It's Meeeee!!!

 from here

My Dears...

I'm back! I didn't really go anywhere, but I'm back. *smiles* I do hope you have all been well and enjoyed a most enchanting summer. No doubt some of you have been wondering...where have I been all this time? Well, I was in a place called Hiatus. Mind you, there was no reason to go there, but I ended up in Hiatus just the same. I guess one can say that my writing motivation waned during the summer months. By the same token, those of you who've been visiting Harmonie House for some time will know that if anything will inspire me to write, it will be the changing of the seasons...especially coming into autumn and winter.

I've always felt that summer put me in a state of hibernation. Yes, I do function on a day to day basis and live life moment by moment all year long, summer included. However, it seems that when autumn arrives, I feel like I'm coming out of a deep sleep. My senses come alive and I feel giddy...just because! I can smell the change in the air. I can feel it stirring, almost crackling in anticipation of the comfort season. Autumn has arrived! Halloween is upon us! Let the festivities begin!

But first, perhaps I should recap. After all, it has been quite some time since I posted. Last I chatted with you all, I was singing the praises of those yummy scallops in a smoked gouda cream sauce. My fella and I ventured to the restaurant since then and enjoyed our favorite dish. Even better...one day the fella came home with all the ingredients and pretty much recreated it from scratch. Yes...I was smiling throughout the meal. *sigh* Needless to say, I'm a pretty lucky gal. *winks*

 Here's my honey pan searing the scallops.

 Making the smoked Gouda cream sauce.

 Here is the delicious result! I think it's time he makes them again. *winks*

Let me trace back a few months if you please...if you recall earlier, in my April 24th post, I was gushing over a pair of lavender Hunter wellies. Remember these???

 

Guess what the fella bought me......

 TADA!!!! Okay, they don't match the dress, but I just

couldn't wait to try them on and pose in them.

Let's fast forward. We visited Lake George in June and had a lovely getaway...we put up our summer gazebo and spent many a lovely evening dining and relaxing there...I hosted my annual 4th of July Edwardian picnic and a delightful time was had.

 At the Sagamore Inn in Lake George. 

Oh! I also celebrated my fella's birthday in June.

He loves homemade pistachio cake!

 The summer gazebo...

 Yet another of the summer gazebo. Directly behind is my fairy garden.

Not a very clear image of the fairy garden.

 Hmmm....in between then and now we entertained friends, worked, and pretty much counted the days till autumn. That brings us to now!
*happy sigh*

Well you can imagine by now that Harmonie House is dressed for Halloween and that the comforts of the colder season have been brought into play. Afghans, sweaters, woolies, and firewood are at the ready. The tea and cocoa cupboard has been replenished. Scented candles, of autumn harvest and pumpkin spice, burn slowly emitting the essence of the season and intoxicating my senses. Comfort food is the order of the day... everyday.

A corner of my kitchen.

 Homemade pumpkin pie. Yumm!

 On a cold Columbus Day morning, we had breakfast by the fire.

Yes...Mr. Knightley had top seating priority.

I've been in quite the happy frenzy due to the change in weather. I'm already anticipating November and looking forward to a yummy Thanksgiving dinner and the company of loved ones. I hear we might be getting quite the winter this year. It can only mean one thing...snow angels and snowman in the yard! Okay...that's two things. Well, you get my meaning. *cheeky grin* This gal sure loves winter and snow. I like to think of the Snow Miser dancing a jig while Mother Holle shakes her pillow...sending down those magical snowflakes that make this 41 year old feel like I'm 9 again. Ahhh...blissful winter. 

 Such a lovable character!

 I hear there will be lots of pillow shaking this winter!

from here.

I guess I'm getting ahead of myself, but I cannot help it! Oh well...in the meantime, I shall simply enjoy the beauty of the falling leaves. Red, gold, orange...jewel tones that turn a landscape into a most beautiful scene.

Nature's own palette of wonder. 

I'm happy to be back here in blogland and so grateful that you, my readers, have not tired of waiting for my posts. Do know that though I've been quiet here in my own place, I have been visiting your blogs. I may not comment as I used to, but please know that I do look forward to reading your posts.

Happy Autumn my dears!

Wishing Each Of You Blissful Tidings,

xoxo

Miss Sandra