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.
