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Thanksgiving marks the last big holiday in the fall season. Without a doubt, it’s one of my favorite holidays because it combines so many of my favorite things – getting together with friends and family to share a savory meal and a daylong celebration centered on the bounty we receive from the earth. To get in the holiday mood, I like to fill my house with lots of beautiful materials from nature. I usually begin by creating a festive fall arrangement, a profusion of flowers in a pumpkin. To create your own display, cut a circle from the top of the pumpkin, scoop out the interior, and insert a plastic liner with saturated floral foam. Using care to cover the raw edge of the opening, arrange stems for a lively tribute to fall.

source . When my Dad was alive, he used to say if there was an after life that he was going to return as a Blackbird. I like to think that he did. There was a blackbird in my garden the other day, he had a little circle of grey around his roguish little eye, and I thought to myself, is that you Dad? He was looking a little sheepish, when I spied him, and then he flew away. It was not until later, when I went to pick some raspberries, that I understood why. The biggest, juiciest, red berry was gone! I didn't mind. photo from  here . I have always loved the way Blackbird's look, with their sunshine yellow beaks, and that little matching ring around the eye, and of course the fact that there is always a Mrs. Blackbird, not far away. (I think that was the reason my Dad chose to become a Blackbird).  There seems to always be some kind of a connection between me and and my fine feathered friend. In the 70's growing up, there was a group from the West Country called 'The Wurze...

and my song is a little sad today. Why? Because my little chick is sad. And when her little heart is blue, then mine is too. Today is Grandparents day, and in her school they hold a special mass for the Grandparents, who get to go. Unfortunately for Lois she has only one living grandparent left, her granny Cassie, who she loves to bits, but she has Dementia. It is too difficult to get her granny up and ready in time for mass so Lois has no-one to represent her. It is difficult at nine years of age to cope with being different from the rest of your class, so we have had a few teary nights this week. Needless to say it has made me think of my lost loved ones and of the passing of time. So I am sorry I am not my usual cheery self. However, I won't stay sad, because at 3 o'clock, my daughter needs me . So I am off to bake something lovely for her coming out of school, to have the house tidy and warm, to get ready to wrap my arms around her and let her know ....THAT SHE IS LOVED!! T...

Image from Tumblr . Wreaths, are one of my most favourite types of flower arrangements. They are so uplifting when you see them on someone's front door. I have never been to America on Thanksgiving weekend, but I know I would just love to see all those beautiful door wreaths. This is my own image, I apolagize for the quality! In Ireland, they tend to be only used at Christmas time, and usually they are either artificial or made from holly with a plastic decoration here and there. I would love to see people be a little more adventurous, and make their own. Depending on what you use, and the weather, they can sometimes last for quite a long time. I have known mine , made with fir, eucalyptus and roses last for a month, with perhaps only the odd rose needing replaced.   I would love to see people have a different one for each different season. I do try to do that in my own home. When I drive or walk towards my home, it really gives me a little lift to see it there. I also love...