Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Early November



Early November foliage is beautiful here in SC. Spending time outside has been glorious. We had our first rain Sunday, since Hurricane Matthew came through in early October. The air is cool and crisp. 

I went exploring this morning. There's a trail about 20 miles from our house that I've been wanting to check out. 

The main trail is a gravel road....you can bike, hike, run or horse back ride there.


It was gorgeous! I'm definitely going back with my mountain bike. 

I came upon this horse farm that bordered the trail and just had to sit there for a minute or two to swoon over the pasture and barn in the distance.....the horse was cute, too.

Early November, back at home..... 

The sauerkraut is ready, or so I thought. The first few bites were so delicious, but then when I jarred it, I noticed that the kraut wasn't as soft as it should be. I must have eaten the part that had fermented quicker than the other. It is still delicious, but just not as soft as it should be and I may have used a little too much salt. I can remedy that part by rinsing it. After jarring the sauerkraut and putting it in the refrigerator, I decided to sit one of the pints out for a few more days to see if it will continue to ferment.  This was my first try and I've learned a lot. I will make it again and again, until I get it perfect. I ordered a sauerkraut crock with a lid and weights to hold the cabbage down. I'm so excited to try another batch soon....

I'm loving the colors of my new cushions and pillows for the chaise lounges on the upper deck. The fire pit is to the left of this picture. We were planning to have a fire there the other night, but got busy raking and burning leaves. By the time we finished and I made dinner, I was too tired to go back outside.  There will be plenty of time for a fire.  

I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving. Mama will be spending it with us again this year. Emily, Matt and the children will be with us, too. I'll be cooking up a storm. I have so many things to be thankful for this year....I hope I can always feel this sense of gratitude for the many blessings that have been bestowed upon me and my family.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, also, spending it with the ones you love.

Laurie

14 comments:

  1. The Kraut looks good! I have no doubt you will ace it. When you do! Send me a jar :).
    I will do dsome cooking for Thanksgiving. We usually go to my moms and then later go to my brother in laws. So I will be making a couple dishes to share at those meals. Everyone likes my dressing and giblet gravy.
    Lisa

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    1. I'll certainly send you a jar, when I get it perfect. I've been eating this batch, even with its flaws. I'm so excited about the health benefits. Another blogger friend makes Kimchi and posted her recipe. I'm gonna make that, too. Your Thanksgiving sounds like our Christmas. Thanksgiving....I always spend at home. I love it!

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  2. Your gratitude shows in all your posts:)
    Love the pics..and isn't it nice to be excited over a project?

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    1. Aww, thank you Monique! Yes, I get excited about my projects. I was just telling Lisa, above, that Kimchi is another project that I'm going to try.

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  3. I swear Laurie...your pictures get more beautiful every post...
    Keep going with the Kraut...I am sure you will master it...
    You sure are lucky to have 2 beautiful places...and I know you enjoy both to the fullest...
    Have a great day!
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. Thank you, Linda! Like you said....it's the camera, mostly. I do feel blessed to live in such a beautiful area and yes, we enjoy them immensely. Have a great week!

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  4. That is definitely a beautiful area to hike & bike! The soft colours of the foliage is just lovely & the horse made it all the more picturesque!
    I love those new cushions too - they're in my favourite colour!

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    1. Thank you! It sure is Christine. This much color is very new for me. We moved to the upstate from the coast, where there is some fall color, but not a lot. Mostly pines and oaks in the low country.

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  5. Everything in this post is SOOOO lovely. I wish we had real leaves, here in the desert. Slowly getting around to reading a bit (husband's surgery, right after my return has put a bit of a damper on my fun time)...your photography is stunning, my friend! XOXO

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  6. Beautiful horse! I have never made sauerkraut but yours sounds delicious. Love the blue color on the chairs! Nancy

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  7. What a lovely post, Laurie. Your fall photos are gorgeous. Are the fires in your area at all or is that in a different area completely? Our fall color is completely gone now...all bare limbs and soon-to-be-frozen tundra here.
    LOL- I think I told you before you can have my share of sauerkraut. lol My hubby, however, used to love it. Have fun making it. xo Diana

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  8. Great nature shots and so good to have that near your place. Nice that you are happy enough to your first attempt on the sauerkraut, so you want to try again. You will become a pro ;)

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  9. Gorgeous pictures, Laurie! Isn't it amazing how we are still awestruck over the color every year!?!

    Jim Fowler, Greenville, SC

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