#100HappyDays :: Day 93

August has arrived and even just a few days in you know it.  It has its own feel; a combination of lazy hazy days and the hustle and bustle of finishing up summer while simultaneously preparing for the school year.  The days have begun to grow shorter and the light is taking on that special golden hue that I so love this time of year.  As we walk the property there is just a certain feel to everything, the locusts hum and the garden is producing.  It feels as if everything has hit its stride, instinctively knowing that change is coming and every moment should be enjoyed before the season is out.  I love the feel of late summer.  Maybe because we head off on a much anticipated vacation, or it is the time when we eat the freshest and put up most of the garden produce for the winter, or maybe it is just because it is the final build up to my favorite time of year, the fall.  Regardless, an August day with its fluctuations between busy and relaxed make for many happy moments.

Samhain

This day of cold blustery winds will be stripping the trees bare of their remaining foliage.  The origins of our current day all hallows eve are deeply rooted in Celtic belief. Today, as we light candles in windows and in jack-o-lanterns, we mark the end of our harvest and beginning of the darker months. The sounds of  laughter and running shuffles through leaves will fill the air as children of all ages run from home to home performing in their costumes for a treat.  When we return we will warm ourselves with a shared meal, hot apple cider, spiced wine and apple cake.  As the kids settle in to count their cache, the adults will be thankful for glowing warmth in the darkness a bountiful harvest and remembering those who came before.

Summer's Sunset

We have taken the last week to catch our breaths and get back into the routine of school and fall sports.  With harvest also upon us each day has been fast and furious as always.  This morning I feel like we are catching up and getting a handle, so I have a moment to look back.   I took this photo on the last night of our vacation.  A perfect view of our favorite place.  A fitting image as the sun set on our summer.

Chili, Pie & Tradition, Oh My!

We could not have asked for a more perfect night for the chili cook-off.  At just under 100 guests, half of who were kids, the farm hummed.  The kids just ran and played, while the adults socialized, ate, and enjoyed a libation, or two.  We had eight chili entries this year and five pie entries. 

Everything went very smoothly with the exception that a game of capture the flag went awry after a brief interlude with a ground wasp nest (I guess that turned out to be a good, yet dangerous place to hide the flag).  Thankfully, everyone is just fine, but there were some stings to the evening.  All upset seemed to fade in memory as the sky darkened and the glow sticks emerged,  we had our own little fireflies running far and wide. 

The chili winner was a White Chicken Chili and the pie winner was a Gin and Juice.

Congrats to all of the winners, and a special salute to our wounded (stung) warriors....
Chili Cook-off 2013, over and out!

Party Like It's 1599

One of our families favorite summer traditions is to go to the Renaissance Faire.  We started going when Sidney was six and would like to go every year, but it seems that we are on an every other year pattern.  This year's timing worked out for us perfectly.  We had long ago set plans to meet up with some friends for the day, and we all excitedly counted down.  Of course in our record dry summer (though we have had some periodic relief in the last month), the one day we pick to go was forecast to have scattered showers most of the day.  It did not disappoint!  The rain was more on again than off again, with perfect timing beginning as we strolled through the gate.  But it was warm, a steady light rain, and a lot of good natured people who were all are there for love of the event, so spirit's were high!  There is always plenty of great food and drink, attractions, shows, revelry and livery.  Since I have spent most of the summer reading historical fiction novels set in the 16th century, It was the perfect cap to my summer. So whether it was watching the joust with the Queen,

 

Cheering on the Fire Whip,

 

getting a lesson in Falconry,

enjoying a sassy court fool in the pouring rain,

kids of all ages in the 300 battle,

or dad trying out the Didgeridoo while sporting his daughter's new cape, 

the day was a memorable day,  partying like it was 1599!