How I love September! Now that it’s over it’s fun to look back at all the books, activities, and food that my family enjoyed.
Books
Looking back I see that I did not read any novels in September. To remedy that I now have in my possession (from the library) Anne Tyler’s latest novel. I can’t wait to dig in.
I enjoyed this how-to book and am looking forward to (gradually) revamping my wardrobe.
My Skype book club discussed this memoir, which was a little depressing and very interesting.
Last night I finished this memoir on grief. (Language warning for both of these.)
I found this board book amusing. (“Who can sing while sitting in a tree? Who can? Toucan.” “Who does somersaults and chews bamboo? Who does? Pandas.”)
(Other children’s books I read are reviewed here. And if you’re looking for historical fiction, check out this post.)
Activities
I mentioned in my email newsletter (sign up here) that September was a busy month for us. It started with the local fall fair and parade.
Another highlight was spending a few days at an Airbnb in Sauble Beach and exploring the Bruce Peninsula. (In the upcoming weeks I hope to write a post or two about the sights we saw.)
This month I took the kids to storytime at the library for the first time. It was elaborate, involving a ukelele, songs, books, nursery rhymes, phonics, yoga poses, and crafts!
Food
When we were in London for my husband’s exam the two of us went out for milkshakes and onion rings while the kids were tucked in bed at my parents’ house. A celebratory treat.
I never complain about making my own birthday cake, because I love to try out fancy recipes. This year I made a London Fog Cake, using DavidsTea’s Cream of Earl Grey tea to infuse the buttercream icing. Just for fun here’s the photo from the recipe alongside my creation. (As you can see I’m no photographer, but it tasted delicious.)
My husband did take me out to eat for my birthday, as well. Of course given the choice I picked an Indian restaurant. The kashmiri chicken was delicious and the madras lamb was hotter than expected. Whew. We then walked around downtown Owen Sound and did some shopping (see below).
Things
One of my birthday presents was this ZZ plant and beautiful pot that I got to pick out at an artsy store downtown. I’m hoping to collect some more houseplants, but I don’t have a good track record for keeping them alive, so I’m starting with one. (Plus some succulents I had outside over the summer.)
I was also given a library card mug, teapot necklace, botanical prints to frame, and more, by my generous friends and relations. Your thank you cards are in the mail 🙂
We recently picked up a few board games from thrift stores, including this one, which is very similar to one I had as a child. It’s a cooperative game for young children but has enough complexity to make it interesting.
Bible Verse
“All these things my hand has made,
and so all these things came to be,
declares the Lord.
But this is the one to whom I will look:
he who is humble and contrite in spirit
and trembles at my word.” – Isaiah 66:2