Last week it was hitting over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This week we were lucky we hit 70 degrees. With continuous rains, wind and cold temperatures not suited for mid-May, one would think Noah was going to show up with his ark. Our little homestead has a very large deck in the back, but because of how the deck sits verses the patterns of the winds, we tend to be the victims of broken pots and upturned furniture after a storm here. Nevertheless, we are pressing on and gearing up for an amazing summer.

In the meantime, I am sitting here up in our bedroom, far away from the wrestling-filled family room while the boys eat their Friday-night foods (pizza and mozzarella sticks). With the window fan bringing in soft, cool air, candles lit and fuzzy blankets and pillows, I am all set for an evening of writing.

(My current work station for the evening)

I had a bit of a setback with some family emergencies that came up over the last two weeks. But thankfully all went well and I am back to at least a semi-routine. Saturday, we are heading up Northeast Pennsylvania to Easton to visit some family and help out with some things. As much as I’d like to think it will be a quick visit, I know better after all these years, and between typing here, I am packing some provisions for this day trip, that will include our two teenage boys and our pup, Linus.

Looking out the window right now, it really is chilly, as if we were near the end of September. Because of this, my mood has taken me to the darker, moodier and albeit romantic music that tends to soothe my heart during that time of year. It just felt right to put it on. What’s on that particular playlist, you may be wondering? Well, below is my list, that you can actually find on my YouTube channel (click on the “Autumn Bliss” title)

Autumn Bliss

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Some of my favorite artists hail from the other side of the pond, with the likes of folk artists such as Heidi Talbot and Kate Rusby, our Canadian neighbor Loreena McKennitt, Celtic singer Enya and her sister Mairead Brennan, just to name a few. My tastes during Autumn usually hit between Folk, Adult Alternative, and Celtic. It just felt right to play this tonight. As much as I dislike winter with the powerful disdain of 1000 suns, there is something so beautiful when Autumn is coming into her glory, her final triumph, before the long rest begins. And our bodies know this, as we begin to long for things like blankets, sweaters, comfort food and campfires. A feeling I know I feel during that time of year where my mind starts to shift into my achievements I have made over the year, and how I would like to complete the remaining months of the year. I write more, I dream more. I think more. Autumn really is beautiful, you know?

CAMPFIRE

(One of my favorite pastimes, sitting by the campfire)

Anyway, back to homesteading stuff! Still waiting to get our bay window installed, still need to get vegetables into the ground, as the rain and unstable temperatures have caused me to be super behind. But my perennials are back in all their glory, like my clematis, comfrey and burdock. And my onions I planted over a month ago are coming in wonderfully! Now to get down to weeding that purple dead nettle and get those veggies in!!!!