October Brings

October brings us many sights and sounds. As things begin to wind down, there are both spurts of activity, and moments of extreme peace.  It is the time of final harvests, but not quite time to put everything to bed for winter.  Volumes of geese fill the sky in graceful V's.   As they head to their Southern homes their evening roosting grounds are not far from us so the twilight air fills with the honks of settling in and old friends saying hi to one another.

  Some days are overcast.

Other days are crisp and vividly blue.

The berry canes are heavy with late ripening fruits.

The trees and late summer flowers are going out in full splendor.

The garden is finishing with bright orange displays.

But most of all the light and shadows are dancing.  It is a sweet waltz as the light and the dark switch places and we glide our way toward winter. 

Random 5 Friday

1.  Harvesting Now:  We picked the first of our drying beans earlier this week.  This peck basket yielded 5 Cups of dried beans.  If canned, these will produce roughly 5 quarts of beans!  These are our lazy housewife green beans left to dry.  They are duel purpose and make the most wonderful drying beans.  Best yet... this was only 1/3 of one of our two rows of these beans, and the part that was a bit more stunted because it was partially shaded!

2.  Compass:  Thanks to Uma who posted the Native American Code of Ethics on her blog earlier this week.  Truly words and actions to live by, that calmed my spirit.

3.  Eating:  This week began October #Unprocessed, a great exercise, and not to late to join in!

4.  Light:  The fall light completes me.

5.  Soul:    So does ^^ this guy.

                                                                    Linking up with:

 

The Front Porch Is......

The front porch is....
so much more than a place to sit out and have dinner. 
:: it is a place for lively conversation
:: to take in the sunrise or sunset

:: to sort and de-stem the days harvest
:: to kick your feet up and read a book
:: to play

:: to observe the sights and sounds of the farm
:: to capture some of the best light

:: to proudly display your latest creations
:: to watch and enjoy a thunderstorm

but most of all, the front porch is....
a place for family and friends to live, love, eat, laugh, enjoy, and make amazing memories.

How was your weekend??

Time to Shine

Today the sun is shining and it is simply gorgeous.  The kind of spring light that revitalizes the soul after the long dark months.  As a result of this glorious light, the snow pack has taken on a pearly aura as it gracefully recedes.  Let us hope that the coming storm continues to stay South of us and we only get the predicted 1-2" tomorrow evening, and not more to sock us back in,  I am so enjoying watching my yard and garden begin to reappear rested and ready for its time to shine.

Silent Sunday ~ Morning Has Broken

Illusions of Warmth

Light can be deceptive.  It's dancing color may give the illusion of warmth.  Today, the glimpses of late afternoon sun give a false sense of security.  The clear skies as the sun fades, set us up for chills ranging from -20 to -27 degrees overnight.  The kids and I did venture out on this icy day, and after a few short jaunts running in and out of stores, we headed for more permanent shelter from our 6 degree day.  What better way to spend the late afternoon, than cocooned with hot chocolate, candlelight, and good books to pass the time.

If you are interested in illusions, check this out.  I started it last night and it has been very entertaining.  Be safe tonight Wisconsin!

Two Seasons In One

 Things have been so busy recently that I have relied heavily on my iPhone to take photos.  There is nothing wrong with that, it does a good job.   However, I have missed my evening walk, spent in part capturing shots, since recently Sidney has monopolized my camera.  I am not complaining, she is doing amazing things!  But yesterday I made a point of carrying my camera with me as we had our evening stroll.  We were not rushed heading in different directions, we were able to meander.  Just as I headed into the garden  a cool breeze whipped up and the trees rustled like crazy.  An early feel of fall was definitely in the air.  That made me smile, as I noticed that the sound of the wind and angle of the light is taking on that autumn feel that I so love. 

This is our last true week of summer vacation and I can hardly believe how it has flow by!  I think that we have all been fooled by our crazy weather all year.  We had lilacs at the end of February and then they grew all their new growth.  Once the rain finally came, they began to bud once again and are now experiencing a second growth of branches for next years blooms!  This is truly like two seasons in one for us Wisconsinites!  Nothing reflects that more perfectly that blooming lilacs with an almost completely orange pumpkin on the vine below.  An auspicious mingling of my favorite things, lilacs and fall.  Who'd have thought?  Happy Weekend!

Silent Sunday ~ Golden Willow

OK By Me

Our house is now empty, our guests have returned home.

November is upon us, a time for reflection and thanks.

This weekend we fall back and the light will be shorter

and shorter as we approach the solstice in December. 

If this is an example of the sunsets we have to look forward to

during the darker time, then it's ok by me.