Month: November 2025

ECONOGAL > 2025 > November

November 2025 Wrap-Up

Posted on by Econogal

Changing Seasons

Fronds of artichoke plant popping through thick layer of mulch.
Artichoke plant not wanting to stay dormant.

November 2025 was a transition month. The start was warmer than expected for the season. Temperatures were summer-like. Plus, a few rainy days and lots of wind. No snow yet. The weather experienced was more like Octobers of the past. But the seasons are changing.

Proof of the odd weather was the covered artichokes popping through the mulch. New growth occurred due to rain and warm weather. These plants were not re-trimmed. Instead, additional mulch was added. The third plant did not grow through the protective layer. It was the one surrounded by the bricks first. So, there are interesting notes for the experiment.

Finally, the end of the month harkens back to traditional weather. Cold, very cold, with chances of snow. Perfect for getting into the holiday mood albeit tricky for holiday travel.

Return to the Craft Room in November 2025

Yardwork took a backseat to the craft room in the basement. So, November 2025 was filled with sewing. Crafts included everything from stockings to soft fabric books for the wee ones. A new quilt was designed and several others near completion. All of the projects will be Christmas presents or items created for local craft fairs.

Productivity in needlework is showing a resurgence in the millennial generation. Hand crafted gifts are rich in meaning for all generations. Hopefully this trend continues. Long ago I made quilts for each couple in my newly wed husband’s family. Maybe a similar homemade gift will be among the 2026 resolutions.

Baking in November 2025

Most of the baking this month was for social events. Get-togethers with family and friends and baked goods for fundraisers. Pies, cakes, cookies and muffins filled the kitchen with wonderful aromas. However, traditional Thanksgiving baking did not occur as a destination Thanksgiving was enjoyed.

Bundt Spice Cake with chocolate muffins behind cooling on a rack.
Spice Cake and muffins

Chocolate Pecan Pie

 

Destination Thanksgiving

This year all but one of the offspring travelled to Louisville, Kentucky for Thanksgiving. Churchill Downs, best known for hosting the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May, also puts on a fantastic Thanksgiving spread. Turkey, ham and all the traditional sides grace the buffet.

The kids and grandkids present all enjoyed watching the races from the first turn. Spectators can easily access the apron for a close-up view of the track. Coats and gloves were a necessity. Because the weather was cold.

Importance of Family

November 2025 reminded me of the importance of family. This is something that so many forget. Treating each other with respect as well as love despite our differences needs to be a priority. My kids have a wide range of political beliefs. But our Thanksgiving was full of love and celebration. I hope yours was too.

A Matter of Pedigree Book Review

Posted on by Econogal

New Series

Prolific writer Leslie Meier introduces new characters and a new series in A Matter of Pedigree. Set in Providence, Rhode Island, the series introduces readers to the Capobianco family. The book revolves around Frank and Carole and their dog Poopsie. Of course, Poopsie is just a nickname because she has uhm, stomach issues.

Nouveau Riche

Long a working-class contractor, Frank strikes it rich with the invention of a fancy toilet. Then, denied a place in a snooty condo by a stuffed shirt, Frank “threatens” to kill Hosea Browne. Months later Browne turns up dead, and Frank is arrested.

Now Carole and Poopsie are tasked with clearing his name.

Supporting Characters in A Matter of Pedigree

Three generations of Capobianco’s are introduced in the novel. Frank and Carole are the sandwich generation. Big Frank and Mom are Frank’s parents (and very close to Carole). Connie, a lawyer, and Frank-O, a student artist are the younger generation. Eventually, Polly, Carole’s mother, arrives on the scene as well. All feature in A Matter of Pedigree.

Additionally, residents of the original condo as well as the apartments where Frank and Carole ended up, take part in the story. All fall under Carole and Mom’s investigative eyes. Of course, Poopsie steals the role of heroine.

The Capobianco Family

Reading this new series reminded me of reading Meier’s first Lucy Stone mystery decades ago. There is always a slow pace when introducing an entire batch of characters. The Capobianco’s are original characters and grow on the reader as the book develops. Perhaps the early stereotyping served to create a difference between the two series’ heroines. If not, Carole could become a very shallow main character.

Recommendation for A Matter of Pedigree

Kudos to Leslie Meier for taking a leap and introducing a new series. Dog lovers will adore Poopsie. Long time fans of Lucy Stone may have a difficult time adjusting to a new and totally different character in Carole Capobianco. I encourage those fans to find a copy at their local library. The family as a whole is quite charming. A Matter of Pedigree is a pleasant afternoon read.

Changing Seasons, Changing Routines

Posted on by Econogal

New Season Brings New Routines

Year after year, changing seasons bring changing routines. Midway through Fall, temperatures range from the mid-twenties to the low eighties. Thus, some days are summerlike, and others bring hints of winter.

Naturally, routines change. At least for those not working 9-to-5 jobs or attending school. This retiree is shifting daily routines.

Morning Routines

I do not use alarm clocks daily. Instead, the Eastern sky signals when it is time to wake. During the summer, daylight comes early. Very early. But with the changing seasons, the length of the day also changes. In the Fall, the nights are getting longer. The mornings arrive later and my body adapts. Of course, the invention of Daylight Saving’s time messes with this natural change. Probably why I dislike changing the clocks.

Since frost occurs on a regular basis, there is no early gardening. Instead, I putter around the house doing light chores. The hobby room beckons, and noon can arrive without a single step outdoors.

Fall Afternoons

Golden leaves of a cottonwood tree.
Cottonwood Gold

I fell in love with Fall during college. New England is glorious in October and November. From brilliant reds to awesome oranges the harmony of the colors brings a sensation of peace.

The High Plains may not be known for leaf watching, but beauty is everywhere. Walks around my neighborhood yield colors from the bright yellows of the cottonwoods to the gorgeous spectrum of reds found in the fruitless pear trees. And early afternoons are perfect for walks. Not too cold, not too hot. Goldilocks would be pleased.

Leaves cover the ground. Raking emerges as a daily chore. A short-lived routine.

Vibrant reds on the leaves of a pearless pear tree.
Pear-less Pear

Changing Seasons Bring Shortened Days

Warm afternoons quickly turn cool as night falls. Too cold to sit on the back porch after supper. Instead, books are read and occasionally television is watched. Hand quilting accompanies the T.V. watching. Sewing and crafting replace the time spent in the garden.

The daily routines adapt to the changing seasons. And it is important to stop and reflect on the beauty of our current season. Quoting Charles Dickens ( A favorite classic writer):

Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of it’s own…

Quilt in fall colors with quote of Charles Dickens: Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of it's own...

Posted on by Econogal

Sweet Romance

Cover of novel Snow Kissed by Rae Anne Thayne with a snow covered scene depicting a couple walking toward a home flanked by snow laden evergreensSnow Kissed by Rae Anne Thane is a newly released Christmas romance. The sweet love story is perfect reading for the holidays. The book is part of the Shelter Springs series yet works well as a stand-alone novel.

Holly Moore and Ryan Caldwell cross paths during a hectic December. Each living a life too full for relationships. Then romance catches them by surprise.

Single Mom Holly Moore

Holly is a divorcee, a small business owner and most important of all, single mom to Lydia. Five-year-old Lydia is a bubbling, outgoing special needs child surrounded by loving family and friends.

Holly harbors no ill will towards her ex. She just wishes he would take a bigger role in his daughter’s life. The rest of her family is not as magnanimous.

Ryan Caldwell

Ryan is a career military helicopter pilot. And a confirmed bachelor.  He is in Shelter Springs to care for his thirteen-year-old niece Audrey, while her mom Kim is in rehab after an accident. His loyalty to Kim stems from the loss of their mother when they were both young teens.

However, he must also interact with his estranged father who lives in nearby Haven Point with his second wife Diane, who broke both an arm and leg in the accident. Ryan genuinely likes Diane but has no desire to be around his father. Most importantly, he must care for Audrey.

Snow Kissed Romance

Holly and Ryan make a deal to help each other. Holly needs a date to a wedding she must attend since Lydia is the flower girl in her dad’s sister’s wedding. And Ryan needs help making Christmas bright for his niece and sister.

Idaho weather makes a romantic backdrop for the growing attraction between the pair. Snow kissed nights of family-oriented outings allow the attraction to grow. Naturally, both fight their feelings because a long-distance relationship is not easy.

Recommendation for Snow Kissed

I really enjoyed this sweet romance. This is the first Rae Anne Thayne novel I have read. The story is uplifting, the characters all show growth and the writing is suitable for teenagers to grandmothers. Furthermore, the book would be perfect in a Christmas stocking. Find a copy and enjoy!