A New Path Forward

Good morning!  The sun rises on another day - and we are tasked to move forward.  Morning chores are a bit quicker in this new normal.  (I miss the sound of the sheep and pig calling for their breakfast... it's a sound I will never forget.) 

All of that adds to the quiet of the season.  No longer do the birds provide their morning and evening symphonies.  The recent frosts have silenced the thrum of insects as well.  This northern countryside is preparing itself for a season of rest as the last of the leaves turn golden and crimson.

Morning frosts build crystal palaces on every surface until the sun's kiss turns solid to liquid.

Despite the frost, we are still able to harvest a bit of kale each day.  I picked the last of our dahlias and brought them in to enjoy.  

Dried summer celosia also add to the indoor color.

Each morning, the horses spend a little time in the lush upper pasture... an area too laden with insects in warmer weather.

Red kicks up his heels as he runs to join Moonbeam in the far corner.

I think they are happy to once again be grazing next to their old friends, the ponies, Donnie and Scarlet.

We've been fortunate to see all of the astronomical happenings in the past two weeks - the northern lights last week, and the comet C2023/A3 this week.

There's a certain comfort in knowing that the universe is so vast - that literally anything is possible.... and for all we think we know - we know so little.

This much I do know... the leaves will change colors and fall to the ground.  The ground will freeze and eventually thaw and new leaves will emerge once again - just as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow.  We live in the midst of decay and rebirth - and it's all a beautiful cycle.

PS:  thank you to all who expressed such heartfelt sentiments over our loss of Ginger and Faith.  Though the decision was a hard one, it gave us peace.  Your kindness helped greatly.