Thursday This, That; TBT

 

"Them's" almost stark naked trees!  

It's not always a good sight, but when one is ready to wrap up leaf pick-up for another year, it's more than welcome. 

I put one lawnmower in the barn for the winter yesterday, and after one more round to pick up residue, the other two will head to the barn and a winter's worth of lawnmower rest. 

The mowers are probably feeling relieved that the lawnmowing queen will finally take a break for the winter. 

They get plenty of use from late March to late September, so it's time for them to rest. 

I'm thrilled to finally reach this stage where the "to do" focus will turn more inward, at least until it snows.

We've been blessed with weather which has allowed us to finish these fall projects.  The reward:  not having to face these projects in the spring when there's always so much to do but so little time. 

I have loved these days of fall work which always has the added benefit of fresh air and ever-changing scenes and sounds. 

Nowadays, we're hearing the distinct sounds of flickers and juncos and chickadees and occasional crows.  Bill saw a hawk the other day and I heard it flying above the woods. 

All but one of the obnoxious turkey herd disappeared while we were in Ireland.  

I feel sorry for that one lone(ly) member of the flock when I see it making its way through the pastures and into the woods in the area where the whole flock bedded down through the summer. 

I don't even want to ask what happened to its buddies, especially because I don't miss their daily crossings and dumpings of poop and feathers in the yard. 

Anyway, things have changed, urgent fall work is done, and we can settle into winter with different daily goals.  

It's been a great fall. 

My beloveds came to the gate to see me yesterday.  Once one hears me call, they all come, and that makes me feel happy. 

I don't do much with them---just some petting, combing and brushing and THEN a treat. 

Later, with my "committee" of horse holders (actually, that's usually just Bill), I'll saddle one up and go for a ride in Roxane's arena.  

For now, it's just good to check in on them a few times each week. 

Ellie and Connie, we'll have to set that CB date!

Thursday Throwbacks . . . random picks from the photo library. Enjoy! On Thursday mornings while selecting photos, I'm always thrilled that I've carried a camera with me all these years.  It's fun to revive the memories, the scenes and the smiles of friends, family and strangers. 

Scroll slowly while viewing the photos.