A Week of September

September marks the beginning of my favorite time of year.  As if on cue with the flipping of a calendar, the landscape changes.  Leaves are turning...pops of Autumn hues show up in fields and forests...and the weather softens, just a bit.

We're a week into September and I've been blessed with many joys already.

Tim and I lingered on the first day of the month, enjoying coffee on our deck.  (Well, actually, I had tea as I'm on a chai kick right now.)  But the rain clouds held off long enough for us to sit outside, listening to church bells in the distance.  Such a simple morning but one of my favorite ways to start the day.

Saturday evening, we met up with our son and his girlfriend for a double date.  It isn't often all our schedules coordinate and it was nice to spend time with them.  We have twenty-plus years on their relationship but watching the two lovebirds whisper and holds hands in the booth reminded us of our early days together.

Labor Day wasn't anything traditional but somehow ours never are.  Tim had to work so I visited my Grandma, Aunt, and family.  If you have grandparents still living, I hope you treasure them as much as I do.

Mine is 89 and spunky as ever.  She wanted to spend the day getting her ears pierced so that is just what we did.

Decades ago, her first piercing was done by her sister with a potato.  I'm not sure if she had a professional one down the line but a few months ago she accidentally pulled and tore the lobe in her sleep.  That alone sounds painful enough to me but ever the example of strength, she never flinched during the procedure.  The biggest struggle was getting her to accept the price inflation!  It took some coupon and finagling but she was happy in the end.

Of course, I'm biased but isn't she the cutest?

Driving her around reminded me of the reverse as a child.  I spent many hours in that passenger seat with her.  No matter the chair, some of my best talks and lessons in life have come sitting beside my Grandma.  

Today I ran errands, preparing for a great joy tomorrow.  I've been asked to attend our local farmer's market as they celebrate Kentucky authors.  To be listed in that category humbles me.  Rain again threatens but no clouds will dampen the happiness I have in being a part of this event.

If you're here tomorrow as a result of that booth, welcome.  Grab a cup of tea, or whatever you fancy, get comfy in your chair, and sit a spell.  I promise browsing around will bring you joy. 

Here's to the rest of September...

Purple Elixir

Every Saturday morning, without fail, we visit the Farmers Market.  While I wish I had the time to garden and produce my own fruits and vegetables, I believe this is the next best thing.

I love the atmosphere, the smiles on the vendors' faces and the variety of samplings we find.  Today was extra joyful because of a box of super powerful berries I spied and snatched right up with a smile.

For the past few years, I've read about the benefits of elderberries.  Last year, I considered ordering some syrup online but because I wasn't sure of the ingredients and if it was watered down, I passed.  Learning that one of my favorite vendors would have some today set me off on a mission.

Though I have never done it, I was determined to create elderberry syrup as an added way to boost our immune system this fall and winter. 

From the Medical Medium:  Elderberries contain special proteins and bioflavonoids that have the ability to destroy viruses on contact that infect cells in the body. Elderberries are also known to have the ability to significantly enhance immune function by boosting the production of cytokines in the body. In addition, they are very beneficial for bronchial and respiratory problems and can help loosen and expel congestion in the lungs.   Elderberry syrup is also rich in vitamin C and a wealth of other critical vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and many other nutrients.  Plain and simple, our ancestors knew best.

Canning has always been on my bucket list of things to learn to do.  Today, I got close and definitely spent the afternoon being productive for our health. 

Searching recipes online, I knew I needed local honey and much to my dismay that vendor did not set up at today's market.  But thanks to Facebook and some sweet friends, it was a matter of minutes before I located several other choices.

Home from the market, Tim and I sat down and began to pluck teeny berries off the bundles of branches from the box.  This was not a quick process but as my fingers turned purple and our colanders began to fill, I was prayerfully thankful to have this bounty and work to do today. 

The empty bushes were just as pretty, as the once green limbs were naturally dyed a brilliant violet hue.  I truly pondered keeping them, drying the stems out, and using in a wreath but wasn't sure how they held up.  Maybe next year...

From the box, I yielded about 8 cups of berries, which were then washed and put on the stove to boil.  About an hour later, using a cheesecloth, I strained them into a bowl ready for the final steps.  Once cool, I added raw honey and essential oils, lemon, and cinnamon, which all have antioxidant support.

Now, I have a beautiful tie-dyed cloth, several jars of goodness and the pride in knowing I've accomplished something worthwhile for my family. 

Have you ever made or tried elderberry syrup?  I'm fascinated with natural options to support our health and the power that food has to heal.  God put every little thing on this earth to help us if we only take the time to learn and listen.

Grateful.  Blessed.  And tinted purple.