I Simply Remember These Favorite Things with Dr. A ~ November 2025
“Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile”
William Cullen Bryant
November often brings in harsh cold, chilling winds and maybe even snow. It can also be as fickle as a child, remaining warm and carefree for weeks. Whatever November you see as you look out your window, embrace the time.
A Plant - The Glorious Ginkgo
Ginko biloba
Ginkgo, in full color
As wonderful as ginkgos are, they are usually under the radar most of the year. However, in November, more than at any other time, they are front and center in the landscape, for obvious reasons. The ginkgo bides its time most of the season, but then, come fall, it throws off its green mantle and turns the landscape to gold. Not only is the fall color glorious, but a few weeks later, usually with a hard frost, the leaves come tumbling down all at once, forming a meadow of gold.
Then, you embrace this marvelous tree by looking down rather than up. Raking not recommended!
Golden blanket of Ginkgo leaves
A Garden - The Niagara Parks School of Horticulture Gardens
Niagara Falls, Ontario
In previous issues, I have highlighted the sights, sounds, and feel of Niagara Falls and shared my thoughts on the beautiful drive down the Niagara Parkway to the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. However, along the way, swing into the Gardens and Arboretum at the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture.
This 100-acre garden is a treat to wander through, showing off well-kept plants and gardens around every turn. Displays of color, pleasing designs, and wonderful old trees that provide shade and color greet you wherever you walk. The entire garden is planted and maintained by the staff and students at the School – this is their hands-on training. The maintenance and grandeur suggest a staff of hundreds; however, only 30-35 students do the designs and maintain every planting - as well as attend rigorous classes. They are amazing!
Last but surely not least is the Butterfly Conservatory. Butterflies floating around your head and then landing in your hair seem to be a hit for families everywhere. Enjoy.
Alumni School Entrance
A Book -
The Book of Lost Names
Author: Kristin Harmel
Historical Fiction
I am always fascinated when stories of courage, bravery, and quite unbelievable feats in times of desperation and fear are uncovered. When I read these stories, I wonder how I would have reacted in similar circumstances; probably not like Eva Traube, a young Jewish student at the Sorbonne in 1942.
The book is based on the true story of the document forgers who aided the secret underground French resistance in helping Jewish children escape to the safety of neutral Switzerland. The story opens in 2005, introducing us to 86-year-old Eva Abrams, who recognizes a book in an article by a German librarian trying to reunite books stolen by the Nazis with their owners.
She recognizes the book as a codebook that she and her fellow forger secretly made, cataloging the names of the children they were rescuing, in hopes that, if they returned, they would learn their proper names and family history. They nicknamed it The Book of Lost Names.
She immediately booked a flight to Berlin, and the details of her fantastic exploits and the people involved began to be told. Outstanding, could not put it down.
A Show/Movie- A Complete Unknown, A biopic of Bob Dylan
I am having some trouble finding streaming shows to recommend at this time, but I certainly enjoyed this movie. I read reviews, and many are not kind because they “provide little insight into Dylan’s inner life and motivations …”. Call me shallow, but I loved the story and could not get enough of the music. And no one could criticize the cast. Timothy Chalamet ought to have received an Oscar, and performances by Scoot McNairy (Arlo Guthrie) and Ed Norton (Pete Seeger) were wonderful.
The movie also delves into his relationship with artists such as Joan Baez and Johnny Cash, and his complicated time with girlfriend Sylvie Russo. After watching the film, there was absolutely no doubt that this man was one of the greatest poets and songwriters we have ever been fortunate enough to “know”.
All other things aside, there was more music in this movie than in most musicals on Broadway, and for me, that was enough. Unfortunately, the Oscar selection committee was not as smart as I am. Although nominated for 8 awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Chalamet, they did not win a single Oscar in 2025.
A Place - Port Meirion, Wales.
I don’t mean to be sending you all over the world when I write this section; there are dozens of wonderful places to visit in our own backyard. Unfortunately, I can only share places I have personally visited. Give me time; I will get to your local favorites one day.
That is why today we are going to this idyllic village in northwest Wales. It truly is a tourist village, having been created from 1925 to 1975. Writers and television producers like Noel Coward, Frank Lloyd Wright, and even the Beatles have been frequent visitors, and the very popular spy drama “The Prisoner” was shot in the village, bringing old-time fans back for a look at “The Village” from the show.
Fans of Portmeirion china are also drawn to this lovely village. Although not manufactured in Port Meirion, the Botanic Garden collection of pottery is famous worldwide. Susan and I have coffee cups and plates in our home cupboards that we use every day.
There are so many wonderful reasons to visit Wales; why not add this to your itinerary? You can thank me later.
The Village
A recommendation from readers based on last month’s issue.
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