It’s Mid November! How the heck did that happen? Last I knew it was just the beginning of August! Time seems to be flying by, and it seems to be happening more often the older I get. I could hardly wait for the cooler temperatures of late October and November. This past summer seems to be exactly like a few years ago. “H.H.H” Hazy, hot and humid! What and why, is beyond me. We’d been very dry, and the gardens and lawns reflected it. Keep your fingers crossed so we will received the water we so desperately need, even now . I’ve been watching and looking around the lawn and near the woods for the little, subtle changes that are starting ….a sure sign of things to come. It’s quite interesting how the lowest plants ( we call them weeds) began to turn first. Lovely mustard yellows began showing, then some russet and reds on the shrubs in and around the edges of our land. Oh, I so enjoy the subtle changes that happened. The inevetable changes toward Fall then Winter.. Before we can blink, it will be the Holidays… Wonderful smells, foods family gatherings ,I can hardly wait! As always, “The Keeper”
I heard the muffled honking of our Canadian geese from over the small hill way out back. But then it seemed as though the noise and the volume seemed to increase as they got closer to the house. I looked out my kitchen door just in time to gaze upon the flock as they flew over our house in the classic V formation. I’m not sure they’ll hang out at the pond that’s located just a quarter mile or so from our place. Last year they stayed most all winter, because our Winter was mild. We’ll have to wait and see. I’m noticing that the weather is changing, temperatures in the mornings are quite cool and we’ve had our very first freeze! It was 26* outside the other morning , so we decided to have oatmeal for breakfast……it’s been since last spring since we’ve eaten Hot cereal. I’m noticing how we’re dressing up warmer in good old sweatshirts and jeans now that our mornings are cold. I have a suspicion that our Autumn will hurry on by us , and winter will rear it’s head earlier this season trying to make up for last year. It’s quite bright and sunny this morning, sort of cheers ya up while you do the morning chores. White Fox is still busy with the last of the jobs he does when he loses up for the winter…. He’s gathered up the corn stalks and made our traditional bunch to put around the light post along with the pumpkins. Our garden lays barren, looking forward to the deep winter sleep to come… Seems as though he’s always busy out side doing this or that, and he ‘s always said ” I can always find something out there that’s got to be finished.” Now’s the time for stocking up on your root vegetables for the winter. Stocking up with your potatoes, onions, carrots making sure there will be plenty for all of the lovely warm stews, roasts of chicken and beef. Oh, let’s not forget all of those grand apples, pears and cranberries that we can bake into glorious pies and cakes. Gosh, I’m making myself hungry! Well, I’m going to try making some of the traditional pies and pastry White Fox’s mother made when he was young…. Wish me luck, as I might need some. WELCOME AUTUMN!
Well it’s been quite a while since I’ve put my thoughts out there beyond my Woods. When this heat arrived I decided to slow up a bit. I try to stay cool by not exerting myself so much, by planning my day with small size chores, cooking, cleaning and keeping things simple. I have found that as I age, I can’t fight the heat as I use to when I was younger. So I settle in for a day spent with little jobs and even reading. I still try to read daily, even though I have AMD. My kindle is a blessing, as I try using it each day…I’ve got a slew of books that I’ve down loaded so I’m not without reading material……and it does pass the time in the afternoon. From what I’ve been hearing from our local weather persons, this horrible heat is going to persist thru the weekend and into the coming week! I am so very thankful for the invention of the air conditioner….who ever the brilliant inventor is will be remembered forever by all people everywhere! GOD BLESS YOU! The White Fox and I use our’s each and every day and will for the forseeable future. I look out my windows as much as I can, and no I am not peeking out at my neighbors! I just love to look at the subtle differences in the flowers and even the vegetables out back near the woods. I have spotted a bit of a change in the under growth out there. Across the road and into the deeper woods, you can pick up the slightest of colors and my dears, this is the start of the change over into another season called AUTUMN! It’s these little things that give me a sense of joy as well as a feeling of connection with all things good and sweet. I think you can say it comforts my soul. My Mom use to tell us to stop, look, and be very thankful for all the things that fill our sight and fill our noses…. I believe she was a very wise person. She lived a life that had it’s ups and downs, but she always said ” take time to look for everything God has given us,” it’s a Free Gift to Us….It’s Sunday once more, and the heat is still with us, and most of the United States… I pray this will leave us soon. People every where are suffering as well as all of our feathered friends, and furry critters. All of us need a big break and some blessed rain! Let’s do as our native American friends do…. Have a little dance for rain… I’ll bet it works! ME!
Keeper of Our Woods and Backacres 