Thursday, September 24, 2015

Fall Is Officially Here And Winter’s Not Far Behind...

10:37 am - 59 degrees - scattered clouds...

Yesterday was the first official day of fall.  Autumn.  Autumnal Equinox.  Fall. 

Whatever you call it, it’s officially here.  Not that I need an actual date to tell me what I already knew, for the past several weeks we’ve been watching all the trees around us turn.  The leaves are changing from green to multi-colored hues of red, orange and yellow as they fall to the forest floor below.  The mornings are getting darker and there is a little nip in the air.


As the summer temperatures wind down many of us look forward to everything Fall has to offer, and with it some of my favorite things... scarves, boots, pumpkin flavored everything, hot chocolate, warm days and cold nights, crisp air and hoodies.

With Fall also comes the beautiful orange glow of the season.  Things take on a different view, vibrant colors become more subdued, the flurry of summer activities start slowing down and preparations begin for the colder months ahead.



The cooler temperatures and rainy days are on their way.  That means that old man winter is just around the corner - winter could be here in just over a month and a half.

Before the snowflakes start to fall (which is usually sometime in mid November) we need to finish hauling, splitting and stacking firewood; clear the ditches along the driveway; service the snowblower; service the snowplow and Dodge truck; service our daily rigs; stock our rigs with extra blankets, jumper cables, a tow rope, shovel, snowshoes, and some snacks and activities for the kids (just in case we get stuck for whatever reason); stock the pantry; and try to complete as many other outside projects on the house as we can before the weather turns nasty.




There’s no denying that there are some headaches that come along with winter, especially when you live in the mountains.  It snows in the mountains, its part of the allure for most of us living here... fluffy white stuff to play in through the crisp (hopefully sunny) winters.  

The winter winds may be harsh, but those who live in snowy, cold climates know there is still charm to be found in the season.  When you are relaxing in front of a warm fire or enjoying a rich meal with family, it’s easy to forget the wintry weather just outside the door.  That’s why we try to be as prepared as possible, we want to be able to spend more time enjoying the season instead of laboring outside.