A glorious October

Despite predictions that New England would have a drab fall foliage season due to the drought we experienced over the summer months, there’s been plenty of beautiful color.  My walks and hikes with Kai have been fragrant with crunching leaves underfoot,  the strong scent of pine needles along some of my favorite paths, the swirling breezy wiffs of autumn that always bring me back to childhood and fond memories – leaf pile making and jumping in.  “Dog shows” on the front lawn with neighborhood kids and their pets.  Making little trails in the leaves with rakes for my breyer model horses – For in the ‘burbs’ there was no room for real horses.

In our yard there are three shrub varieties that are beautiful this time of year…  If you’re looking to add color to yours, these are a great addition.

Flaming azalea…

CrapeMyrtle –

And Snowball Viburnum – in spring months the flowers of this shrub are wonderfully fragrant.

Out on the trails and around the farm, the golden hues have been intoxicating…

 

Sometimes kai and I traverse a town instead of beach or woods walks. The Town of Essex does a spooktacular job during Halloween season, one of our favorite strolls.

The grands continue to bring me so much joy, and the holidays come alive again in a whole new way when we get to share it with them, and see their excitement and wonder and thrill  –

Another joy of mine is getting to witness my kids become loving and engaged parents. Daughter K  has her second child due in January – grand No. 4!

Two simple recipes Susan Branch has shared weaved into her art –

 

 

 

We had a celebrity visit here on the farm a few days ago….  If you know, you know.   Well the picture helps if you don’t know 🙂

The Mister and I have visited a few farm markets, this month was the last hurrah for the farm market season and we took advantage…  We are sixty-ish now and it shows, but those smiles and lines and gray hairs represent a lot of living that I am grateful for.  Amen… and Amen again.

 

Up at the barn, it’s blanket season!  Max is now about 30 years old, we don’t want the old boy to have to work his body too hard to stay warm…  and Leah, bred for show… doesn’t grow a strong winter coat so we give her a boost as well.

 

I am tempted to dive into the tangle of current events, so much of it alarming… but I think I’ll leave this post as a reminder that there are many many things to be thankful for, and our peace is worthy of protection.  Keep doing all the things you do to make the world a better place, even the smallest acts of kindness send a ripple out into the world.  Hug those you love, love on them well and tell them often.  Take care of yourself, too.

Cheers to hope for the future, from our moms, who are still with us, (so thankful for that)…. to you.  To all of us! 🥂

 

Till soon –