To every season, turn, turn, turn. There is a reason, ......

I don't know about you but my seasons don't jive with the turn of the earth but rather I just one day realize that, it's changed, somethings changed and we've begun a new season. The anxiety and anticipation make me all tingly with a little bit of nervousness too. And that's where I'm at today.

Last night Ed mentioned that it was dusk about 30 minutes earlier than usual. It's happening, summer's ending and fall will be here. At even the thought of fall my heart starts palpitating. Cool weather will soon be here, leaves will turn into jewels and fall, Ed will clear brush and start many bonfires, livestock will begin fluffing out, jackets and blankets need washed, and the windows can open once again. Fall is my favorite season and the one where I feel most alive. All the holiday preparations and family gatherings are just so exciting. It's a logistical nightmare for Ed's family to drive the hour out to the farm but usually a smoked ham, fine spread, and cheesecake entices them. I throw a little whining in there as well for good measure - it usually works to get them all out here at least once through the season. I can't wait.

A year ago I thought I was losing my husband. He's still here with us and he's healthy, sometimes I can't believe it. I remember those feelings and tears like it was yesterday and I'm so grateful each day to see Ed getting better, feeling stronger, and working around the farm. Although he is back to annoying the crap out of me often. Guess I'll live with it. :)

The kids start school next week. Next. Week. My babies, what will I do without my babies? I know I keep whining about it, but it's just SUCH a life-changing experience! I've decided to quit focusing on "losing my babies" and focus on "Wow! I've got hours in the day to work and not be interrupted." I'll keep you posted on how well that works for me.

Winter's coming and Ed's healthy. It's time to plan the winter indoor projects. Ed's always worked inside during the winter and that's when floors get replaced, painting is done, and all those home maintenance projects on the back burner move to the front. The last two winters he spent so very ill and I was working anyway so this year will be the first that we're both up to the task. I've got paint to pick out, vinyl for the bathroom floor, and lists to make.

Halloween is just over two months away. Halloween always start the season. It's time to plan baking, soup making, any canning for the winter, and look for holiday ideas. Costumes, straw men, spider webs strung across the porch - it's all right around the corner.

Next spring we'll have our first garden on the farm. We have to till, mix, and prepare the soil for overwintering so it's ready in the spring. Every year I say we'll have a garden and every year we don't get around to it. This year Ed has promised to get the sides built (we use raised beds) and fence the sucker (no animals allowed - our biggest obstacle out here). I will hold him to that promise even if I have to scare the life out of him by making a move to use his big saw table, or table saw, whatever that really big blade thingy is. All I know is anytime I make like I'm going to fire it up, he jumps right into action.

Most people probably don't start thinking of Christmas or having enough wood for the winter during the month of August, but I've always been just a tad "off" so this is exactly what I'm thinking about right now. Summer holds no excitement for me whatsoever. It's simply a dull lifeless season that I must endure to get the center of the cinnamon roll that is...... fall.