How to Survive November 2025 – 16

So far so good, and today we have a surprisingly beautiful morning; the sky is blue, a lovely hue with few clouds, now three days in a row, However, despite the vibrant appearance of the day, unfortunately, the air is cold due to the wind factor, which feels like -2C / 28F, making it a bit too nippy for my taste. As I step outside, the crispness bites at my skin, urging me to bundle up more tightly in layers of clothing, savoring the clear skies while grappling with the chill that nips at my fingers and cheeks.

Today my post is going to include, obviously, How to Survive the November theme Round, which is crucial as we navigate the often dreary days of this month. In addition to that, I will be sharing to Becky’s NovemberShadows, where we can explore the interplay between light and darkness through photography. Furthermore, I will touch upon John’s Cellpic Sunday, an opportunity to showcase our mobile photography, which is one my challenges weekly. To conclude, I will delve into Debbie’s OneWordSunday, focusing on the theme Monochrome, where we can capture the beauty and depth that black and white images bring to our stories.

A beautifully presented bowl of rice garnished with seaweed, set against the backdrop of a dining table, showcasing round and the monochrome theme.

Now that is multitasking 😀 I have more than one posted food shot from Johns Cellpic, as we often dine out on Saturday. I am not going to change that delightful routine. The plates are round, elegantly showcasing the delicious dishes, the interior has shadows that play beautifully. With the variety of colors and textures, I can always convert shots to Monochrome, which adds a timeless quality to the images, enhancing the details and making the food pop even more against the understated background.

A monochrome close-up of elegantly shaped bowls filled with various side dishes, showcasing a captivating interplay between textures and shapes including round.
A cozy restaurant scene showcasing a woman serving food at a table, highlighting the interplay of shadows and light.
A delicious spread featuring grilled meat and various side dishes, perfect for showcasing culinary delights.
A beautifully arranged plate featuring a variety of sushi, sashimi, and side dishes, perfect for showcasing the theme of ’round’ in a culinary setting.
A delightful dessert featuring whipped cream topped with mango, mint, and a hint of coffee in a round serving bowl.

November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.

Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.

Vibrancy of Dandelions

This is the prime time for dandelions in my neck of the woods. The glorious yellow fields of this pest of a flower look lovely, stretching out like a bright carpet across the landscape, creating a vivid contrast against the greens of the grass and the browns of the earth. This weed is lovely in its brightness, with its unapologetic splendor. I took these yesterday, reveling in the beauty of the fields and the soft, fluffy clouds drifting lazily above, where the sun peeked through to illuminate the landscape. However, towards the end of the day, the clouds turned dark, gathering together ominously and giving us a pour of rain that was both refreshing and needed. The scent of the air after the rain was so fresh and lovely, invigorating my senses.


The seeds, delicate and fluffy, are a great macro photography subject, exploding into the air with just a gentle breath, scattering like tiny parachutes on the wind.

My old neighbor, by old I mean she used to be my neighbor and well she was on the older side; I was in my late forties and she in her late eighties, told me she used to make wine out of dandelions, a unique blend that captivated and surprised many. She said she would give me the recipe, but I never did actually get it, although it came up many times during our conversations, often reminiscing about the joy ipicking the dandelions. She was a lovely lady, always positive, her laughter , and her stories rich with wisdom about foraging, gardening, and the simple pleasures found in nature.


Dandelions can be made into wine, offering a refreshing and unique beverage. This traditional recipe is perfect for beginners looking to try something new for spring or summer meals. While many see dandelions as weeds, wine enthusiasts view them as ingredients. Dandelion wine is gaining popularity among DIY winemakers, featuring a light and citrusy flavor.

I googled this recipe

Dandelion Wine
Yields approx. 4 liters

Ingredients:
• 3 liters of dandelion petals (only the yellow parts)
• 4 liters of water
• 1.5–2 kg of sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 organic lemons (juice + zest)
• 1 orange (optional – for rounder flavor)
• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger (optional)
• 1 packet wine yeast
• Optional: 1 tsp yeast nutrient

Instructions:

  1. Pick & prepare:
    Pick dandelions on a sunny day when they are fully open. Use only the yellow petals – the green parts can make the wine bitter.
  2. Pre-fermentation:
    Boil the water and pour it over the petals in a large pot or fermentation bucket. Cover and let sit for 2 days, stirring occasionally.
  3. Strain & flavor:
    Strain out the petals. Gently heat the liquid with the sugar, lemon juice + zest, optional orange and ginger. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Let cool to room temperature.
  4. Fermentation:
    Add the wine yeast (and optional yeast nutrient) to the cooled liquid. Pour into a fermentation vessel with an airlock. Let ferment in a cool, dark place for 2–4 weeks.
  5. Bottling & aging:
    When fermentation is complete, transfer to clean bottles. Age for at least 3–6 months. The wine only improves over time!

How to Survive November 2024 – E

November 5th, E is for enkeli – angel.

My aunt gave me this beautiful angel when I was a teenager about 45 years ago, and I still cherish it dearly. The piece itself may not be worth much , but its sentimental value is immeasurable. It now safely guards my bedroom, serving as a gentle reminder of the love my aunt bestowed upon me. Currently, it finds its home on top of a mirror, which leans gracefully against a silk painting that has also accompanied me for over thirty years.


Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever,  is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.

enkeli

Lens-Artists Challenge #270 – On Display

This week Ann-Christine inspires us with, On Display. In her post, she has fine examples, check her post out and be inspired. This one is really making display of himself – the pink dude.

So many things are on display, such a wide topic really. Here are few…

A view on display with a table set for three – after the fact of having lunch.

Art displays, whether in parks, museums windows, or buildings, offer glimpses into the vibrant world of creativity. They serve as portals to different eras, cultures, and perspectives, stimulating our imagination and invoking a range of emotions. From timeless masterpieces to contemporary installations, art displays invite us to explore, contemplate, and appreciate the beauty and power of human expression. So, step into the world of art and let your senses be awakened by the captivating displays before you.

A fashion window display is a captivating visual representation of clothing, accessories, or other fashionable items that are showcased in the display windows of retail stores. These displays are strategically designed to grab the attention of passersby and entice them to enter the store. Fashion windows often feature stylish mannequins showcasing the latest trends, innovative design elements, eye-catching props, and creative lighting to create a visually stunning and immersive experience for potential customers.

Marketplace displays are an essential component of any vibrant shopping experience. These displays creatively showcase a wide range of products, enticing shoppers with their visual appeal and strategic placement. From colorful fruits and vegetables arranged in eye-catching patterns to neatly stacked shelves displaying various merchandise, marketplace displays are strategically designed to capture attention and encourage purchases. With their vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and captivating arrangements, these displays create a sensory experience that engages shoppers and enhances their overall shopping journey. Whether it’s a meticulously decorated bakery section or a beautifully arranged floral display, marketplace displays are an art form that not only adds to the ambiance but also helps customers discover new products and make informed choices.

When it comes to displaying liquor in a bar, there are several key selling points to consider:

Visibility: A well-designed liquor display should ensure the visibility of the bottles, .

Brand Showcase: Use the display to showcase your bar’s featured or premium brands. Highlighting high-end or exclusive spirits can pique customers’ interest and encourage them to explore new options or indulge in something special.

Lighting and Ambiance. LED lighting can create an eye-catching display that adds to the overall ambiance of the bar.

Information. Provide customers with useful information about each liquor bottle displayed.

It should captivate customers, inspire exploration, and ultimately contribute to the overall success of your bar.

Soon is Halloween and people have lots of decorations on display


Posted for Ann-Christine’s Lens-Artists Challenge

Lens Artists Challenge #267: Recharge

Guest host Egidio of Through Brazilian Eyes says he turns to nature to rejuvenate and asked us how we recharge our body’s’ batteries. I would have to agree to that, nature does that.

Music, art and good food and dessert and wine accompanied by friends.. got to love that.

This weekend is a good sample of recharging for me, if you have read any of my posts you know that I am a often at my summer house, like many other Finns are, away from the city, hassle and buzzle of everyday life. Outdoors, barbecue, sauna and glass of wine, maybe two. Nature surrounding us is it the forest, lakes, sea or fields , as in my case.

Driving this road already set the mood for the moments ahead. Below water as an element is recharging. I love the sea.

Animal’s well you got to love them. Veikka and Tinka are my most recent pets. Cuddle them and you relax as you hear them purr.

Forest, trees, well the lungs of the earth, they are so important at the prospect of recharging no matter what the season.

If you would like to participate weekly in Lens-Artists Challenge, click here for more info. 

52 Frames: Week 31: Choose Color!

Look around and we’ll see something we take for granted – color. Our wonderful world is filled with it, so this week we’re asking you to Choose A Color. Make that color the theme and inspiration behind your image. Colors evoke moods and feelings – how you choose to compose and use them is what will guide the viewer through the image.

Choosing to focus on a single color in particular is both creative and good use of light, contrast and saturation is what can make or break an image. Pick a color and make it the dominant and outstanding and leave no doubt about which color you wanted to make the main point of your shot.

I am having huge problems with my computer, so much that I need to buy a new one, so these are old shots that I have here already used in my previous posts over the years. I am not able to access my computer files, or additional hard drives to add photos or load new ones from the camera disk. I am able to access the internet for now, so I am using these here this week.

Think landscapes of rolling green hills, or food shots of red chilli peppers or the all encompassing golden color at sunset – there’s a noticeable dominant color there and that’s what we’re looking for.

orange
Green
  • Composition: Compose your shot so there’s no doubt as to which color you’re trying to use. Think about any emotions or moods your photo can evoke and bring that to the forefront. You could use a lot of negative space to direct interest to your subject or go in full-tilt and fill the frame
  • Lighting: Lighting and shadows add depth to an image and can change an image dramatically. An underlit and underexposed image brings to mind a different mood than a bright, well-lit one.
  • White Balance: . Using and adjusting white balance while taking your photos will be valuable
  • Contrast: If there are multiple colors and shades in your image, ensure that there’s one that’s visibly up front and recognizable – it contrasts and stands out from the other shades and tone of the image.
  • Post-processing: Feel free to go nuts with post-processing and editing to render some cool color effects. But remember, less is more.
Blue

Delicious

Yesterday I enjoyed a delicious meal and as I took photos of them because they were so beautifully prepared and presented. Yammy… nettle soup with poached egg, perched pike with potatoes and finally a brûlée with rhubarb and raspberry sorbet.

Soup
Fish 🐠 dish
Brûlée

Coffee moment

I asked my husband to get something tasty to go with coffee. This is what I got, laskiaispulla. A bun with whipped cream and strawberry jam. Aah , so tasty 😋

Countdown to 2021-17

Today: Sunrise at 9:23- Sunset 15:14- Length of day 5:51 hours – time of dusk 0:58 minutes . A minute less of daylight than yesterday. Only 5 more days until winter solstice.

Old Friends they shine like diamonds
Old Friends you can always call
Old Friends Lord you can’t buy ’em
You know it’s Old Friends after all

We met over dinner with old friends, we usually have had a tradition, that my girl friend for 40 years has hosted a pre Christmas party to a certain group of friends – four couples in December at her house. This year that tradition has broken due to this odd year. This year is we decided to have celebrate friendship and Christmas with a dinner with them in a nice restaurant just the four of us. No hugging, greeting smiles from distance and sitting across the dinner table. All good and safe. Delicious meal. For a starter I had flambeed snails (anise liqueur), Duck leg Confit for entree and for dessert Chocolate cake and beetroot sorbet.

Chocolate cake and beetroot sorbet
Winter scene from few years back.

I will be posting new and old photos somehow related to winter, Christmas and eventually anticipation of new year. My aim is to take one new photo a day, but not going to stress over it, if I don’t come up with anything.

Would you like to join us? Join in with this title and link it to my page.

Onions

Happy is said to be the family which can eat onions together. They are, for the time being, separate, from the world, and have a harmony of aspiration.     

Charles Dudley Warner

an Onion

In onion is strength; and a garden without it lacks flavour. The onion, in its satin wrappings, is among the most beautiful of vegetables; and it is the only one that represents the essence of things. It can almost be said to have a soul.

Charles Dudley Warner

Onion is such a great topic. I think I have to go ang by more vegetables and try to take food photos.

Kollaasi 223 (11/2020)

At this week shades of colours are found from hyacinth. Kollaasi 223 (11/2020)!

Lunchtime

Photos taken with my mobile, I am continuing with the food theme. This was our lunch/ dinner today at our summer house.

Lunchtime

Evening meal

table is set

I did take some photos from our first meal, so I might as well share them. How did I do with a subject not so explored by me.

And couple BW shots

Sydney~3

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Bird cages

We at a restaurant called China Lane Restaurant- style Asian fusion. Absolutely delicious. My cousin knew the place and did the ordering for us, so I do not remember what we  ate but it was one of the best meals we had in a long time. Recommendation to the place , absolutely

How to survive November ~25

How to survive November ~19

Colors

Colors! I walked through the fruit section in our grocery store. Color therapy, bright, vibrant colors.. I think we all can agree that colors are good for the soul and fruits to our body. 

How to Survive November 2017 -13

Thursday. The restaurant we daily use has Pea soup as one of the main dishes and crepes with ice cream, strawberry jam and whipped cream for desert every Thursday. That helps the survival weekly. Tasty!!jätski

How to Survive November 2017 -11

I am surviving it’s grey outside, but i have a new hair color so all is good! Is this not one of the most annoying questions, what should I do with my hair? This time I solved it this way. Blonder, shorter.  The other question is, what should we make for dinner?

 

Do you agree with these very important questions or do you have better annoying and hard and more important questions?

MONOCHROME 4 – 4 – Cafe

Helsinki by day-01888-2

This week I have picked a street photograph, a coffee moment outside.  A man, obviously enjoying a cup of coffee and reading the morning paper. This  is my pick for Monochrome Madness this week.  The original is included for comparison.Helsinki by day-01888

Sunset Point, Key West

We spent time at sunset point in Key West prior the sunset enjoying the entertainment by various artist and acts.