As Fall Progresses...

Autumn is my favorite season!  "Why?", you ask.  Well, for starters:

Apples, 
          Pumpkins,
                         Mums, and
                                    Campfires with hot apple cider and cocoa!

I especially love the changing colors, though.  In the northeast, especially out in the country, you see it first in the weeds and the mature crops ready for harvest, then the leaves, and finally the grass.  Each day, the ordinary becomes new and exciting for the observant, nature-loving person. 

For example, the view from my favorite spot has been changing - slowly at first, but daily in the last week!
 

 September 3rd

September 24th

September 30th

 I find it fascinating!  What a creative God we have to make such things happen.  And, how generous of Him to share such beauty with us.

Last year, we didn't get to enjoy the colors of fall for long, due to our weather.  However, this year, the change is happening gradually and in grandeur!  Don and Will's tree science studies tell us that this year's weather not only makes for brilliant color to enjoy, but should also make for a terrific maple season come February or March. 



Besides enjoying the beauty of autumn, what else have we been up to lately?  Well, if a picture is worth a thousand words....I have about 10,000 to share!

Hiking at local State Parks, adding more trees to our sap collection lines,  trail riding and walking at home,

Walking around the nearby lakes,
documenting the changing colors,
cooking over campfires,
creating an obstacle course for our energetic dogs,  raising Wiggles and family, jumping horses, and soaking up as much sunshine as we possibly can!!!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 



Oh, yeah!  
We also visited the zoo, recently.  



My favorite animal?  I'm a Leo, so.... of course, I adore .......
                 

I plan to post some delicious fall recipes that include maple syrup combined with my other favorite fall ingredients, so stay tuned!

Ushering in Autumn

Good evening, Friends!  Well, today was the kind of day that reminds me why I love autumn in the Northeast.  Bright sunshine, azure sky dotted with fluffy, white clouds, and a light breeze.



It was about 68 degrees and DRY today, after a few days of damp, rainy weather.  It felt GLORIOUS to be outside!  And, the vegetation is just hinting at  it's vibrant fall colors, to be revealed in the coming weeks.

 

I breathed deeply... that crisp, fresh air while on my daily walk to the field at the top of the hill today.  The dogs bounded through the field, and tracked critters through the woods.  I love the way the trees filter the sunlight in autumn.  Depending on the time of day I walk, I get a completely different picture.

Tig in nearly six months old now.  He's grown so much since his arrival on May 26th - 33lbs. at his mid-August check-up!

Being in a family of yellow labs, he's beginning to pick up "lab" behaviors.  My little Aussie shepherd thinks he's a hunting dog, flushing game and hurling himself into bodies of water after critters!  Now, if he could get that "retrieving" part...

I soak it in - not just the sights of early autumn, but the sounds, too.  The geese overhead announce their presence as they head south.

 


 
Meanwhile, Don was thrilled to have one of his days off coincide with sunshine!  He and the boys had a perfect afternoon to exercise his resourcefulness on our new, larger chicken coop.  He's building it with materials we already have around the farm.  I'll be sure to share that project as it progresses.

After a delicious fall meal of turkey, mashed potatoes and carrots, I walked out to the pond with the dogs, and got a few early evening photos.

Then, a sweet family from Staten Island, New York City stopped by to purchase some maple syrup.  I so enjoy having people stop in for some syrup and a chat!  Our supply is dwindling, however.  We're down to about eight quarts!  Thankfully, only 5 months to go until the 2015 sap run!

He's getting so handsome, isn't he?