bowl. Our Lady of the Neurotic Eating Habits has taken to not eating her dry food unless she is attended.
This means throwing kernels across the room where she'll chase and devour it or pretending to put new food in her bowl or taking it out of her bowl and putting it on her mat. At our sale, her catsitter, Claudia, said that she would arrive each day and the food hadn't been eaten, so she would sit and be with her to be sure she ate.
At least she's thinking inside the box again. (Now that I've said it, I'll regret that!) She went through a period of about three months where once every seven to 10 days she would go outside the box. Not far -- about six inches, on the cement floor next to it. I tried puppy pads (she really liked those, so that idea was a bomb). I kept a bucket by the boxes for fast clean-up.
Well, all this has stopped since we've been home from the lake to stay. Let's keep hoping.
Our sale last week went well. Not as well as we wished, given the pouring rain almost all day Saturday, a home game and no evening traffic. But we all came home with money and in my case, special orders. I was thrilled some of my watercolors sold and loads of cards, so no complaints.
I'm working on getting new things into the Gypsy Caravan here in case anyone is interested. Hopefully next week...
Yesterday Kate and I went to IKEA (and Trader Joe's) and my big purchase was a high chair for our Baby Grand! On Saturday, Molly and I are going to Southern Exposure for Christmas Decorating on a Shoestring and Rick is baby sitting while we're gone. I'm not sure which of us is more excited!
He's been cooking like crazy from Paul Hollywood's book. Last week he made two so-delicious-you-can't-stand-it things -- one was a pizza with bacon, brie, carmelized onions and potatoes. The crust was thin and perfect and it was so good! The next day he did this bread in a springform (Pain de Savoie) that had ham and cheese in it. It looked like a cake but was bread texture and the best lunch ever.
He also did baguettes, which were delicious with Julia's VERY EASY French Onion Soup. I've made this twice over the past few weeks and it's to die for. And did I say easy? Only change I made to the recipe was adding more onions and since I didn't have the cognac, skipping the tablespoon right before serving. It wasn't missed!
November is here with cold nights, dark skies lit by a moon the size of a kleig light, crunchy leaves underfoot (they are finally falling) and the promise of holidays to come.
The beginning of the busy season. Hold onto your hats!
37 comments:
I don't like the shorter days and I'm still having trouble adjusting to the time change. I want to eat about an hour earlier! lol LOVE your cards...I think I see a snowman that is especially cute. Glad you made some sales...sorry the day wasn't the best. Lots of hugs, Diane
I'm sure it will be much colder where you are than here. I don't mind the shorter days for a while as it will add to the pre Christms atmosphere, but I could do without winter carrying on in January... February..... sigh... Still we do have some leaves on the trees and it was warm and fairly balmy today so I had a nice cycle ride into London.
That pizza and soup look wonderful.
I have been toying with the idea of getting a cat, but i won't because i like my freedom to take off. Trader Joe's has a red Calif. wine: Green Fin, I think it is only $2.?! Red table wine, I really like it. I wish we had a TJ's! Hope you adjust to the new season, each one has their gifts.
I love today's post. Your cat is so cute and I'm glad she is thinking in the box these days. Rick's cooking talents would put me to shame. I'm glad he is putting Paul Hollywood's recipes to the test. This is a newer to me chef I've watched on TV. My what gorgeous eyes he has. I'm so glad your sale went relatively well and that you've got some special orders. No doubt people are getting their gifts ready for Christmas. I'm glad I started my shopping long ago because it seems like Christmas is around the corner and I still have to wrap and post some before things get too busy at the post office. Have a wonderful weekend Jeanie.
Loved the post. Kitty sounds like she is spoiled, but they are great anyway. My Waldo, won'teat unless I am setting in the kitchen, so I have to sit until he is finished. Spoiled rotten.
So glad that you had a good show, especially after you worked so hard.
My room mate works at IKEA and loves it. Said the food there is pretty good. They don't season it much since they are Swedish. She said that people come in just to eat. I could think of other places to go to.
I kinda feel like I should go to be at 6 since it's so dark. But I do like the sun light in the morning.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs,
Mary
I thought my two were worrisome, but they never fail to eat, and are always ready to do so when I feed them. They also use their litter boxes, sometimes too often (grin). I think Lizzie needs to spend time with a cat psychiatrist.
So glad the show wasn't a bust, but it sounds like the traffic just wasn't there, or at least not as expected. However, since you are happy about it, I am happy for you.
After seeing yours and Rick's meals, I'm definitely hungry. Both look not just tasty, but also temping.
I have less problems with falling back than springing forward. It takes me forever to get in the groove in spring. I hope the nights and days soon balance out for you, dear.
I hate it when they put the clocks back and make the evenings so long. Sorry your sweet Kitty is playing up, mine used to do things like that when I had visitors, perhaps just to make sure she got noticed! Your cards all look great, you put a lot of work into it all. And that food looks divine....
Hugs, Valerie
It took me a couple of days to adjust to the time change. I coped much better this year than last.
That French onion soup looks delicious, and the pizza sounds great.
Lizzie looks quite lovely in her closeups, and your cards are beautiful.
Love your November blog. Your Gypsy Caravan is wonderful, wish I were there to purchase something. I do love your charming framed watercolor and the cards.of course as a card maker myself; I sell over 100 cards a month at two markets here in town. Art is wonderful is it not??? makes the spirit soar! wish you would share the onion soup recipe, it looks yummy. sgaskill55@gmail.com is best to respond to me if you are so inclined sometime. blessings from Las Cruces. Sharon
my card site www.spiritedjourneycardgallery.com
Well, Jeanie, I don't like winter either. I love mornings, and as I sit here and watch the leaves outside my window fall like rain (we had our first hard freeze last night with 21°), I'm just thankful the sun is shining to make it bearable. Even though I still enjoy the days, I definitely feel shortchanged with less daylight, and also feel a sense of needing to hurry to get whatever it is I have on my list done. Once it's dark, it just feels like it's time to hunker down. Little attitude adjustments such as your Southern Exposure outing, a few sales to keep your creative spirit busy, and some good meals should serve well, and I suppose we just need to keep looking for those outlets that keep our spirits high. Glad your Lizzie seems well-adjusted again. I think it was those neighbors at the lake she didn't like. ;)
Have a great weekend.
I lie Ikea..I don't get there often..but like it..have a big chair..2 loveseats and some dining chairs from them..not tired of them at all:)
Although..one has a wee problem w/ the fabric fraying but it's inside.
the core..
c'est la p'tite vie.
Your set up looks great Jeanie..exhausting too I bet..the anticipation..set up..pack up..and the adrenaline:)
Al the food looks and sound so tasty..Bread..give me bread..cheese..onions..lol ♥
and wine.
Not sure about the time change yet..I am wide awake way too early but..I love the cozy evenings..crappy for photos though:(
Bon weekend!
My dear, dear Jeanie, the busy season for me is SCHOOL and I've been so absent from blogging. I hope you are well? Good to see you are up and about, creating to your heart's content, and to OURS! Much love to you!
Cats. Don't get me started. Congratulations on your sales. Your display of cards looks fantastic and I'm sure it attracted lots of people. Oh to have a husband /partner who likes to cook. I've never made French onion soup. I keep getting inspired by all the bloggers out there. -Jenn
I don't know if it's the time change or the colder, darker days, but November is my least favorite month (even though it has my favorite holiday); the dark seems "darkier." Your picture of the sale looks quite enticing. Glad it went well. My class was small, but we all enjoyed ourselves. It sure seems extra cold to me lately. Good soup weather!
The show looks amazing. It is so much work to get ready for that, but congrats on the sales and the commissions. How cool is that! We've gotten cold too-only 24 degrees this morning- brrr. That Halloween Hunter's Moon was pretty amazing and you got some great shots. I think I am with Lizzie though. Feed me early and let me go to bed. There's just way too much dark. :) Happy weekend. Have fun at your class. Hugs-Erika
Oh Jeanie I smiled at your comment about Lizzie bugging you for food too early. Rufus is exactly the same, I feed them about 5.15 but ever since the time change he starts bugging me about 4!! I agree about gaining the hour to us that have no schedule to keep. I don’t like the extra dark hours. Your first image is terrific. Your work is lovely, very pretty. mmm delicious food.
This year I've heard more complaints about the time change and I admit I do not like it getting dark so early. I always enjoy seeing and hearing about Lizzie. I'm glad to know you have an excellent sitter to takes the time to make sure she is eating. Sounds like Lizzie may be a little spoiled :, I spoiled my sister's kitties when I watched them for her and always make sure they ate. Guess it's time for you to expect snow there, we haven't had a frost here yet and the grass is still green. It has been one of the prettiest autumns here in a while. And, I hope it lasts a while longer! Stat warm and cozy Jeannie........
Your Lizzie story makes me laugh. My Annie is a crazy eater...she is fat but is so picky! I'm not sure how all this came to be, but it is. I love this little girl and her snuggles. Your art is wonderful and I hope you do put some for sale on your blog. I'm hoping to make some simple watercolor Christmas gifts for my friends. I just have to believe in myself and try! You are lucky to have such a good chef in your home! The soup looks amazing. Stay warm. Hugs!
I think I would like to hire Rick . . .
Those three items tickled my palette!
French Onion Soup and breads . . . Can’t be beat!
Chilled to the bone right now after working outdoors with the leaves.
My endurance has gone backward as my age has gone upward.
Looking forward to my card purchases . . .
Let me know when you are ready, I think I need to “up” my purchase!
Get ready for the weather plunge . . . cuddle up!
Your sky pictures are quite wonderful. Oh my, that is alot of cooking by Rick. How nice for you. Oh Lizzie, these cats do rule. Joey wakes me up early and also starts begging mid afternoon. Hope they adjust to the time change soon, me too.
I have to say, more light in the morning is great for me. I like getting up and about, although when Dixie Rose decided 4 a.m. was getting-up time, that was a bit much even for me. Today? She didn't come prowling in until 5:30 -- we're making progress!
The only problem I have with the shorter days is that I don't like to drive unfamiliar country roads after dark, so my out-and-aboutness gets curtailed some. Otherwise? I love the long evenings, and the coming cold. Of course, our cold isn't your cold. I've seen people in jackets and boots and scarves when it's 55. I think they just want to wear their "winter" stuff and take any opportunity.
Our clocks changed in October. I'm not sure if I find it more annoying that the clocks change (it's not like we need it to happen these days) or that they can't even change everyone's clocks on the same date (time differences are confusing enough without also having to factor in who had their clocks change, who didn't yet, and who never does). My lack of schedule means it doesn't make much dfference to me in that regard, and the time it gets light or dark doesn't matter to me either. But it's hard enough for me to keep track of when it is without them messing about with adding or subtracting hours
Anyway, glad the sale went well and you got some orders. Also glad Lizzie does eat, even if you have to provide an audience for it.
I so agree with you Jeanie and always hate it when the clocks change but my husband, and I will be spending three months of this winter with our family in Australia where it will be summer, so we are feeling very lucky.
We are lucky living in the UK because we rarely get snow, but boy does it rain and rain and rain! I really shouldn’t complain because I love England in the spring, summer and autumn I just don’t do so well when it’s cold and wet.
Lizzie is just adorable, and I love that she has her ‘humans’ so well trained. :-)
I’m so pleased the sale went well; I had wondered how you got on.
Have a lovely week,
Hello Jeanie, Thank you for stopping by. Your post is perfect for the fall turn the clock back darkness. Magellan has not adjusted to daylight savings. Of course with me having just returned and getting up early he was very impressed. That needs to stop. I cannot wait to see The Gypsy Caravan next week. From the sneak preview the cards look great. I had to go up to LA yesterday. I so hate coming home in the dark especially when it is just 5:30. Do you go up to the cabin in the fall and winter? A cabin and cold days are perfect for the crafts.
Those pictures are so cute of Lizzie. Sounds like she rules the roost.
The dishes Rick made look delicious!
Do you make cards as well as pictures?
I'm with you on the tax change.
Have a wondrous Sunday.
x
Your pictures always make my heart sing, Jeanie. You know, we used to have French onion soup every Christmas Eve, but it's been awhile. We used to bake it with mozzarella cheese bubbling from the oven. Your cards are so delightful. Glad you made a bit of money. And your cat pictures amaze me.
~Sheri
Jeanie, you are a breath of fresh air on a cloudy and dreary Monday morning! Your Lizzie makes me miss our Oreo. We haven’t adopted another cat and I miss their finicky ways! Your sale was successful in spite of the rainy weather! Can’t wait to see your Southern Exposure post, they are always so enjoyable!
Jeanie, your card display is luscious. And your colors are so joyous, it's no wonder that your customers want to collect such happiness for themselves.
Smooches to Miss Lizzy. I love that face.
Hello, I love your moon images, very pretty. I do not like this time change at all. Cute photos of your sweet Lizzie. Rick's food looks delicious, yum! Congrats on your sales, your art work is beautiful. Happy Monday, enjoy your day and new week!
This will make you smile - I had to Google whether or not we have daylight savings in Thailand as I wondered whether I'd missed it! And the answer is... No. You should move here, I am surrounded by lovely Americans!! And if the temperature here is to drop dramatically it would be on World news and this little Wren would be very happy! Hope Lizzie adjusts to the new times soon!
Wren x
Dear Jeanie,
I do not like the short days at all. I am so tired in the early evening. I look up at the clock thinking it is late and it is only 8pm!
I am so happy you sold some of your work. I just LOVE your cards and watercolors. They are just beautiful.
Wishing you a peaceful and creative week ahead.
blessings,
Penny
haha... I'm not a winter person either, and it takes some adjusting getting to the new time. And, actually, as I type... we're having our first snow! Thankfully, it is not likely to last, so it may be gone by tomorrow... WHEW! Sweet Miss Lizzie--Our Lady of the Neurotic Eating Habits...sooo CUTE! Interesting that she wants company while she eats her dry food. Hoping food and "in the box" will even out... :/ VERY fun to see a little from your craft sale! So glad you had some sales--and commissions--YES! :) Oh, baby sitting...how did it go?! Can't wait to hear/see more! And about your SE decorating too. Rick's latest baking adventures sounds sooo GOOD! Gotta try that pizza...mmm... Some good times there for you just now, Jeanie! Happy Days... keep warm & cozy! ((HUGS))
I feel how your cat looks. :)
I'm glad that the sale was successful for you despite lower traffic. That's great that you got some custom requests, too. You are very talented so I am not surprised!
I was gone this past weekend so Phil and Oscar were on their own. I always get up first so Oscar gets her treats pretty early in the day whether it's a weekday or weekend. I guess she did not like how late Phil stayed in bed on Saturday morning. She just stood on his chest until he got up. Ha. Oscar definitely prefers Phil but clearly she misses me when her treats/morning meal are delayed. ;)
I don't like falling back either. I hate that it's almost dark when we get home. Soon it will be dark when we leave and come home from work. We've also had some unseasonably cold weather. The high one day was 23 degrees! That is cold for early November!! We've had 3 snow falls but they have all melted within a day or so!
Those desserts look amazing.
Jeanie, I'm glad Lizzie is back to thinking inside the box! :D And that she had an observant cat sitter who took the time to sit with her while she ate. I hate the time change, too, but in either direction - I just want someone to pick a time, anytime, I don't care which, and stick with it all year long!
Your November doesn't sound that bad as the introduction might us make believe. Your cat is so sweet - and of course she has her very own ideas. She's a cat after all!
Your food pictures made me hungry. I need a husband who cooks for me...
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