The ending of the summer is a bittersweet time of year for some, but a time of celebration for others. It also heralds one of the 2 natural "beginnings" we have each year. I'm referring, of course, to the start of the school year and the actual "new year" on January 1st.
For me, summer's end is an odd mix of both regret and anticipation. I always feel that perhaps I should have gotten more accomplished throughout the summer (how "type A" is that attitude?) and feel a twinge of regret that the hot sun of August will be leaving soon. Now mind you, we haven't exactly been "scorched" with the heat of the sun this year, but indulge me here.
There's something almost magical about the advance of autumn in Ontario... the glorious rich greens giving way to oranges and reds on the trees, the lovely little thrill you get as you make your daily trip out to harvest from your garden and find a new treasure to enjoy with supper, and of course the invigorating smell of fallen leaves and bonfires wafting in windows that have been too long closed against the summer's heat.
In summer's last "hurrah", we find ourselves rushing to fit in just a few more things and here in Caledon, the end of summer is a very busy time. We have numerous events that take place within this seasonal window and we always try to catch as many of them as we can, squeezing it all in between the inevitable "back-to-school" shopping and last minute play dates.
Amongst all of this season ending activity, I always try to do some canning. This is something I started a few years ago, and have grown to love. I have made an effort to add one new and simple preserve each year. This year, in addition to my dills (now a family favourite) and beets, I learned how to put down peaches using my Grandma Ives's recipe, graciously supplied (along with the gift of some glorious Leamington peaches) by my Aunt Grace. My children loved them so much that I will be traipsing back to a local purveyor of produce to get some more... the 6 litres I just finished are certainly not going to be enough to keep the troup's "peach-i-fied" all winter.
And as summer fades away and autumn rushes up to greet us, I'll once again be grateful to live in a country with changing seasons. In closing, I'll leave you with a charming little verse I found. I searched for its author, but sadly found none, but it sums up my feelings quite nicely.
"Good-night to the Season! Another will come, with its trifles and toys. And hurry away like its brother, In sunshine, odor and noise."
There's something almost magical about the advance of autumn in Ontario... the glorious rich greens giving way to oranges and reds on the trees, the lovely little thrill you get as you make your daily trip out to harvest from your garden and find a new treasure to enjoy with supper, and of course the invigorating smell of fallen leaves and bonfires wafting in windows that have been too long closed against the summer's heat.
In summer's last "hurrah", we find ourselves rushing to fit in just a few more things and here in Caledon, the end of summer is a very busy time. We have numerous events that take place within this seasonal window and we always try to catch as many of them as we can, squeezing it all in between the inevitable "back-to-school" shopping and last minute play dates.
Amongst all of this season ending activity, I always try to do some canning. This is something I started a few years ago, and have grown to love. I have made an effort to add one new and simple preserve each year. This year, in addition to my dills (now a family favourite) and beets, I learned how to put down peaches using my Grandma Ives's recipe, graciously supplied (along with the gift of some glorious Leamington peaches) by my Aunt Grace. My children loved them so much that I will be traipsing back to a local purveyor of produce to get some more... the 6 litres I just finished are certainly not going to be enough to keep the troup's "peach-i-fied" all winter.And as summer fades away and autumn rushes up to greet us, I'll once again be grateful to live in a country with changing seasons. In closing, I'll leave you with a charming little verse I found. I searched for its author, but sadly found none, but it sums up my feelings quite nicely.
"Good-night to the Season! Another will come, with its trifles and toys. And hurry away like its brother, In sunshine, odor and noise."
I LOVE that quote. How perfect! Today I am making a bit of strawberry freezer jam but with (gasp) American strawberries. Put locals in the freezer in June but didn't have time for the jam. Don't you love the way the canned jars look in the middle of winter? All that colour!
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