These November Days

 We are mid-way through November and still our daytime temperatures remain relatively warm (50's to 60's).  Nights, on the other hand, have been very cold - 20's.

Finally, yesterday, I made it out to the barn to witness the sunrise.  It wasn't the most brilliant of the week, as the clouds were few - but it was spectacular, nonetheless.  It's been perfect weather for the year's last bit of gardening work.

I love these frosty morning when the dry, crisp autumn world shimmers with ice crystals.  There's something about those delicate crystals sparkling on russet leaves in the morning sun that leaves me awestruck.  There's so much beauty in the process that eventually renders our landscape brown and barren.

By late morning, the air has warmed enough to work outside in just a sweatshirt - the morning's jacket, hat, and gloves no longer needed.  

And yes, Forrest likes to graze a little with the horses.  Moonbeam never seems to mind the chaos that accompanies Forrest.  Nor do the littles.  The ponies, however, are a different matter.  There's nothing like an exuberant puppy to send them scattering to different corners of the pasture... making them difficult to catch, in order to walk back to the barn.  Moonbeam still takes himself to and from the pastures.

Yesterday's task (in addition to the daily chores) was to continue cleaning up the garden. By the end of the afternoon, there were only three boxes remaining in need of a clean-out.   Perhaps they will be today's chore.

I started listening to a new book on Audible... the recently published memoir of Barbra Streisand (my all-time favorite!).  It is recorded in her own voice and has a run time of 48 hours... so it should keep me entertained long after all of the gardening is complete.   

As I worked, the dogs played and Hubbs brought tractor buckets full of compost to cover each emptied garden box. 

A few chickens visited... most likely attracted to the worms in the fresh, rich, compost.  It was literally teeming with earthworms... a great addition to the garden boxes.

And, we had a visit from our friend Ellie (the golden doodle from across the road.)

She and Forrest ran and played, while Annie barked her "too rough!" warning at the ruffians.

Annie, at 10 is the puppy "fun" monitor.  A little play is fine, but when it gets too rough, she puts everyone in their place!