Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge Fall

Sunday September 22 was the Autumnal Equinox, the first day of the Autumn season.

1. Are there pumpkins or chrysanthemums on your porch or are you planning on putting some out?  

I have started decorating. I have a few more things to put out. I have decorated inside too.

2. What seasonal changes are you noticing in your part of the world? What would you add or take away?

I would like a real longer fall, and longer winter with a bit of snow and rain.

3. Is pumpkin pie on the menu for you this fall?  How about pumpkin spice or pumpkin latte coffee flavors? Are you a fan?   Spiced teas?  What do you like?  We have already had some pumpkin pie when my daughter brought it over last week. I bought a few small pumpkins for my table. I need to get some pumpkin spice creamer.

4. If there was a free week long tour of New England, complete with peak colors and a trip to Plimouth, Massachusetts (the colony site with historical players), would you come along?  If that doesn't suit, where would you like to go for your Autumn trip? I went on a New England cruise in 2008 and the Maine countryside was just starting to show it's fall colors. I would go back for a longer timeframe if I could. We can go up to Oak Glen, about an hour away and see some fall colors.

1. It's officially fall y'all...in the northern hemisphere anyway. What are three of your favorite things about this particular season of the year? It is not fall in So CA. We won't be there until mid October.

The cooler nights is always welcomed and the mosquitoes start to disappear!

2. Your favorite fall fabric-denim, flannel, tweed, corduroy, tartan, polar fleece, leather? Do you own something made with your favorite fall fabric? Fleece is nice and I have a couple of flannel shirts I wear over a t-shirt.

3. According to Everyday Health here are ten healthy fall foods- apples (flavonoids may improve brain health), pears (for heart friendly fiber), cranberries (helps your body fight oxidative stress) winter squash (for eye health), pumpkin (another great source of Vitamin A), leeks (an anti-inflammatory food), Brussel sprouts (full of fiber and anti-oxidants), sweet potatoes (loaded with Vit A and C), parsnips (keep your bones healthy with Vit K), and broccoli (may help prevent cancer). 

How many on the list do you eat on a regular basis? Which one is your favorite? Which one gets a big no thanks from you? We ear broccoli every week. I eat an apple everyday. I like sweet potatoes and even put them in my homemade soups.

4. Tell us about the last time (or a recent time) you experienced a wave of nostalgia? A memory popped up on Facebook of my parents when we were on a New England cruise in 2008. We were celebrating my dad's 75th birthday on September 22.

5. Sept. 22nd was National Daughter's Day. Like mother, like daughter...does this idiom ring true for you? You may answer in terms of your own role as a daughter or, if you have daughters, then your role as a mother of daughters. I am like my mom. My daughter's temperament is not like mine. We do both tend to do too much. My oldest son is most like me and his daughter is a minnie me!

6. Insert your own random thought here. I am still waiting for the results of my MRI. I sent a message to my doctor and her assistant said it can take up to 14 working days. I started with a new physical therapy group and I think I have overdone some of the exercises and my lower back hurts more. Hopefully that will improve. I have dermatology appointment on Friday and a mammogram on Saturday.

I am resting today and working on my kits for my next Bible journaling group. We will be discussing the Jewish fall celebrations. I really dive into my Bible and online groups to get a better understanding. I will also talk about oils in the Bible and I plan to pass out a few samples of Frankincense and one called Joy since a verse says oil of joy or gladness. I plan to set the table with apples, honey and pomegranates. My hubby and I are going to a Jewish market in Orange Country so I can get some Challah bread they make round for Rosh Hashanah. In December we will talk about Hannukah and the Jesus Birth.

Thanks to Annie and Joy for the memes, links are ton the left.

My regular blog is at Susan's Garden of Friendship The link is to the right. I have had that blog for 15 years! I know I will have to give it up someday, so I am glad I have this one.
I have been learning a lot about essential oils and my collection is building up. I am a consultant for Young Living Oils. but not really pushing it. I was able to make some deodorant for a friend that just found out she has breast cancer. She wants to fight it with a holistic approach. I asked her to check with her Dr to make sure it was ok.

For over 5000 years, man has been using oils, so it is not a new thing. But with the advent of "modern" medicine made in labs, many have not learned about home made remedies. My cousin and I were talking about how our grandmas and other older relatives would gives us herbal teas they made from their yard. How they made and used salves and oils to treat various elements. But what I think the most important aspect of all of it was the personal treatment you received. A lot of touch went in with that kind of care. Not "here's a pill, you will be ok soon" treatment. I wanted to share a picture, but I can't seem to upload anything. I have a whole section on essential oils at my website.