Fall Leaves

We are in the midst of a record breaking drought here in the South. We are more than 20 inches short in rain for the year and have noted a good rainfall day since March 1st. 

It is dry.

Wildfires are burning all through the state and the neighboring states.

Farmers are feeling it too with less than normal hay. Many are having hay shipped in from other states, which is expensive.

Earlier this week the smoke was so thick outside that some schools closed early and people were told to stay inside.

This here is a picture of Georgia and all of the smoke from fires.

We need rain in a bad way.

We did, however, have a nice day when the smoke cleared and we could see some blue sky again.

Because Journee has been so very busy finishing up this school semester and working, we have been trying our best to take her pup, Kid, outside to play. 

Willow actually took the younger siblings and the dogs outside to play and take pictures. It is so nice to let the younger kids spend lots of time exploring the outdoors!

Fall is a very beautiful season, even with the drought.

The leaves by the creek are the prettiest right now.

This is the official camping out area for Willow.

It is unbelievable that it is 80 degrees in mid November too. We should be getting some slightly cooler weather this weekend.

Willow has done a great job keeping, me in family photos since she got her iPad mini.

Duke has been feeling pretty good, although cool mornings are some what difficult on his joints. We moved his bed into the garage for the winter though and that helps a ton.

We need rain. Hopefully we will see some soon. Keep the South in your prayers, along with the many fire fighters helping fight the battle.

Here's hoping you have a fabulous weekend!

Happy Friday Ya'll!

Sun Gazing

After several days of cool, dreary rain there is one thing that really perks my mood up.

 

The sun.

 

Even better are the cows grazing in the late afternoon sun. The clouds are slowly moving out and the ground is finally getting a short reprieve from the rain.

 

I have, over the years, started to love summer more and dread the fall and winter. The cold rain is not something I am fond of while milking cows and tending to sheep and chickens and pigs.



But the sun? I will relish in the sun any time of the year....especially during these short, cool days of fall.

Happy Friday Ya'll!

 



Morning Interrupted

It only seemed appropriate that we throw all schedules to the side for a few hours.

I stumbled upon a kite tucked away into my closet and the wind asked us to play.

We had a sweet poem to learn this week, so we wrote it down on white butcher paper and the kids colored fall scenery all around.

Who Has Seen the Wind  by Christina Rosetti

Who has seen the wind?
Neither I nor you:
But when the leaves hang trembling,
The wind is passing through.

Who has seen the wind?
Neither you nor I:
But when the trees bow down their heads,
The wind is passing by.

The wind asked us to head outdoors to play.

This morning the wind was passing through. It is leaving a cold chill that beckons us to load up firewood onto the porch and get the wood stove started.

The wind today was passing by and convinced me to stock up on hot apple cider and popcorn.

A full few hours of running and playing and laughing with the wind turned a morning interrupted into  a morning of memories.

So tonight we are bathed and getting ready to crawl into warm beds after a day of activity.
Tomorrow we will recite and read and talk about our week's poem, and the kite will be tucked back into the closet until that day comes again.

The day the wind passes through.

Happy Fall Y'all!

What's In Indian Corn

So today starts a  season of crafts! Today we made Indian Corn.

We used an all time favorite staple among all craft supplies: construction paper.

I originally decided to do this craft because 1. I needed something to keep the 5 year old busy
2. It is a great for the little ones to practice cutting and pasting and 3. It is nice to have the house decorated in season by the kids.

Don't forget to add crunched up paper at the top for husks.

These are nice hanging up in the window too!



Also, if you are craving something yummy to bake look no further, well you need to head over to Once Upon A Chef. You will find the BEST pumpkin muffins. I made a double batch last night and we had them for breakfast. This recipe is a keeper, trust me.