HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS IN CLIFTON, VIRGINIA.

Almost a week ago we went for a drive and ended up in Clifton, a quaint little town full of history. I will go into more detail in another post but right now I am sharing a few photos we took of the Halloween decorations around town.  

I will have more in a day or so.

This is definitely the year of skeletons for Halloween.

Thanks for dropping in and I hope the week has started out well for you all.

MONDAY MORNING RECIPE POST - MUSHROOM SOUP WITHOUT CREAM

This is a very simple meal, and one I expect you have your own favorite version.  But I put it on here in my collection, to remind me to forget the cream and just enjoy a plain soup for the broth and the veggies, and the lack of those extra calories. I found it here at Allrecipes. We have made it several times and enjoyed it each time. 

Mushroom Soup without Cream - makes 8 one cup servings

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Ready in 1 hour

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup peeled and sliced carrots

1 cup sliced onions

1 cup sliced leeks (optional)

1/2 cup sliced celery

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

2 lbs. sliced fresh brown or white mushrooms

6 cups chicken or vegetable stock 

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup chopped green onions, for garnish

Directions:

Melt the butter in a stock pot over medium heat.  Add carrots, onions, leeks and celery.  Cook and stir until tender but not browned, about 10 minutes.  

Stir in thyme and mushrooms.  Continue cooking until mushrooms are soft, about 5 minutes.

Pour chicken stock into the pot and season with salt and pepper.  Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.

Ladle into bowls and serve with green onions sprinkled on top.

Footnotes:

If you do not use leeks, increase the amount of the other vegetables, or add your favorites.  Dried thyme may be used in place of the fresh.  You can also add your favorite herbs in place of the thyme.

For a smoother texture you can puree the soup after it has simmered the final 30 minutes. This way might be a good plan when serving to children. I prefer to serve it as is.

Prepare some wild rice according to package directions and add to soup during the final 10 minutes of cooking, or after the soup has been pureed.

What did we think?  

First of all the house smells incredible while the soup is cooking, and for a long time afterwards.  It makes for a wonderful welcome home.

If you can’t get the leeks I would probably use onions in their place. 

I doubled the recipe as we love soup and enjoy eating it for a couple of days or so, and then freeze for future meals if there is any left.

I used white button mushrooms.

If you want to turn this into a vegan/vegetarian meal you can use olive oil to cook the veggies initially, and substitute vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. 

I like mushroom soup but the only kind I have ever tried had cream added.  The broth in this soup didn't need cream, it was very good and the best non-cream mushroom soup I have made so far.  I wouldn't change a thing.

I did not puree the soup as I prefer it as is, but if you have fussy eaters, pureeing might make it easier to get loved ones to eat good nutritional food. Also, if you have toddlers or older who hopefully will like the taste but refuse to eat certain veggies, “camouflaging” is a good way to go. I would however check with a medical professional depending on their dietary needs.

I also didn't want to make a trip to the store just to buy wild rice. I used white rice instead as I had a small amount left in the packet. It was an excellent substitute and even though I said I wouldn't change a thing, I may try the wild rice next time or even brown rice.

Another good garnish as well as the sliced green onions, would be a sprinkle of grated Parmesan Cheese. If you like sour cream, that would be nice also. I didn’t use either, this time.

Below is the original recipe’s website for you to copy and paste if you prefer it to using the link above.

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/59571/mushroom-soup-without-cream/

I am definitely looking forward to making it again, especially with the weather getting chillier.  

Thanks for the visit and 

enjoy your week. 

HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE - ODDS AND BODS FOR OCTOBER 25TH, 2026

“Good Morning Sunshine! 

“How are you today? I hope all is well where you are.”

I found my imaginary home.

It’s chilly outside. Time to light the fire. I love this cosy room. 

Here are three images of pretty art that I enjoy sharing with you. The moon with…

friends.

I thought this was very cute, two friends having a chat.

A few recipes:

I am sure many have a favorite salsa recipe.  Hubby not only found but made this one and it was delicious. We shared an avocado and put a spoonful into the cavity after we took the seed out. Most of the time we cut up raw veggies and used it as a dip. He advises to pay particular attention to how many seconds on that blender, so that you get it to your desired consistency. 

Salsa - Ingredients: 4 plum tomatoes - 2 Jalapeños, deseeded - 1 medium onion -1 full bunch of cilantro (called coriander in some parts of the world) - Juice of half a lemon - 1 to 2 garlic cloves - Salt, a good amount hubby says (depending on if it is good for your health or your taste).  Instructions: 1. Finely dice all the ingredients before putting them in a blender.  2. Add everything to a blender and blend until you reach your preferred texture.  3. Taste and adjust the salt if needed. 

Cheeseburger Soup - Farmhouse Favorites - Ingredients: 5 pieces

of bacon (cut into small pieces) - 1 pound of ground beef - 1/4 cup

butter - 1/4 cup onion, diced - 2 sticks celery, diced - 1/2 teaspoon 

minced garlic - 6 tablespoons flour - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup

heavy cream - 1 pound Yukon potatoes, peeled and diced small, and

partially cooked in boiling water (I add this because it doesn’t mention

this soon enough in directions, in my humble opinion) - 1-1/2 cups 

sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated - salt and pepper to taste. (Message on left: 

Hearty, creamy and packed with all the flavor of your favorite 

cheeseburger!) Directions: 1. Start by browning your ground beef,

 draining and set aside.  2. In a separate pot, brown brown your chopped 

bacon until no longer pink. Add butter, onion, celery and garlic and let 

it sauté for about 5 minutes.  3. Next, add in your flour and stir into the 

bacon and veggies until combined.  4. Then semi softened potatoes, 

chicken broth, heavy cream, 1 cup of cheese and ground beef into the

pot.  5. Stir well so that it thickens, then let it simmer for about 15 minutes.

6. Top with more Cheddar cheese, salt and pepper before serving. 

I am going to keep this recipe for when we have guests. We only ever eat pears straight from the fruit bowl, but this looks great for those special occasions.

Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey and Cranberries - Intedients: 

4 pears, halved - 1/2 cup of goat cheese - 1/2 cup cranberries 

2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.  2. Place pears

Cut-side up in a baking dish.  3. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle cinnamon.

4. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until tender.  5. Fill with goat cheese,

cranberries and walnuts.  6. Drizzle honey on top.  7. Bake 5 to 10 

minutes and serve warm. 

I like these too and it would be nice to keep this recipe for those same guests over the holidays, at least for those with no nut allergies.

Maple Vanilla Candied Pecans - Ingredients: 2 cups pecans - 1/4 cup

maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - Pinch of salt 

Directions: Toss pecans with maple, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Spread

On baking sheet. Roast at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.

I have four words for you today, and the first three are to do with the moon.  

Selenophile - (noun) - a person who loves the moon.

Moonglade - (noun) - moon-glade - the reflection of moonlight on 

a body of  water.

ZMoonbroch - (noun) - a halo round the moon which presages an

approaching storm.

And then there is this.

“Akiramenai” - origin (Japanese phrase) - Meaning: Until I get

there, I won’t give up. When things are moving slowly, remember

that each step matters. The door won’t open for someone who rushes,

but it will for someone who keeps knocking.

Wise words.

Here is a quote that is a favorite of mine. “We are the leaves of one branch, 

the drops of one sea, the flowers of one garden - Jean Baptiste Henry Lacordaire.

The Seasons Inside a Person - Not every winter is cold. Some people

carry it behind their smiles. Not every spring is filled with flowers.

Sometimes it begins with the day someone chooses to hope again.

There are people with summers in their laughter…warm enough for

Strangers to feel at home. And there are people who wear Autumn

so beautifully, letting go without making a sound. We spend our 

lives looking for the perfect season…only to discover that every

heart is learning how to survive its own weather. So be gentle. You

never know what season someone is living through - Aurelune - A

little universe of words, silence and souls. 

May someone always walk beside you. 

And remember…because we often forget when it comes to ourselves and need a reminder…

of this very important message.

Never forget how amazing you are, for you are worthy and you are loved.

And so ends another positivity post.

Thanks for visiting and I 

hope your day is a great one.

(Thank you Pinterest for today’s inspiration.) 

SATURDAY MORNING AT THE BIRD BATH/FEEDER - WHO’S A PRETTY BIRD.

 

That’s how it’s going on a

Saturday Morning at the Birdbath and…

thanks for putting up with these two while they are having their diva moment. 

Have a great weekend!

ANOTHER OLD FAVORITE - ELK MOTHER AND HER CALF

 

You may remember this photo as I have shared it before, though a long time ago. We weren’t as close as it seems as we had a zoom lens on our camera, but still relatively close. However we were in a protected area at Lake Jackson Lodge, where we were staying for a few days. It had a great view high off the ground, overlooking the Grand Teton and between us, this large area of land where elk would pass through, and other wildlife. 

There were several people out there already, but still lots of space to comfortably take photos without being elbow to elbow. When I reached my spot and looked down, this mother elk and her calf were a sight to behold. I can’t remember how long I stayed just looking at them, taking many, many photos. And then I couldn’t move for the longest time. I was mesmerized! It seemed a very long time but eventually mama elk stopped posing and munching on the long grasses, ambled out of sight with her calf trotting behind her. 

There was plenty of seating, along with tables if you wanted to have a hot drink or a cocktail. I felt a bit chilled and ordered a pot of tea. 

If you want to take a look at the Lodge, you can copy and paste the following into your search engine.

https://www.gtlc.com/lodges/jackson-lake-lodge?

I borrowed this image from their website. The rooms were wonderfully rustic (we were last there in 2007 or maybe 2008). They were clean, comfortable, cozy and what a view! This was the same vacation where I saw the dawn rise listening to the wolves in the distance. I had awakened and wondered what I was listening to, and then I realized. I made myself a hot drink, grabbed a blanket, wrapped it around me and sat outside listening for what seemed a long time to them ‘talking’ to each other. It was misty out there and it felt magical. Our room was in the far left building, facing the mountain range. I added the red arrow. 

I hope all goes well with you and 

thanks so much for your visit today.  

A FEW HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

I am starting with these. My favorite house for Halloween decorations.

They always have a wonderful display. There are a lot of new ones here. Below is in the same front yard as above and the scarecrow would be to the left. The  scarecrow with the raven sitting on his shoulder is new. Their eyes light up. I am looking forward to going back at night.  

There are a lot of these balloon-type decorations, and I have noticed these are where the younger children live.

“Halloween is more a state of mind. I don’t necessarily do anything. It’s more of a private, year-round celebration.” 

~Tim Burton~

“When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam, may luck be yours on Halloween.”

“Author Unknown “

Lastly, a jigsaw puzzle from my iPad. 

That’s all for the neighborhood. I have more taken on our drive and I will share those in a few days. 

I wish you all a great day 

and thanks for visiting.