Feb 13/10: Jam

Feb 13/10: Jam, originally uploaded by susanvg.

The variety of good jam that is available has multiplied. Once only the over processed, over sweetened varieties lined the shelves at the supermarket. I grew up with home made jam. My mother made the most wonderful jams with fresh fruit of the season. Of course, the best was when we went berry picking and the jam was made the same day - raspberry, blueberry - I can smell it now, bubbling on the stove. Our neighbours in back had a plum tree which hung heavy with small Italian plums in early autumn. We would pick the ones that hung over on our side (with permission) and they too would be turned into jam.

I learned from her and for years would follow the season - in June it was strawberry jam, August - occasionally jam from fresh berries and September peach and plum jams. But waistlines expanded, a cutback in sugar consumption and some years the jams sat on the shelves untouched. Now I indulge in good store bought jams. But they don't come with the memories, with the heavenly aromas that permeated the house with thoughts of my late mother. I think I'll have to make at least one batch this year.

Jan 11/10: Cobalt blue

Jan 11/10: Cobalt blue, originally uploaded by susanvg.

The Daily Shoot's theme today was your favourite colour. My thought was favourite for what? I have always loved this cobalt blue, but would not paint my walls this colour - too confining. I need light airy shades around me. I love the dramatic oranges of yesterday's sunset but wouldn't dress in them; they would make me look sallow. I love bright clear colours to wear, but wouldn't upholster my furniture in them. Every colour is a favourite for a different purpose.

But blue does work well in flowers too

Daily Shoot: What's your favorite color? Make a photo dominated by your favorite color today and share it!

Day 341: Buy a Jar

Day 341: Buy a Jar, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Supper at a restaurant in Toronto - buy your fill of soup. The first snow has fallen and I have already cooked two pots of soup since my kitchen is once again serviceable. I love to make soup as I rarely follow a recipe - just throw in what is in my refrigerator and hope for the best. This is not quite true - I do sometimes plan ahead and buy the vegetables I want for my latest concoction. After trying "green" soup at my friend and colleagues, I made my own version with broccoli, celery, leeks, dill and spinach. It was quite a success. This is not always the case as my spontaneous combinations do not always yield savoury delights. But even short of perfection, a warm bowl of soup on a wintry day hits the spot.