Where did October go? It is hard to believe today was the first day of November. In our area of the country, harvest is running late this year......after last year's drought, we have had a very good growing season this year. I am not sure if it just held on with good weather so long that now everyone is running behind (including Mother Nature) or exactly what it is but our trees were late turning colors, it seems around here just the last few days we've hit quite a bit of color. Some of my maples went from still green on Tuesday, to a brilliant yellow today. We had record rainfall for this date (yesterday-Oct 31st) in our area. We received a good 1 1/2 inches of rain. Wonderful for the pastures, along with strong winds a lot of things were blown around, lots of leaves brought down, and lot of mud this morning! I enjoy the brisk mornings while out at the barn doing chores, then a bright sun comes out to warm things up just in time for the dogs to get in a quick walk. I had fun taking some pictures today of all the pretty colors in our yard and along the road while we walked. Color is everywhere. Fall is definitely my favorite time of year. Most of the gardens have been laid to rest for the season, while we encourage a few crops to hang on - some even flourish in this weather. We had beautiful deep green, crisp spinach that went to Market this Wednesday. We went to the last regular season Farmers Market Wednesday, it was great to see everyone. Crafts (candles, soaps, etc) become quite popular this time of year. I am okay with the garden being about finished......it is time to tuck in and craft. We will be participating in 2 craft sales in our area in November and still need to get some more stock made. It is going to be a busy few weeks. As a lot of our Market vendor friends think along the same page we do.....we are happy Market season has come to an end. We are ready for a break for a bit.....but we've already started planning garden spaces and seed varieties for next year. In just a few short months, seed starting will begin.
We have 50 young pullets growing well in the Nursery Room in the barn. They are a few weeks old now. We will use them to replace a few of our older hens this spring. They should start laying in March. We purchased a new incubator this year. I am hoping late winter to incubate some eggs to add to the flock eventually this spring too.
As we enter into the holiday season, we encourage everyone to reflect on the real meaning of the season....it is not all about the commercial, consumerism push that we all get bombarded with this time of year. Enjoy time with family & friends, simple things, taking a step back and reflecting. Whenever possible we encourage everyone to make wise purchases, shop local small businesses when you can (Sat Nov 30th is small business Saturday). Attend craft shows/sales, see all the neat things artisans & crafters in your area make. Purchase unique, meaningful gifts. Keep things simple. The most appreciated times to me over the holidays are time with family, coming home to a house simply decorated, inviting, warm & cozy, tucking in and enjoying simple old fashioned lighting relaxing by the tree or having the wood stove going, something cooking on the stove or in the oven, awakening the senses....inviting you into the kitchen for a taste.
It sounds as though this may be a "real" winter in our part of the country (mid-west). I am looking for an excuse to be inside, craft & spend some time with my neighbor (friend) learning how to knit and spin. We still have some fall (barn) projects to finish before this time hits, hopefully most of it will get done. Time always seems to fly by this time of year.
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