The Story of a Fall Saturday

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My sister and I had a wonderful day with friends yesterday, exploring town and countryside! I love days like this one … in the morning we went for a foggy walk in town, explored a few bookstores, etc; in the afternoon we went for coffee and took a longer, more rural trail walk to the town park. It was delightful. :o) Here are a few snippets of our day!

The fog was beautifully thick. Walking in mistiness like that is one of my favorite things!

This friendly little sentinel appeared out of nowhere, and greeted us warmly!

This flock just kept coming … they definitely felt fall in the air!!

And these were festooned ALL over the length of the bushes along the sidewalk - it was gorgeous! All of the delicate detail … 

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And then we went on an adventure … 

These two …. ;o)

For those of you who are fellow Anne-of-Green-Gables lovers … THIS is our very own "Patty's Place"! We discovered this adorable stone cottage when we took this trail in the spring and I keep hoping that, as in the story of its predecessor, one day if I just keep happening along, it will have a for-sale sign posted just for me. ;)

Alas, the path always ends eventually … but taco soup and a cheesy Hallmark movie at our friends' home was a lovely way to finish off a perfect golden autumn day!

Have a fantastic week! 

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Fall Bouquet

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Dahlias from my garden, vine maple leaves, a remaining sunflower, autumn joy, and a hydrangea!

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Who are you trusting in today? | Isaiah 31 vs. Psalm 116:5-7

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help 

And rely on horses,

And trust in chariots because they are many

And in horsemen because they are very strong.

But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord!

Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yes, our God is compassionate.

The LORD preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me.

Return to your rest, O my soul, for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.

 Have a great week! ♥

The Saturday Evening Post | Life Pictures and How to Make Beef Stock

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I currently have a cauldron of beef stock simmering away (for the second day) on the stove top. It's looking loooovely! Stock is SO good for gut health and general wellness and it's the very best when homemade. I've been researching where to find grass-fed beef bones, and finally found a farm where I picked up four packages on Wednesday morning! Hence the title … How to Make Beef Stock. Be prepared for a very exciting post. ;o)

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Gather whatever leftover veggies you may have saved up for stock and pop them into a large stock pot. A whole onion (including the washed skin, if you buy organic), celery (including the leafy tops), some coarsely chopped carrots, etc. We keep a bag in the freezer and add to it as we have opportunity. It all adds goodness. :)

 

Toss the beef bones in coconut oil and place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast them for at least one hour at 425* F. Add them to your ever-growing pot of stock ingredients. ;)

Next, add a good tablespoon of raw ACV. This helps to release the nutrients from the bones.

Add a healthy number of garlic cloves - garlic adds loads of flavor, of course, but it is amazing for the immune system as well - lots and lots of antioxidants. 

Finally, add enough water to cover everything …

… and several bay leaves. Oh, and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary. If you don't have fresh, dried should do as well.

Simmer well for at least a couple days to make sure you get every last bit of nutrients and goodness from all the bones and veggies! 

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And now for a few life pictures …

Garden produce.

My sweet nephew was helping … :o)

Is there anything prettier than that?

Avocados on the windowsill.

Sunshine on the school bookshelves.

The first pumpkins! :)

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Have a happy, happy weekend!!

||| Harvest Time |||

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While the earth remains,

Seedtime and harvest,

And cold and heat,

And summer and winter,

And day and night,

Shall not cease.

Genesis 8:22

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Currently:

Sitting here listening to the pounding rain … lovelovelove.

Smiling at my curled up dog <3

Sipping my healthy-non-allergy homemade version of the PSL (because Fall, Y'all)

Supposedly posting yesterday's fall harvest treasures! Apples and blackberries galore ... So here goes! :o)

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Aren't they beautiful? They polish up to a ruddy loveliness when you rub them against your shirt … no wax needed here, y'all! ;) And unfortunately I didn't take a picture of the apple pie I concocted from some of them Friday afternoon … but it was a sight to behold ;)

These are the babes from the 4th of July! They've been enjoying harvest spoils too …

We are so blessed to have these beauties right out on our back property -- fresh berries can get EXPENSIVE! These are thick out back … and sharply armed. O_o 

I always associate September with Blackberry Harvest! Freezer's definitely filling up … and my arms and hands are showing it, hah! 

New benches for the bonfire area! Can't wait for some fall action out here. :)

My Dahlias. Please note (as I did not when taking this) the gargantuan spider on the right. Ugh.

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Have a beautiful week and Happy September!!

Then your light will break out like the dawn,

And your recovery will speedily spring forth;

And your righteousness will go before you;

The glory of the LORD will be your rearguard.

Isaiah 58:8

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