warm soup
with fresh vegetables
Autumn colors
I added orange and red peppers, an onion, mushrooms, and lots of kale to a can of chicken soup with pasta. This brings back good memories of when I shopped and cooked for my mother. I knew what she would enjoy, even if she said she was not hungry.
A squirrel is busy harvesting pine cones from the tall Norway Spruce tree again this year. Karl heard the cones fall this morning on the wood deck and against the house.
morning work
at the kitchen sink
holiday decoration
from a grocery store
with a red bow
in new sun
on the cedar tree
The “cooking icon” is courtesy of wpclipart.
Ellen Grace Olinger
Yesterday we went to Judi’s Place, a family restaurant here in Oostburg, Wisconsin, for breakfast. They had a table for us, and the food and service were excellent as always. I looked around, and remembered sitting in different places over the years – and the conversations and what was happening then. Work, new projects, family history, health, losses and new beginnings. A good meal is a blessing.
Every day new.
I continue to watch a variety of PBS Shows. I began The Ornament of the World. My father taught history, and I often think of him. I watched the new Arts Page, hosted by Sandy Maxx.
Karl took this photo for me on New Year’s Eve 2012. I created a new arrangement from a flower bouquet that was fading.
Cedar tree – January 2017
Flowers from a store – February 2016
Ellen Grace Olinger
winter kitchen
the fragrance
of blueberry coffeecake
bought yesterday
I have been watching PBS Food Shows. This week I watched Lidia Celebrates America: The Return of the Artisans. They spoke of the time and dedication it takes to learn, and the five senses were mentioned – as we also think about when creating poems. There is a lot of work that takes place before an art feels more intuitive. I like seeing so many artisans and art forms honored.
We also have enjoyed a few meals at Casa Imelda, a new restaurant in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin. Wonderful food and service.
We have so much in common, and so much to learn.
Many memories – and everyday life. Christmas today in a simple way.
Blessings,
Ellen Grace Olinger
Yesterday, I enjoyed working in the yard for a time. Enough time to fill a wheelbarrow with faded perennials and clear the brick and wood paths.
Here and there I am watching PBS programs to learn more about art and life in Wisconsin. We grew up in the Milwaukee area and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison a long time ago. Now we are in a small town and rural area, which is where I feel most at home, as much as I appreciate other places.
The Arts Page is hosted by Sandy Maxx. I learned about the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Junior Docent Program. You can visit the museum’s website.
Around the Farm Table is hosted by Inga Witscher. I learned they are now filming Season 7. I watched a recent show and a past show.
So many good shows – travel, cooking, science, history, to name a few. As a writer, I especially love hearing the wide range of words. The vocabulary of different fields. And I like work around the house.
The larger city I best know now is Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
home from Sheboygan
grateful for the same roads
this long
Ellen Grace Olinger
Cafe Bella rebuilt
in Sheboygan
same wonderful people
excellent food
image of strength
and hope
Yesterday, we went to Cafe Bella and then to Walmart. Karl and I each had our own shopping carts, with different items on our lists. We loved seeing the pumpkins and bought one for the ash tree stump.
Ellen Grace Olinger
late afternoon
on a warm fall day
people of all ages
at the market
time for supper
Mentink’s Market Piggly Wiggly – Oostburg, Wisconsin
We bought these flowers at Mentink’s Market in July.
Ellen Grace Olinger
Poems From Oostburg, Wisconsin 