It's November 2023

Time to say goodbye to October as we welcome November.

And the dead leaves lie huddled and still,

No longer blown hither and thither;

The last lone aster is gone;

The flowers of the witch-hazel wither …

~ Robert Frost (1874-1963) ~

As we welcome November, we say hello to the eleventh month of the year and the last one to have thirty days. There are many facts about this month and I am only sharing a few. There are many others, so please, do feel free to share them in the comments below.

In Anglo-Saxon times, November was known as Blotmonaþ (blood month or sacrifice month).

Always starting on the same day of the week as March, and always ending on the same day of the week as August.

November is the only month never mentioned in any of Shakespeare’s works.

While November is likely to be blustery and full of falling leaves in the Northern Hemisphere, countries in the Southern Hemisphere are just getting into spring! That’s why things look much different in Australia this time of year – it’s due to how the Earth tilts towards the Sun.

Scorpio and Sagittarius are the astrological signs for November. Birthdays from November 1st through the 21st fall under the Scorpio sign. November 22nd through November 30th birthdays fall under the sign of Sagittarius.

November’s traditional birthstone is the topaz, usually a yellow to amber colour. The ancient Greeks believed that topaz could make a wearer invisible. A symbol of honour and strength, topaz was also believed to bring longevity and wisdom.

November’s birth flower is the chrysanthemum. Generally, chrysanthemums represent cheerfulness... and isn't this one a lovely colour 😊

... and sharing a lovely November recipe

Lentil and Vegetable Minestrone Stew / Casserole

a warming dish, its nutritional details per serving

Fat 5g Carbs 19g Fibre 6g Protein 6g

see recipe here

~ Wishing you a happy November 2023 ~

We bring a variety of articles and recipe ideas to this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan