Is it still fall?

We ended the season the way we began, enjoying an I cream sundae, outdoors, wearing our down jackets.  When the warm season is as short as it is up here, you push the boundaries.  Saturday morning was in the low 20’s, the pond went from slush to a couple inches within an hour or so.  Until today, there has been some version of icy cold precipitation in the air for the last five days.    By this afternoon, after we had finished with all of our ‘winter’s coming’ chores, checked each line on the list and washed our hands..it had melted.  

I happen to love this time of year.  So many changes in the weather.  The greys are just beginning.  We’re still have daylight savings time.  The cold wet air feels fresh and there is a deep earthy smell.  Every evening the wood stove is lit and the house is really warm, all the way into the corners.  I’m wearing socks during the day and am barefoot at night.  Best of all.. there’s apple pie, lots and lots of apple pie.

 

Friday’s Photo

An aside, having nothing at all to do with the photo..

An hour ago, I poured a cup of coffee and stood in front of the window gazing out at the pond. Overnight, it had begun to freeze.  The icy skin had progressed as far as the first island.  It is 21F.  Now, less than 60 minutes later, the ice has expanded to cover nearly all of the 6 acres that is my pond.  I am in awe.  

the first snow

..of the year always feels early, no matter that it generally comes the same week or so every year.  Some years, we get a lovely few inches, followed by glorious sunny days that make the crystals sparkle and set a fire the remaining autumn leaves.  Then, there are the other years, this year, where we get days of grey, flat light and the world softens in monotone. Precipitation continues in every frozen form, breaking for mists and fog that rolls across the pond.  

 

 

 

10.11.18

Have you ever wondered why autumn is called ‘fall’?

I spent a lot of time today in front of the dye pots, mixing, stirring, waiting.  Waiting gives me time to let my mind wander on such things as this.  

“Autumn is called 'fall' because of the suns continuing falling position in the sky. As the days get shorter the sun continues to 'fall' closer to the horizon until the Winter solstice on December 21st. “

That wasn’t the reason I came up with.  

 

 

4.21.18
They’re coming!!
Hope this map convinces you that it is time to get your feeders ready and hang them outdoors! Any self respecting little hummingbird that ventures up my way is sure to question his or her judgement, but I’m up to rewarding their effort. My goodness it has been a cold spring.

As of this morning, my first feeder is hanging in the sunniest spot I have. I am ready!

Here’s the recipe, in case you’ve forgotten:
1 part white sugar
4 parts water
Heat until throughly dissolved.

I make my small batches in a Pyrex 2 cup glass measuring cup. Mix sugar and water, stir until almost dissolved, then heat in the microwave for 2 min. Cool and fil feeder.
Later in the season, when my visitors have returned, I make a double batch on the stove in a stainless steel pan.

1.3.17

I was sitting at the kitchen table having lunch.  The sun was coming through the window, making me squint so that I turned to face away.   It warmed my shoulders despite the cold temps and  I started thinking about how very fortunate I am.  There have been a lot of posts on gratitude recently.  The time of year has a lot to do with it..  resolutions, taking stock, looking back and looking forward.  This is a bit about all of that and one other thing.  Attitude.  A friend sent this quote to me over the holidays.   I don't particularly care about the way it is written, but there is an obvious wisdom to it.  It's a good reminder.   No one is responsible for making another happy.  Contribute, of course, but each one of us must set out to be happy, to make it better.  So there it is, my lunchtime meditation.  Attitude. Gratitude. 

 

They say a blizzard is coming..  

1.2.18

beginning.. 

step 1

When I decide to begin a new project, the first place I go to is my stash.  Like many of my friends and accomplices, there is enough stored away to keep me busy for a very very long time.  Usually, hopefully, I can locate what I'm after.  Not always. It's generally best to go hunting with an open mind, as in the picture above. I had no idea what I was after when I searched this time. The lovely dark chocolate is a Romney/ Border Leicester that is all that's left from, if I believe the receipt found in the bag with it, a 12 lb purchase at Rhinebeck in 2007.  And, if I remember correctly, half went to a friend, another 2 lbs was spun and knit into a sweater years ago, and the last (I think) of it, about 24 oz. was carded with 8oz of that dark blue blend merino a few weeks ago.