OPEN SEASON

Beautiful Autumn Morning -- to the north

We’re back at the farmhouse, and I for one am thrilled to be here. The place just seems to lend itself to the enchantment of fall. 

Now that Farmer Kyle has plowed and planted (last week while we were in town), the brown fields are a backdrop for the colors of autumn – deep reds, oranges, and yes, even greens. 

Maple tree turning yellow

The old maple tree in the front yard is just beginning to exchange her green leaves for yellow and then brown. She was not selected for her autumn beauty. I suspect she was a sapling my dad picked up someplace. Outside a chilly wind blows, but in here our fireplace insert blows wonderful warmth into the house.

Clint, Mike, and Bess

Son Clint came yesterday to observe opening deer season today (Oct. 10). While I fixed dinner last night, he stood at the dining room window watching the deer move under the apple trees in the lane and cavort in the neighbor’s field. He opined that he was seeing mule deer, and that’s certainly possible. The season is for white tail only. Naturally, when they went out this morning, they didn’t see a single deer of any variety. They were more successful with the quail hunting.

Deer Damage

The deer are quite brazen these days. For years, the presence of the dog(s) in the yard seemed to be enough to deter them, but especially this year, we notice that they don’t much care if Bess barks at them. They move through the yard in broad daylight, and she does not give chase. (That’s a good thing!) And while we were gone last week, they finished the pears and nibbled the pie pumpkin plant. Naturally, they frequent the apple trees, and it’s amazing how far into a fruit tree they can stretch.

Waiting for Hallie

Speaking of apples, I picked some yesterday – several varieties from trees in the lane and at the pond – and the pie I made was very good. I was able to pick only a few apples, being too short to reach them and wary of climbing into the tree, especially while alone. However, Hallie will be here later this week and she can probably reach them one way or another.

Pumpkin #1 picked today

We haven’t had a hard freeze yet, but undoubtedly it will happen soon since our lows are dipping into the 30s. “Are you going to cover your plants or just let the garden go,” asked brother Chuck the other day. At the time I said the zucchini weren’t ripening, so I just as well let it go, but today I noticed one of a nice size, so apparently they ARE still growing. But – just in case – today I picked Pie Pumpkin #1. KW