October is a wonderful month with rich colors showing up in the hills around us. I thought the colors were basically gone but it appears that they just got richer. The dogs and I had a number of really wonderful walks this week. We capped it off with our longest walk in quite awhile going just shy of four miles on the most beautiful Thursday of the month. None of us really wanted to stop but we were actually tired at the end of the walk. The big excitement was running into two horses that were out for a stroll on the rail trail. I am pretty confident that the older dogs will behave when we encounter horses on the trail but I still don’t know about Percy. However, he was a model of puppyhood. We all sat down on the side of the trail and we waited for them to pass by. However, the woman who was riding decided that right in front of us was a good place to take multiple pictures of her friend who was riding the other horse. She did a pretty good job of holding onto the horse at the same time as trying to juggle her phone to take the pictures. The dogs and I just sat there watching her little dance. The horses knew we were there and weren’t really bothered by us but we kept pretty still so as not to startle them. To say I was proud of the dogs, all who were not on leash, who stayed with me and rested while politely letting the horses go by, is an understatement. They were great. Good manners towards other animals and people as well as bicycles and other walkers is imperative.

Orange Vests

I was chatting with my friend, Mr. Caron, who owns a good deal of land around the rail trail, about hunting in the area. There are hunters and he advised that since we walk through his land on part of our treks, that bright jackets might be a good idea. Actually, it is very hard to see Percy, in particular, in the leaves and bushes so the jacket really helps. I even have one too. We don’t wander too far off the trail but we do occasionally take a side trip. Plus, the dogs tend to explore some off trail and this way I can see them amidst the leaves.

Update on Jenny Lane Projects

At long last a little headway has been made on the “final” bathroom project for Jenny Lane. A couple of weeks ago the walls were put up and then they had to be taped and sanded which took almost two full days of solid work. This included the repairs to the ceiling. Young Dillon is very thorough and he did a beautiful job. The following weekend, Katie picked out the color and painted the walls with the hope that the team would return and begin the process of putting down the floor. But wait – we needed to move the drain pipe in the shower before the shower pan could go in so once again we waited for the plumber. He finally came on Monday and moved the drain. Then we notified the guys that we were ready for them to install the shower pan and begin the process of putting in the heated floor. Then they can tile. Well it happened, they came and got the base flooring installed and with any luck will return this week and put in the coils for heating the floor and then begin the tiling. It is exciting to have this project moving forward once again. Oh, we so hope it is done by Christmas!!!!

Project #2 The Desk (some assembly required)

We moved a few things around so that Jack could have a study area/desk in his room as he works on his EMT Course. Katie donated her desk to the cause because it was just the right size for Jack’s room but she needed a replacement for her office. Thus you see John here with “some assembly required” desk. It took him the better part of two days to put it together. Katie is very happy with the finished product.

Visitors & A Recipe

Vegetarian Spinach Tortellini Soup by Joanna Gaines

On Friday we had a visit from my sister and brother-in-law. They stopped on their way to Boston to babysit for the weekend. It was definitely a soup day so I got out a great soup recipe and made it for us all to have for lunch. I served it with a delicious sourdough bread that had bits of cheese in it. For some reason I didn’t take any pictures of us which I really wish I had done. However, I will share the recipe and photograph. It was delicious and perfect for a crisp fall day. I made a few changes but it was certainly easy and hearty. I used beef flavored stock, just regular chopped canned tomatoes, and regular parmesan cheese, plus I added more spinach. I also added more spices and, of course, the sourdough bread instead of French bread.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 medium onion, cut into medium dice
1 tablespoon minced garlic
6 cups (1 1/2 quarts) chicken broth
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 (9-ounce) package cheese tortellini
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed well and drained

6 cups baby spinach
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Juice of ½ lemon
1 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (about 4 ounces)
1 loaf French bread, for serving

Directions
In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté, stirring constantly, until the onion is soft and tender, 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the broth, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning and bring to a rolling boil. Add the tortellini and beans and cook until the tortellini are cooked through, about 2 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the spinach, parsley, basil, and salt and pepper to taste and stir until the spinach is just wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Squeeze the lemon juice over the soup.
Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with the Parmesan, and serve immediately with torn bread for dipping.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let the soup thaw before reheating.