It's Still Life

1.
I am thankful when I discover a new word, particular if it’s archaic or obsolete. It’s like throwing the joker card into a sentence.

Like Circumforaneous — to wander from place to place, like Don Quixote’s horse is on another circumforaneous path. (1650 obsolete.) 

2.
Thankful for these grapes. Ripening nicely. Sweeter than I recall for years.

We bought the rootstock from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti in Burgundy many decades ago. I gave the vines a major trim in early summer so the sun could reach the fruit. 

3.
Tomato vines are still busy producing a good crop, thankfully — they cost a ridiculous amount in the supermarket.

Cooked down several kilos of overripe toms that waited patiently while we were up north eating smoked fish. Made soup; made sauce; ate some and froze some.

So thankful for a good crop this summer.

4.
Flowers are still blooming. I dump the washing up water (dishpan water) on them after cleaning up dishes. They don’t seem to mind the soap.

We’re on restricted water consumption here because of the severe drought. 

5.
Cucumbers becoming pickles … well they will be in a month or so, and we’ll be thankful for them. 

6.
Thankful that I like folding things, it’s so relaxing. My thoughts just wander happily — and before I know it, another chore is done. 

7.
Denise’s Six Sentence Story prompts, and the conclusion of a series that lasted 17-months: At the Intersection of an English King and a Saint

8.
Thankful for eggs — for making a quick meal from leftovers in the fridge.

9.
A bit of a stiff back and shoulder the following morning, but I’m thankful for a clean oven again. 

10.
Thankful for two of the 12 Apostle trees at the end of my garden that lead to our parish church (Anglo-Saxon from 950AD). The trees mark the pilgrims’ progress. (con’t below …)

10…. the trees are filled with a variety of birds that never fail to amaze (and amuse) me, like how did this American Tree Frog end up at the base of a tree in my garden! I’m thankful for his visit.