Day 1234

Two of my Goldens are “bookended” while the other is under my chair on the front porch this morning. Youngsters are playing soccer at the football field while the middle school band practices for the Halloween parade. The trees are turning a beautiful red and orange as dropping leaves swirl around until they drop near my feet. The sun is shining its warmth and the breeze is refreshing. All of the fall decorations are displayed and peace abounds. No wonder Minnesotans love the changing seasons!

Speaking of autumn and the impending cold, we are making our “Hibernation To-Do List” and it is rather daunting. We are lucky enough to have our little cottage up north, but we need to double our “To-Dos!” Along with storing boats, taking the dock in, blowing out the sprinklers, winterizing the gazebo and taking in the summer furniture, we are finding time to simply sit and enjoy this glorious time of year.

There is a bit of a stirring in the heart to get everything prepared for the long winter ahead. As we continue to prepare for that season, it seems to lure us with a promise of long visits by the fireplace, home-cooked meals, cozy blankets to cover us as we delve into books we have saved and the smell of candles and fresh baked cookies and bread. People wonder how we Minnesotans survive the winter…we embrace all the beauty, peace and togetherness it offers. Spring will come soon enough!

So today, the Goldens stretch out in the warm sun and we look at our list with a sense of being “tucked in” for a long rest. I love this cozy time of year!