Monday, November 5, 2018

November: The Coming of Darkness


Winter is upon us, that's for sure! Alex and I took the dogs out today in the woods and it was a lot of fun walking in the snow. The temperatures are very cold and there is no doubt that we will only see green grass now in May!

I know that my American friends have Thanksgiving in November. Ours was in October. So this is one month where I don't have any big holidays planned. What does November mean to you? What do you focus on?

November always seems like a recovery month for me. The days are usually dreary and the nights are long...darkness encourages me to stay in bed longer than I usually do. We spend a lot of time at home, relaxing and recuperating from the summer and harvest seasons. At some point, usually mid-month, I start to think about Yuletide, Christmas and the New Year.  Our feasts will be scaled down this year since we are officially in frugal mode, but I still plan to have a lot of fun with what I can afford to make!

Also, I'd like to share a big goal with you. I plan to only use the car less than ten times from now until April. Monthly shopping and all of the canning I've done will help with that! Eventually I'd like that to be I'll NEVER use the car during the winter! But...that will take more time and planning. :)

Have you started to think about Christmas yet? 
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57 comments:

  1. SandiNovember 5, 2018 at 5:54 PM

    Not using the car! That sounds very freeing.

    Do you have stores you can walk to?

    Love the snow in your photo. If we had the much here it would close us down for a week. Even Wal-mart would close!


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  2. wisps of wordsNovember 5, 2018 at 6:17 PM

    Ohhhh, you have snow!!! Very glad that you enjoy it so much! But then, how else could you live there? :-))))

    November = Hibernate. :-) Enjoy the warmth ✨🔥✨ of home. Hunker down. Prepare for real hibernation, later, in deep winter.

    Interesting goal. Hope your planning, allows you to keep to it!

    Also good to know, you are in planning-for-future mode. Which one can call frugal mode. But I like the "Plan" sound. It speaks to doing-to-get-something-great. Rather than sounding as if one is "losing" something (Frugal-ish). ,-))))

    No, I do not think about Christmas, now. And since our gift giving is very limited (Grand children only)... And their gifts are easy to get... There is no Gift Getting Frenzy, awaiting me, even when I do think about it. !!!!!!

    There used to be! Gift Getting Frenzy! -sigh- Years ago, I took it on myself, to stop this family silliness. I got grumbles, but we all did it, and are happy for it. :-)

    I won't think about Yule/Christmas, until the urge for some sparkles and snow, hits me. :-)))) Then it will show, on my blog!

    ✨🍂✨🍁✨🔥✨🍁✨🍂✨

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  3. coffeeontheporchwithmeNovember 5, 2018 at 6:33 PM

    Oh my, snow already, and it's staying? We've had bits here and there and one day where it stayed, but then gone by the next afternoon. I'm afraid no car would be impossible for me, still have to drive to work, and there isn't even a store in our little village. But good luck to you in your goal! -Jenn

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  4. wisps of wordsNovember 5, 2018 at 6:51 PM

    Dear RAIN, I knew you would understand.... Re: Your comment, on this post of mine.... -sigh-

    My husband would like to go take a small piece of granite, to keep. He did this years ago, took a small piece of the formation of an old home in this city... Which was demolished. A totally unique building.... People today wouldn't even know what he meant, if he mentioned "The Bottle House."

    And btw, he feels the same way I do, about how horribly sad and awful, what has been done, to the lot next door, is.

    Tearing down that old "Bottle House," was not a rape of the earth. But it was wanton destruction, of a part of this city's History. Just because she could. :-(

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  5. wisps of wordsNovember 5, 2018 at 6:59 PM

    Well that is weird.

    The click-able link I just left, to my post, says "the post does not exist." It most certainly does.

    Well, it's my last post, today.

    And the subject line is "WHYYYYYY...???"

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  6. BirdieNovember 5, 2018 at 7:09 PM

    I like your ideas around November. It is a good month just to chill out.

    I do still need to use my car but I am committed to no longer using my dryer. Living on Vancouver Island has made me have to be creative but it appears to be working. We have 2 drying racks and one of those yellow ropes used for camping for bigger items like bed linens. Everything is dried downstairs in the basement. The only time I used my dryer in the last 6 months was to dry my down duvet. If I had let it air dry it could have gone musty or mouldy.

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  7. Susan KaneNovember 5, 2018 at 7:53 PM

    Snow, oh how I wish we would get some. We live in S. Calif., it was 89 deg. yesterday.

    Yes, I'm thinking of Christmas. I have some ornaments and stuff out. If I can't have snow, then I will have tinsel.

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  8. Mama PeaNovember 5, 2018 at 9:09 PM

    I love the month of November! It's usually the first month after summer that we can stop doing projects outside. Even the get-ready-for-winter projects are very, very close to finished. We don't get much snow (watch us get dumped on now) until December so it's my month to stay inside (no temptation to go out for exercise via snowshoe or ski) and start to recuperate from the busy spring/summer/fall months. I love the month of November! Yep, we do have Thanksgiving in less than three weeks, but I've been a real fuddy-dud (some people will tell you) and scaled that holiday way down. Now I enjoy it much more.

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  9. ChristineNovember 5, 2018 at 9:50 PM

    November is not my favourite month...but I understand there are good parts to it!

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  10. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - MaybeNovember 5, 2018 at 10:06 PM

    Thanksgiving means most of my family and some guests coming to my home for a big dinner.. I have been doing it for over 25 years, and for the past few years I have been worried that I it may be too much for me to do well. My daughter would gladly take it over, but I am not ready for that. I hate to give up.

    We had a beautiful 6 days of Autumn last week, but now the rain has taken them down and darkness comes early. The holidays, though, Is the bright spot and something to plan for every year We adopt a family in need to supply food and gifts and that gives me so much joy. I spent today wrapping and putting bows on presents. Giving to others is such a wonderful gift to give to ourselves.

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  11. NicoleNovember 5, 2018 at 11:20 PM

    Oh what a great goal. I wish I could do that. That is really the only thing that bothers me a little to be so far out here ... that its 30 minutes into town and that I have to go at least once a week.
    The first part of November is about winding down from all the Halloween excitement and teying to get over the jetlag from turning the clock back :(
    Mid November is Lilys birthday. She will be 6 this year. Big date :) and after her birthday we start our yuletide crafts and decorations ... letters to Santa etc etc. Lots of christmas music ... story reading, hot chocolate drinking, sliding , skating , snowshoeing . I love this season :)

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  12. Toirdhealbheach BeucailNovember 5, 2018 at 11:41 PM

    November for us are very much times of change - it is darker much earlier and most of the year's activities are winding down. It slows down until our Thanksgiving - then picks back up through Christmas.

    That is a very interesting goal. Good luck - If I could limit it to 20 uses a week, that would be something.

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  13. YarrowNovember 6, 2018 at 4:27 AM

    I love your Samhain celebrations Rain, you always put so much effort in :D
    I'm really looking forward to Yule and Christmas this year. Our house will be a lot cleaner and cosier than last year and it will be fun to cook in our new big kitchen. I'm trying to use the car less too and you're inspiring me to be more clever with my usage.xx

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  14. AnonymousNovember 6, 2018 at 7:29 AM

    I love the darkening days of November, it makes me feel closer to nature, I applaud you for you plans, sounds perfect to me😊

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  15. SusanNovember 6, 2018 at 11:49 AM

    For me, the only thing I celebrate this time of year is Samhain. I amp up the D3 dosage, pull out the fairy lights, stock up on candles, and put my fleece sheets on the bed. Then try to make it through the darkness.

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  16. JennNovember 6, 2018 at 3:09 PM

    Hi Rain!
    Lovely snow photo. I guess winter is really here.
    That is big goal! I can't imagine not using my car but for me I have to commute to work. Good luck!!!

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  17. Rain November 6, 2018 at 5:54 PM

    Hi Sandi :)) Not really on the stores. We have a gas station in walking distance that I can run over to for milk or eggs. I do monthly shopping and I don't work, so I think it's doable! I hope so!

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  18. Rain November 6, 2018 at 5:54 PM

    Hi Wisps of Words :)) Yup...November starts my winter hibernation too! It's easy to start thinking about Yuletide when the snow falls! We are not giving Christmas gifts this year because we tend to spoil each other and that money should be kept in the bank! But neither of us has family we're in touch with, so that gift-giving frenzy doesn't apply to us at all. It's mainly about the food! :)

    By the way, with regards to your link in the comments, I think it's because have a quotation mark (") just one, at the end of the link. If I take that " off, I get to your page! I love that your hubby took a piece of the Bottle House. How nice! :)

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  19. Rain November 6, 2018 at 5:55 PM

    Thanks Jenn :)) I'm sure I'll be able to do it. Last winter I drove too much, but then we had LOTS of vet visits last winter sigh. Oh, if I had to commute, I wouldn't even think of not driving.

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  20. Rain November 6, 2018 at 5:55 PM

    Hi Birdie :)) Yes, November is a very chill month here. I think that's a wonderful goal of not using your dryer!!! We tried that over the summer and it just didn't work. Alex has lots of allergies, so putting the clothes out on the line didn't work. And we also noticed that the dryer is the only thing that really gets all the pet hair out of the clothes. So when we move, our goal is to get MUCH more energy efficient appliances.

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  21. Rain November 6, 2018 at 5:55 PM

    Hi Susan :)) Oh tinsel!!! I remember my grandparents really going overboard on that stuff, you could barely see anything else on the tree lol...I think it's great you have your ornaments out already, it makes things so festive!! :)

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  22. Rain November 6, 2018 at 5:55 PM

    Hi Mama Pea :)) Scaling things down is a good idea, especially if it was stressing you out. It's nice having holidays here because it's just me and Alex...no pressure to entertain anyone other than us. I feel the same way about the chores...its seems like suddenly they are all done! I like that! It helps me to relax a lot more. :)

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  23. Rain November 6, 2018 at 5:56 PM

    Hi Christine :)) November isn't my favourite month either, but boy I need it. I miss the sunshine though.

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  24. Rain November 6, 2018 at 5:56 PM

    Hi Starting Over :)) Oh that's wonderful what you do for a family in need!! Kudos to you! :) I can see how it's hard to give up doing the Thanksgiving dinner. I personally love the entire holiday cooking season and wouldn't want to give it up at all! In fact, even when Alex offers to make dinners, I'm still hovering in the kitchen lol...

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  25. Rain November 6, 2018 at 5:56 PM

    Hi Nik :)) Well, you know I don't have to drive unless it's for shopping or to the vet so I am really hoping that it'll be only 6-7 drives this winter. My attitude is that if I run out of something, tough it out!! I'm trying to plan for meals that don't require too many fresh things. And now that we buy the pet's meat in bulk, it's much easier. The only challenge so far has been water. I hate that we have to buy it, I need to have about 6 big jugs in the house at one time to tide us over. Your Yuletide season sounds very cozy sis. You should try making paper machier stuff with the kids, it's so much fun and such a frugal craft.

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  26. Rain November 6, 2018 at 5:56 PM

    Hi TB :)) I should have mentioned in the post that I don't work!! Well, most people know that, and since Alex works from home, then it should be possible. When I was working, I used the car for everything, now I resist as much as possible! Things will start to pick up for me around here too in December, but I'm taking advantage of November to relax!

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  27. Rain November 6, 2018 at 5:56 PM

    Hi Yarrow :)) I'm glad I inspire you!! I have to be creative with the budget because, with our chosen lifestyle, we don't have a big combined income. And since we're renting in this money pit of a cottage...we need to save everywhere we can! The Hydro bill here is ridiculous, one of the reasons we can't wait to move. Oh a nice big kitchen is a dream of mine!!!

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  28. Rain November 6, 2018 at 5:57 PM

    Thanks Laurie :)) I am really hoping not to drive more than once a month actually. That would make it 5 drives from here until April! But I have a garage appointment next week, sigh...that ups the drive count, but I'll be keeping track! :)

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  29. Rain November 6, 2018 at 5:57 PM

    Hi Susan :)) Oh, sounds SO WONDERFULLY HYGGE!!! Well, the darkness is only with us for a month and a half or so...then the light starts to sneak back! Anytime there's any sunshine, I'm outside that's for sure. I get SAD this time of year so I have to watch my vitamin D intake.

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  30. Rain November 6, 2018 at 5:57 PM

    Hi Jenn :)) If I had to work, I wouldn't even think of cutting down on the driving...I remember those commuting days and I'm so grateful they're over. Yup...winter is here alright!! It's okay. But stay tuned for my yearly whines and complaints in March lol! :)

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  31. jaz@octoberfarmNovember 6, 2018 at 7:05 PM

    SNOW!!! i bet you are glad you enjoyed your summer as much as you did. i've done some xmas shopping but i'm not really thinking about it until i get thanksgiving out of the way. every day i am trying to check some thanksgiving stuff off the list. i am making pickled watermelon rind. i am brining it today and making it tomorrow. one of my favorite restaurants in gettysburg serves it and i've always wanted to make it. so, we will have it with thanksgiving dinner this year. tomorrow i am roasting turkey parts and making the gravy which i will freeze. i've also been making shortbreads and bars which get better with age. i want to have a big dessert buffet this year. it was 65 degrees today but saturday the low will be 22. we might see our first flakes...i am so excited!

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  32. Rain November 6, 2018 at 7:51 PM

    Hi Joyce :)) Oh I'm so happy you're getting snow! :) Willie's first snowfall too right? :) A dessert buffet sounds delicious! I usually make lots of Christmas cookies in December, but I'm going to try to control myself this year lol!

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  33. wyomingheartNovember 6, 2018 at 9:50 PM

    Hello Rain,
    Yes, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! We are in Florida for the holidays and missing the snow on the ridge, but family is important during the holidays! Your snow looks fabulous! I am truly looking forward to some snow in my future, because there is nothing as good and a hot cup of coffee and a good book when the weather calls to stay in the jam jams!

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  34. Rain November 6, 2018 at 10:18 PM

    Hi Dino :) Yes! You described my winter perfectly...snow, hot bevvies and a good book in comfy pj's lol!!!

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  35. MarthaNovember 6, 2018 at 10:27 PM

    You have snow! I'm just not ready for it :( Winter is a season that I can tolerate less and less each year.

    Those are awesome goals and I just know you'll meet them. I have started thinking about Christmas because I'd like to have everyone over at our place again.

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  36. Rain November 6, 2018 at 10:55 PM

    Hi Martha :) Trust me, I'm not ready for snow either...but I have some nice cozy Hygge plans for the next six months. Eeek...when I read that back...SIX months...when did winter get so long??? Although Samhain/Halloween is my favourite time of the year, Yuletide and Christmas come in as a close second! :))

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  37. BeckiNovember 6, 2018 at 11:01 PM

    Such gorgeous snow! It seems like last week we were admiring your harvest and canning pictures. And just a day or so before that your gardens! Enjoy the rest November brings you. Ours is usually mild and busy.

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  38. Rain November 6, 2018 at 11:07 PM

    Hi Becki :) I know...time has flown by hasn't it???

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  39. Donna OShaughnessyNovember 6, 2018 at 11:39 PM

    Yes, thinking about Christmas and plan to decorate early. Normally here in the US, Christmas in our homes starts the day after Thanksgiving, but I see more folks putting out the lights already. For me, the season goes too fast and I want to enjoy every minute of it! Have lots of homemade gifts to make.

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  40. Rain November 6, 2018 at 11:54 PM

    Hi Donna :) I agree that the season goes too fast. I'm nearly tempted to bring out the Christmas lights tomorrow!

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  41. MaryNovember 7, 2018 at 1:19 AM

    Snow already, oh my! It was 75F here today but will be cooling by next weekend - even dropping below freezing Sat. night - time to start snuggling!
    That's amazing that you will not be going anywhere by car often throughout the winter months - a nice savings on gas and wear and tear.

    Christmas is not being addressed here yet! We are heading to Arizona for Thanksgiving to spend time with family, then when home again it will be almost Dec. and I will get going on Yuletide prep.

    Take care in the cold snow Rain -
    Hugs - Mary

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  42. Rain November 7, 2018 at 10:29 AM

    Thanks Mary :)) It is definitely snuggle weather! :) I hope you enjoy your trip to Arizona. I still have my paper maché pumpkins out so Christmas isn't on my mind yet either! :)

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  43. tpalsNovember 7, 2018 at 1:17 PM

    I would love to curl up and stay home all the time. It will be easier when you have your own hens for eggs.

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  44. Rain November 7, 2018 at 1:41 PM

    Hi Tpals :) I'm looking forward to having my own hens! Right now I buy a lot of eggs when they're on sale and I freeze them.

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  45. Gwen BuchananNovember 7, 2018 at 3:50 PM

    good for you... and a beautiful scene to boot..

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  46. Rain November 7, 2018 at 3:52 PM

    Thanks Gwen :))

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  47. LisaNovember 7, 2018 at 4:28 PM

    You could always hook the huskies up to a sled to pull you around! :) Lisa

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  48. Rain November 7, 2018 at 4:50 PM

    LOL Lisa...you don't know how many times we thought about that!!! Our black and white husky Charlie is a PULLER...She's the alpha female, well, besides me ;), and she loves the snow. I think she'd be in her element as the leader of the sled team lol!

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  49. LeighNovember 8, 2018 at 9:07 AM

    Oh my, look at that SNOW! I really like your car goal. It makes sense in more ways than one.

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  50. RONovember 8, 2018 at 12:46 PM

    That picture sure looks soothing, and I'm glad you've been able to wind down a little. I'm thinking of Christmas a little, but mostly because I've been watching so many Christmas shows on The Hallmark Channel(lol) Hugs...RO

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  51. Magic Love CrowNovember 8, 2018 at 9:23 PM

    Gorgeous photo! I love November! I love when it gets dark so quickly! Good luck with the car! I love Christmas, but unfortunately, my family is changing. But, for me, I will celebrate my own way. Even if it's meditating for 2 hours about Christmas! LOL! Big Hugs!

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  52. wisps of wordsNovember 9, 2018 at 10:51 AM

    Nov. 9th

    Thank you so much, for your Congratulations, on our 60th Wedding Anniversary!

    Hugs..

    ✨🍁✨🍎✨🍁✨

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  53. Rain November 9, 2018 at 11:33 AM

    Hi Leigh :)) The car is a thorn in my side...I don't mind driving in nice weather, but I HATE winter driving, so it was natural to me to decide to drive as little as possible. Plus all the costs...and the shoveling!!

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  54. Rain November 9, 2018 at 11:33 AM

    Hi RO :)) It's hard not to think of Christmas when the snow starts to fall!!! I have so many Christmas movies and shows on my hard drive, but I'm trying to wait until mid December to start watching them and listening to the holiday tunes!! :)

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  55. Rain November 9, 2018 at 11:33 AM

    Hi Stacy :)) I'm glad you love the dark nights :) I'm sorry that your family is changing, you said "unfortunately" so I'm guessing it's not a good thing. But yes, we all have to celebrate out own way for ourselves!! :)

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  56. Rain November 9, 2018 at 11:33 AM

    You're welcome Wisps of Words!! :)

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  57. StefanieNovember 14, 2018 at 7:47 PM

    What a picture of that snowy forest. You are so good about budget and DIY. You are amazing.

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❤ Thanks for your comment, I love hearing from everyone! ❤ Why not join me and my fellow artists every Thursday for TADD? That's Thursday Art and Dinner Date! It's a lot of fun!
Love,
Rain