Oh how I love this season! I don’t really have a favorite season, do you? There is something magical in each, if you ask my two cents worth. This particular fall is one of the most glorious I have witnessed so far. The summer’s long dry spell and the sudden onslaught of heavy rains for days must be the right combination of “stuff” to make the leaves turn magical here in New England. The colors are just extraordinary! How is it looking in your neck of the woods? The Mr. and I took a ride this weekend to one of our favorite spots after picking up sandwiches at a nearby deli… and I snapped some pictures along the way. Just.. So… Gorgeous.
Here on the farm, we’ve been working on some projects.. replacing rotted fencing… it’s been TWELVE YEARS since we renovated and moved into this old farm house and property and the split rail needs replacing. Holy cow, time flies, friends. So far we’ve managed the dog yard, which is a pretty big area. AND, we’ve installed a gate at the driveway entrance because Google maps or whatever alien life designates the streets on those things has decided our driveway is a road to somewhere else. And it is not. And then the drivers get annoyed because they aren’t getting where the map tells them they should be as we wave them down and tell them to SLOW DOWN and please go back to the road because they’re on private property. Which annoys them. Imagine! Hence.. the gate.
We’re also giving the horse barn a big facelift! In our 35-ish years together, M and I have had four farms, built four homes and four barns. When we took on This Old House I thought we would be winding down the livestock part of our farm endeavor, so we built a relatively small barn for the horses. Then came the goats. And the Chickens. And another horse.. or two. With those critters came their small outbuildings. And in winter, when the snow flies and accumulates, let me tell you… … it’s a lot of work shoveling and moving hay and grain and shavings and water to where it needs to go, and this Mother Hen is no spring chicken. *ahem. So.. the new barn is being added on to the old structure and will be much more efficient than the current system we’ve had. All those outbuildings have a new home with another chicken farmer.
In other news, my daughter just got engaged! These two live right next door and we are thrilled for their happiness!
With the evenings longer and more time spent indoors, I’ve been finding some time to read again for pleasure. Gladys Taber is an author of years gone by, and one of my very favorites. I have at least seven of her books pertaining to her beloved Stillmeadow Farm in Southbury, CT and whenever I need a reprieve from the larger world and it’s “heavy”, I pick up a Still meadow book and read, and relax into her world of grace, peace and country sensibility. It’s like watching that old movie, White Christmas with Bing Crosby et al. Her books are no longer in print, but they are still found in old book stores, online and if you’re really lucky, while hunting through someone else’s discarded treasures.
I hope this finds you well and contented, and if you’re so inclined, let me know how things are going with you and yours!
Till soon –
Your photos are just stunning! A big congratulations to your daughter. I so wish we had a lift arm on our property. It was once a farm, but the barn was torn down long before we bought the place and the size of the property was divided down so we have one acre. I do have the chicken coop which is like a very small barn which husband has revamped once already. Enjoy your beautiful fall! -Jenn
Little barn. How that turned into “ lift arm” I have no clue.
You are blessed, and I know you appreciate your blessings.
“good on you”
Your photos are just so beautiful. The colours and that low sun through the grasses are amazing
First of all, that color is absolutely stunning. I love the golds! You have some striking photos (the horse silhouetted against the sunset — wow!).
What a lot of work you have been doing and well done! Your menagerie has grown, but in a good way.
And finally, three cheers to your daughter and congratulations on her engagement. I know you must all be happy. Her smile says it all. (And White Christmas is an absolute holiday essential for me, even though I know the dialogue by heart!)
Wow! You have been a busy girl. I do love Fall and it is probably my favorite season in the midwest. I don’t like winter..or snow. I will amend that! I like snow on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and then want it to go away. lol
Good luck on the bar project. That is a big undertaking.
I will have to look up that author. Thanks for the tip. I am re-reading the old Catherine Cookson books and sometimes forget how much I loved her all those years ago. xo Diana
Your fall is so gorgeous! we don’t normally get any break from Florida heat until end of Nov or end of Dec, but Ian the storm brought cool air behind it and it has been perfection since then. no heat or ac needed. less power to pay for. but for one thing, the dreaded sand gnats are swarming every where even in broad sunshine. We did lose our Big Boy, 2 years ago, and 2 days later rescued Beau and he has been the blessing and healer of hearts we needed. Good to hear from you and Congratualtions to all of you on your daughters engagement
We are having glorious color here in the north Georgia mountains, maybe the best in years. I’m loving it and the wonderful sunny days. Like so many, though, we do desperately need some rain. Let’s hope the barn addition is all up and done before the snow flies. Take care.
A new post makes my heart sing!
Autumn in my little corner of Central PA has also been spectacular. At our cabin, my Mr. and I keep saying we don’t know when we have seen such vibrant leaves.
Congrats to your daughter!