I (heart) fall

Over the years I've learned to enjoy all of the seasons. I see the short, sort of hot summers for the great things they can bring. Tasty berries, sun-kissed skin, long days knitting at the beach while the kids explore the rocky coast or weedy shoreline. As a kid I found summers just too hot (I know, I know) and longed for the months when I could once more hide in cozy sweaters and go inward. and I can see the beauty in the long dark days of winter, how February can stretch on forever, and any excuse to decorate and celebrate is latched onto with great zeal. Chinese new year and valentine's have grown to matter around here.

But I cannot say I've learned to love any season more than fall. I just love it. The crunchy leaves, the crisp air. Suddenly the rare hot sunny day is to be celebrated and cherished, soaking it up as much as possible before sunset. Then the chill sets in. Celebrating the harvest, my birthday and hallowe'en just set the tone for the season, and then we tumble into winter.

So many pumpkins . .  how to choose?

I celebrated my birthday with a great gaggle of women. We held a clothing exchange at my house, and everyone tried on various things, smiled at our changing bodies, ate tasty snacks and shared great laughs. A friend remarked later that it was a night when everyone gathered not because of work, or because they're in a book club or gym together, but because they love me. That if you can fill a room with people who enjoy your company that's pretty great. I agree, and feel so blessed and lucky to have such great friends. I have sweet reminders of this throughout the house.

Ivy has been toiling away at her new skill . .

I never put Leif or Hannah in any lessons at this young age. Seeing her all suited up on skates is beyond words of cuteness! All three of us sit on the benches and watch her fall and get back up and then fall again.

Hannah is trying something new this fall as well.

Every week she goes to a lovely stable and spends time with this horse, Nevada. The stable is full of rescued horses, who need gentle words and loving hands. Hannah is learning the art of natural horsemanship, connecting with this sweet animal, and getting her feel for being in the saddle as she trots around the ring. I have a feeling this will be with us for awhile.

This month my time is taken up with getting ready. Ready for fall, ready for the end of summer, ready for whatever might come my way. As well as growing tomatoes this summer, I also threw some zucchini plants in the ground, and they produced some giant fruits. And my wonderful bees are doing great, having extra honey for us to share this winter.

I made sure to capture every drop I could from the frames I removed. It is this deep golden brown because of the huge blackberry patch in our alley.

Then I went to work putting the ladies to bed for the winter. I check for bugs and that they had enough food, and tucked them away to huddle together through the coldest months. (Ivy snapped this one while I tended the hive. I know you love my top.)

One of the gifts fall gives us every year is apples. We picked 4 heaping recycling bins full of our own apples this year. Those I usually turn into applesauce and apple crumble. Then my neighbour across the street brought me another recycling bin full of her tasty, tiny Macintosh's. Suffice it to say I am now feeling overrun with apples that need processing and a dire lack of time in which to do so.

Now my early cup of tea mornings are split between peeling these babys or sewing Hallowe'en costumes. Stay tuned for the reveal on those.

(As I typed this up I grooved to some classic Tegan and Sarah hits)

C