In small ways, autumn is making its’ presence known. Mornings are cool and dimly lit. Nightfall comes earlier, ending days of fog and mist. Rain has been a constant threat and shows up often. A pumpkin now sits where the irises bloomed and chrysanthemums grace the old porch. A soft, little light shines through the mist like a cheerful greeting and it does my heart good to see it .
A stillness has settled on the rabbit patch the last few days. The trees seem so solemn when there is not even the slightest breeze. The morning fog has no hurry about it, but hangs about in the air like a spell . Mist is a quiet affair and lends an air of enchantment to bare fields and old barns. . . and pumpkins.
In September, I bring ageratum flowers in the old farmhouse. They are small periwinkle colors and pair well with the bright yellow swamp flowers. I take inventory of all the blankets and quilts too. I take note of the woodpile-this year it is lacking and I must attend to that. The garden is officially over in September-and the roses have slowed down too.
Years ago, I was in an antique store and spotted some china with a dainty fall pattern. I have a weakness for such things and so upon further inspection, I saw it was a partial set and moved along. Weeks later, I was in the same store and once again admired them. The owner is a friend of mine and she said I ought to get them as I liked them-and at a great price. I told her it was a partial set and I couldn’t use it. She laughed and told me it was a dessert set. I left without them anyway. At some point, I was reading Better Homes & Gardens, and there was an article on dessert sets, popular in the fifties. Apparently, when a woman got a notion to make a cake, she would call her friends and serve it on pretty little china plates with coffee in pretty little china cups in those days.
I thought about this custom and knew I was meant for it. I imagined how many problems were solved at these gatherings. I bet advice was traded on everything from sewing to gardening-from cooking to soothing a fussy baby. Modern times hardly allow such occasions without a lot of commotion to arrange it. I got the set anyway and am happy to say I use it-in the autumn. Twice, on a whim, it worked out, that I just decided to make a cake and called some friends, who were glad I did. It is a lovely setting and complete after all.
September, with its’ rain and fog is all but over, yet it does not leave me empty handed, but instead with lasting parting gifts. In September, my thoughts turn to home and hearth. In the kitchen, the lowly ageratum that grows on ditch banks and all over the rabbit patch too, becomes a centerpiece. . . and the porch has flowers, a pumpkin and a little light that shines through the mist. September is a lovely time at the rabbit patch-and my heart is grateful for it.
rabbitpatchdiarycom 
It seems like you need those little plates and cups for pajama tea parties. 🙂
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you know things often find us. In all my decluttering, I kept the set to remind me of the best ways to spend time-and it is pretty-haha!
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Where’s the picture of the set? I have something for you, if you like, when you come. With all the bustling, Please don’t let me forget…esp for this season
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I bet you had a grand time visiting over your autumn tea set. Those times with friends can be so good for a person and what a beautiful way to keep connected to each other!
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I love the idea that such a time existed-like it was in my childhood. How sad for our mechanical lives today! Thank you friend!
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One of the things I enjoy most about your blog is the way you observe everything around you with clarity and care, and then describe them so your readers see and feel them the same way you did. You brought me into September at the Rabbit Patch with you. My only wish is that I’d been able to eat cake off the dessert set.
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haha! thank you, always-I bet we would have a nice visit-I am sure I would enjoy it.
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It sounds blissful. I love September as (even though I don’t teach full time any more) it’s like a second new year and another chance to start afresh with a new school year. The rabbit patch still sounds delightful in the autumn. 😊
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I feel the same way that Sept starts a new year! Thank you so much for always leaving me a smile!
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Hello Rabbit Patch,
I enjoy your blog so much that I have nominated you for a Versatile Blogger Award! There are a couple of things you have to do if you would like to accept the award, and you can find out about those here: https://thecobweboriumemporium.wordpress.com/2016/09/29/how-versatile-am-i-i-wonder/
You are under no obligation to accept the award if you don’t have time to do so, or even if perhaps you’ve got a bundle of awards and don’t have room on the shelf for another!
But I just wanted let you know.
Have a blessed rest of your day ~ Cobs.
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you are so sweet-Thank you! Now I have to see if I am tech savy enough to accept! Either way-I am thrilled and my heart is touched!
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I’m glad you bought the china set. First, because you obviously were drawn to it, but more importantly, because it prompted you to have a gathering of friends over for cake! You are right, we don’t do things like that nearly often enough.
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I have declutters this house on an insane level-preparing to downsize=couldn’t part with that china because it reminds me to SLOW down and LOVE people! thank you! I enjoy your comments!
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“…SLOW down and LOVE people!”
This is the essence of our lives, a mantra for our times.
A mantra for ALL times.
Love,
Paz
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I love how you write about every day things and you make them extraordinary! I am so glad you enjoy your dessert dishes and eat cake!
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My life is quite ordinary I suppose but I like ordinary and get such a happiness celebrating sweet moments! Thank you so much-you say such dear things!
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