Winding down of summer - Labor Day

Summer time is sweet.  Long days, warm nights, sunshine and so much to do!  For much of my life, summer has always been my favorite season - hands down.  However, as I age, I find my tastes like so many other things, are changing a bit.  I still love summer, and all those lovely gifts that it has to offer.  But, I'm really looking forward to fall.  I actually believe that fall has, or is fast-becoming my favorite of the seasons.

Firstly, I love the crispness in the air, especially mornings and evenings.  Throw on a sweatshirt, or wrap up in a blanket and savor the warmth.  The cooler days are invigorating!  I seem to have a lot more energy and ambition to accomplish tasks that I wasn't quite up to, in the heat of a summer's day.  Horseback riding!  Need I say more?  Fall is the perfect time of year for trail riding, or any activity in the outdoors.  Camping, riding, hiking, yard work, campfires, fall burning, so many things.  School starts back up, maybe that's why I always feel like fall is a new and fresh beginning.  An early opening into the holiday season.  The changing scenery, beautiful autumn colors and the bustle of getting projects finished up before the long, wet and colder winter weather arrives.  Whatever it is...I love it!  And, as is becoming normal for me, I am looking forward to everything that is fall.  Hmmmm, sweaters, favorite blue jeans, boots, fires in the wood stove on a crisp weekend morning.  I'm so looking forward to all of it.  Apple pies!  Dinners in the crockpot!  Too many amenities to mention...

Now that Labor Day weekend has come and gone, and the kids are all back in school, I look forward with anticipation that "squirreling" that always comes over me.  Canning fruits, freezing vegetables, stocking up my pantry and freezer, filling the wood shed with freshly cut, split firewood, bedding for the horse stalls and savoring the sunshine-filled days before the rain comes.  I'm looking forward to taking some time off work either this month or in October and spending some time camping in the mountains, or some time at the beach.  Whatever it is, I'm anticipating a little end of summer vacation time.

 Labor Day weekend, we were graced with the presence of a breakfast guest.  I guess I should say that the horses were graced with a guest...an intruder, more likely.

 Apparently his name is Lil Bear; and judging from the way he interacts with our horses, this isn't the first time Lil Bear's been over for a visit.

 He and Eagle especially, seem to be on friendly terms.

Snip, our cat, doesn't really see any humor in Lil Bear's visits.  He makes himself quite at home, partaking of meals, eating berries off the wild vines and lining up for the evening hand-out of pears at the fence line.

 He's actually pretty cocky.  For a squirt, I mean.  Walks around like he owns the place.

 Whether he's exceptionally brave, or just foolhardy, I haven't quite decided yet.  But, as you can see, he's accustomed to making himself at home in our pasture, and with our herd of horses.  The neighbors say they've enticed him home with grain many times, and he always finds his way back.  Cute little turd.

 We went to a BBQ on Labor Day at my hubby's brother's house.  This is what we had on the grill.  Hmmmm...chicken and steak kabobs.  They were delicious!!  Little bro Steve, also made potato salad and corn on the cob.  And since it was my hubby's birthday, we also had chocolate cake with chocolate icing.  Sooooo good!!!!  My hubby got a box of Cheez-it crackers for his birthday.  His favorite all-time cracker.

 Little bro, Steve with yet another "gadget" he's found.  He's King of the Gadgets.

 Quite ingenious, actually...just what everybody needs.  No backwash!!  I'm sold!!

Relaxing after eating too much...  Steve with Bailey on his lap, Chris with Bella on her lap, and my hubby.  Looking rather smug, I might add.  You'd think it was his birthday or something!

 And they thought I should have to get my picture taken too....fine.  We had a lovely afternoon, and it was so good to relax and do nothing but eat and visit.

Enjoy and savor these last couple of weeks we have of summer.  Fall is just around the corner...