Thursday, September 22, 2011

Last day of summer 2011

Son-of-a-gun! Sure did seem to pass all too quickly.  Aah well, fall can be such a lovely time of year.  To me, it seems like the season of beginnings, instead of things winding down; which it really is I guess.  My energy usually seems renewed with the cooling of the weather, and there's always so many projects that need to be completed before the great move indoors again.  Fall is my favorite season to work.  I love riding my horse in the fall, with the fallen leaves on the ground and the brisk temps which call for wearing of your favorite sweatshirt or cozy sweater.  It's also the best time for picture taking.  The light seems so soft and subtle, making photographs so warm and pretty.  Being a squirrel at heart, I enjoy storing up for winter.  Filling my pantry shelves is fun for me.  I love the colors of everything sitting there awaiting my creativity later.  Canning and preserving the summer harvest for the pantry or the freezer is both rewarding and kind of fun, if I don't try and do too much.  I absolutely adore the look of a full barn, bursting at its' seam with beautiful and sweet-smelling hay for the horses.  Can't deny, that's a culinary delight for the critters!  And, getting outside in the woods and cutting firewood.  There's just something so primally satisfying about being in the fresh air and gathering the winter's heating supply that it thrills my soul!  Silly?  Maybe, but I just love it. 

But...before fall officially begins, we have this day to savor and enjoy.  This, the final day of the summer of 2011.  We'll never pass this way again, nope, not ever.  So, enjoy it!  Get outside and do most anything to commemorate the day!  I've dressed for activity today.  At lunchtime, the dogs and I are heading to the park for a walk.  After work, I'm making a quick stop at the local farmer's market and picking up some fresh veggies for a quick and simple supper.  Then, I'll head home to commence preserving that 20 lbs of tomatoes that have been waiting on me.  I suppose we'll get 7 or 8 quarts of tomatoes for the pantry, and if there's any left after that - we'll slice em up and enjoy them fresh!  There's nothing much better than a fresh-picked, sweet-tasting garden tomato!!  Hmmhmm good!!  Who know, maybe I'll fry up some bacon for a BLT.  That's probably my most favorite sandwich ever!  A treat for sure.  :)  What better way to say farewell to summer.  Maybe a glass of fresh lemonade to wash it all down with...yep, that sounds good to me!

On another topic, after the Round 1 fight between Shad and Eagle the other day, and Eagle's 24 hour time out in the pasture all by his lonesome...hubby decided to forgive and give them another shot at friendship.  I said my morning prayers for protection and peace, then drove out the driveway and left them to themselves.  It's up to them now...

They have 5 acres at their disposal.  They have apple trees, plum trees and blackberries to nosh on at will.  They have two seperate pastures and two shelters to pick from.  Not to mention, a whole bunch of randomly placed piles of fresh, green hay to keep them occupied.  You would think that they could handle a little compatability with all those choices, wouldn't you?  I'm sure hoping so.  *fingers crossed*

Peace and blessings everyone,  get out there and seize the day!!  It's ready and waiting like a beautifully wrapped gift.  In reality, each one of our days is exactly that, a gift from our Father, especially for us.  I hope we all make the most of it, and enjoy this; the final day of summer. 

Ready or not, here comes the fall...

5 comments:

Lori Skoog said...

So how did the horses do today?

C-ingspots said...

I'll have to let you know. I still have 4 hours working before I can head home. Just got back from lunch and the park...beautiful outside today!

Ranch Girl Diaries said...

Oh, your first paragraph sounds like it could have been written by me!! Except I have never canned anything. I love riding in the fall (even though the horses are friskier, lol!) As a child I loved the crunch of the leaves and the smell of woodsmoke in the air, taking my ponies out for a ride.
I am on pins and needles wondering how Shad and Eagle are doing!? I turned My Boy and Loretta out today, about an hour ago. I tried not to be nervous but had butterflies. They have been eating their meals together and visiting along the fenceline for a week, and went on a trail ride together yesterday. So far, non problems! Except she is in heat a bit. I will separate them tonight for feeding, and just do these "playdates" for another week or so before leaving them together overnight. In fact, it went so well today I was hoping to see more of a "squeal or tussle" just so I knew they had it out and over with! I suppose I shouldn't be complaining but last time it was fine for an hour and then My Boy kicked her. I've watched one of the new ranch geldings integrate into the herd of 29 horses this week and have been so mad at how mean the other horses are, especially at feeding time. They all chase him away from the hay or water. He does eventually find a place and he did buddy up with a mare. Now the mare is quite lame and I'm wondering if she got kicked in the crossfire. Poor price to pay for being someone's friend. Anyhoo sorry for rambling, enjoy your last day of summer!!

Sherry Sikstrom said...

Hope it went well with the herd

C-ingspots said...

Well, from the looks of it, all was good yesterday with the horses. Right up until feeding time, Shad was in a corner by a small "man" gate and Eagle came up behind him, and I think Shad kicked him. Both hubby and I heard the smacking sound and yelled loudly. Horses scattered. Eagle appeared a bit shaken but we couldn't find any marks or sore spots on him. Yi yi yi... We'll leave them seperated for the weekend while we're away, just to be safe. :)