Sun Day

Today was absolutely beautiful, sunny and warm with that crisp feeling of fall in the air. A fabulous day for a walk in our 700 acre park with some time spent in the late afternoon contemplating our tranquil pond.

The Commons

This wall is being constructed at the Gabriola Commons, a beautiful 26 acre property across from the elementary school that describes itself as a place for the harmonious integration of community services, cultural activities, and environmentally sustainable living on Gabriola Island. It is being built as a workshop on Cob building and has been named the Fig Tree Wall to honour donors to the Commons. Visit their web site at gabriolacommons.ca to learn more.

Wetland

We recently purchased an acreage which was part of an old farm. Along with the old apple and pear trees there is a beautiful wetland and a large spring fed pond. At this time of year when the ground is so dry the pond is a very popular place for wildlife. Yesterday I saw a heron in the pond and on closer observation I could see the prints of deer and racoon that come for a drink.

Autumn Apples

We have so many apples we need to be creative in order to use them all. But back up a moment, because before we can use them we have to pick them. This is easier with the dwarf trees and that is what we have planted, but we are also the proud owners of some very old trees that were planted on the old Carr farm. They take a group effort to pick them. We stripped about 1/4 of the apples at one time and it took me days to process them - some in the dehydrator, some cooked down into apple sauce and canned, some juiced and frozen, some made into pies, and the best refrigerated for eating. I'm almost done with the first haul, then we'll need to go back for more!

The Gym

We are very lucky to have The Gym at Twin Beaches on Gabriola, this little gem has all you could ask for.

Gabriola Fall Fair

Every year in the fall Gabriola has a fair. The day begins with a pan cake breakfast, followed by a parade, some music, dancing, many exhibits, and ending with a fashion show with bargains from the recying depot accessorized by the crafts of local artisans - this is all very entertaining!

Harvest Thyme

There are many places to stop for coffee on Gabriola. When I'm with my husband he usually chooses Harvest Thyme. He likes their french press method of making coffee and the Gabriola Coffee Company dark roast. Harvest Thyme has a comfortable setting blending natural foods store and healthy choices lunch cafe, with seating both inside and out. This is a great place to meet up with friends and lounge about gabbing, drinking your favorite beverage and snacking on their delicious muffins.

Tomatoes, Tomatoes

We are having a nice warm and dry fall, perfect for tomatoes. Our garden has been a bit neglected due to the new baby and all the visitors. I went out today and picked a large box of tomatoes (I could have picked two) with the promise of lots more to come. After making soup and sauce and salsa there was still many more to deal with. We will have to make a concerted effort if we are to stay ahead of production!

A Birth Day

Last night my fourth grandchild was born to my younger daughter and her husband. It was a home birth, here on Gabriola Island, with a mid wife and nurse attending. Hard work, but worth it!