Fall Has Finally Arrived

Fall came in with a thunderstorm and I have been enjoying every minute and raindrop. Well Rusty hasn't. He hates getting his feet wet! I have to carry him outside and find a dry spot under something so he can potty. Then I have to carry him back inside. Yeah, he has me trained very well. He comes and looks at me with those big brown eyes and I get up and take him to potty.  The windows and doors are all open with the scent of rain filling the rooms. We may be having lots of rain and flooding but we also have cooler temps that feel wonderful. This weekend bring nighttime lows in the 40's which will be cool enough for a small fire. I just love sitting by the woodstove reading, drinking a cup of hot tea, and listening to the crackle of the fire. Winter will be here soon! Despite the rain we have been raking pens, cleaning cages, moving things around to get the animals all settled in for cold weather. I don't like to even think they might be chilled or wet so we made sure all the stalls, houses, cages, etc were draft free and dry. Have been finishing up with the herb garden. Got a few more to put in the dehydrator and then all the herbs will be done for the year. Have a few more peppers to pick from the garden along with the last of the cherry tomatoes. Still have carrots and leeks and that will be it for the summer garden. The broccoli, brussel sprouts, turnip greens, and green beans are doing good in the fall garden. This rain came at the right time for them. We have about 5 or 6 loads of wood to split and stack. Several loads of logs to cut up before splitting and stacking. I believe the old saying that firewood heats you twice. Once cutting and the other burning. I have one bucket of pears left to put up and ketchup to make. Since we will be having rain tomorrow will spend the day in the kitchen getting those done. The chores that seemed to drain my energy this summer are going  smoothly and fast now. Fall just brings more energy when it arrives. I spent some time this afternoon mending. That has me back in the mood to stitch on my projects so I got out my needlework basket and will be stitching, knitting, and crocheting some each evening. The one thing about farm life is it does slow down a little bit in cold weather. Leaving more time and energy for fun projects. Been keeping several blog friends and their families in my prayers. My heart goes out to them. As you go about your evening count your blessings and say a prayer for your blog friend or neighbor. It really does help. Have a blessed evening!