November will soon be over—two more days to go, not that I’m rushing it. As yet, we  have seen little that resembles winter weather. Light snow fell last evening, a very small amount, only enough to coat the roofs of houses and it soon melted away. Cold temperatures, yes, and frost on car windows. Winter will be here before we’re ready for it.

Last year the snow came early, in November before my husband could finish his outdoor work.  Our snowbird neighbours have already gone to Florida; they’re likely wearing shorts and t-shirts as we contemplate pulling out winter boots. It’s time to pull boots out of storage, along with the snow shovels, not to rush the snow, mind you, but to be prepared as the boy scouts would say.

Today, two of  my daughters and I went to the One of a Kind Show in Toronto, a great place to spend both time and money on a gray November day. It’s a place to find unusual things, one of a kind as the show is aptly named. We saw plenty of art, clothing, scarves in every imaginable fabric and style, jewelry, Christmas ornaments,  carved and metal items, candles, booths with jams and jellies, chocolate and nuts. I believe we stopped at just about every booth that sold things for children: toys and costumes, dresses, pajamas, jackets and hats, and slings for mothers to use when carrying their babies.  My daughter bought one of those.

When one is a new mother or a new grandmother, clothes for small ones like my granddaughter catch one’s eyes. We at least stopped to look. So many cute and creative items— ideas that could keep me and my sewing machine busy until the next show.  Cozy fleece hats in many styles and colours, ones made from fleece that looked like Kermit the Frog, a strawberry, a monster, and some that were knitted that looked like they would fit Evy.

 If I had an unlimited budget, I could have gone crazy buying stuff for her, but I didn’t. Sorry Evy, grandma has already bought you a hat and mittens. Maybe next year you can have a jester or Kermit hat to go with your snowsuit, and next time maybe  you can go along and try one on. Meanwhile you’ll keep warm in your cozy car seat liner, warm clothing and your hat and mittens.