Season of Change

Hello, Dear Friends, I hope you are enjoying these last 

days of summer as we slide softly into Autumn. 

It always seems to come too soon, but if we

glide along with the winds of change on open wings

and a brave heart, we can soar above the fray. 

We are having an early autumn, here in the foothills

near Mt. Rainier.  It's been cool and wet, with an occasional

 warm and sunny afternoon to remind us it is still summer.

When the sun finally dips below the clouds, 

the hills turn golden and the birds gather in 

the tree-tops before flying off to roost in some quiet,

 secret place, known only to them. 

 As the summer season ends,

  the hills are very quiet, 

except for the twitters of nomadic flocks feasting 

on wild plums and berries. 

 I can hear the chuck-chucking of the wood grouse,
and the scolding of the squirrels,

while the little crow family

chatters happily to each other while waiting to join
the larger flock that flies over on their way to roost
deep into the hills.   

The swallows and starlings are still here, dipping and swooping over 

the fields and foothills, assembling

 in large flocks every evening to roost on the wires
along my country road.
I disturb their formation as I make my early morning
journey to my grand-little's house. 

I am pleased to see so many this year, and maybe it 

has to do with the abundant moisture this summer,

providing plenty of mosquitoes. 

By the end of the month they will all be gone

to wherever swallows and starlings go in winter..... traveling 

thousands of miles, then flying all the way back in spring, 

 just because this is home. 

Home - that wonderful place of shelter and warmth, 

where we can surround ourselves with all
 that we love the most.  

This time of year forces us inside after our 

time in the sun, and starts the process of 

making things cozy for the cold months ahead. 

There is nothing cozier than filling the kitchen 

with the scent of apple pie baking in the oven. 

I have been giving pies as gifts this year. 

Who can resist a home-made apple pie from Mom? 

Summer cottons and linens gets washed and packed away.
Quilts, flannels and woolens begin to return. 

It's definitely a process. 

A meditative task, allowing the mind to wander. 

Sorting out life, one load at a time.

And one closet and drawer.......

I'm making room for fall's gatherings, too.

I feel the need to keep things simple, muted, and quiet
this year.
I am trying to stay healthy, centered and steady.

My large family keeps me very busy, and there is
always something going on or someone to worry about.
I try not to worry, but it comes with the job,
although I always give it up to faith.

xoxo

And then there is the world at large........
It is enough to truly test the faith. 

Although, I do believe that shining a light
on all that is dark, may be humanity's saving grace.
That gives me hope, comfort and courage
despite all that I see and hear.

Speaking of home, Grandpa built a miniature version
for the little ones to enjoy when they visit.
This came as a kit from Home Depot.

A rainbow during construction.

A sign of good blessings.

It fits perfectly, safely tucked into the corner.

Grandpa added screens to the windows
to keep the bugs out and the little ones from
climbing through :)

The shelf holds a toy miniature sink and a two-burner stove.
I found tiny pans and toy fruits and veggies.

Even boys living in wilderness cabins need to eat :)

I managed to paint the deck in between weather systems, too.

I so enjoyed every moment possible in my favorite place, this summer.

I'm definitely feeling the need to slow down,
and take time to enjoy the simple things.

I am in the autumn of my life, now,
and am naturally slowing down,
scaling back, and clearing out all that is
weighing me down.

Soon, Ramblin' Man will be retiring,
and we are busy preparing for that day.

It's another phase of life.
One that we are so fortunate to have achieved.



But it does take time to prepare, and we are busy
trying to make this a happy, positive transition.

Another season may be over, Dear Friends, but
now we look forward to the golden beauty of autumn
as we gather the harvest of sweet summer memories.

xoxo


"You become a worrier by practicing worry. You can
become free of worry by practicing the opposite
and stronger habit of faith. With all the strength and
perseverance you can command, start practicing faith."

- Norman Vincent Peale -

"I'm determined not to worry. So many people poison
every day worrying about the next."

- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis -


Here is my recipe:

Apple Pie

xoxo