Hello!
The
hot 90 degree weather overnight turned downright chilly and we had our first
frost this past week. Once again the familiar smell of wood burning smoke
wafting upwards outside signals that autumn has truly arrived. Even though we
finally got some much need rain, there isn't much color showing yet on the
trees. Mostly dried leaves drift downwards so far to begin carpeting the earth.
I brought in all my hanging baskets, flowering plants that I will keep indoors
over winter, and yard ornaments/signs leaving everything looking quite bare. So
I love getting down my fall decorations and putting them up to give color.
I've
been busy gathering all the branches that have fallen in the yard,
transplanting, planting spring bulbs, and (you know me) as though I don't have
enough to keep me busy already, I started four small wooded beds between trees
where Dwight can't get with the riding lawn mower in the front and back- spots
that were begging for attention. I finally finished weeding my enclosed garden,
harvested lemon mint to mix with my peppermint for tea this winter perfect for
colds and sore throats. I've also been going last minute crazy with a paint
brush and spray cans outside sprucing up the standing bird feeder in the front
yard, my clothesline poles, swings in the back yard, and seats down in the
woods. It's so much better to keep things maintained that to try and resurrect
them later. I even got a brainstorm and
have painted my front door a lovely gold color.
I
ran away with Marty (my preacher's wife) one day while Dwight stayed with Dana.
We hadn't gotten together for a couple of years and it was a much needed break.
We had such a lovely day together as it doesn't take much to make us happy:
moseying down back roads, wandering through the garden center at Lowes and
finding some marked-down bargains, browsing through a new Hobby Lobby, and
eating lunch at a small park.
The
latest pickle I found myself in was over the Durango. I still have to undo and
put on the battery cable each time I drive it. I have become quite adept at it
so the crazy vehicle decided to act up. Instead of starting up in town like it
should about every stop I was having to get under the hood jiggle the
thing-a-ma-jiggy and /or take it off to get the Durango to start. One late
afternoon when I stopped on my way back
home to pick up bread and milk it wouldn’t start. To add to everything I had accidentally hit the emergency button on the keypad, which personally to me is a
nuisance, so the crazy vehicle was honking the horn and flashing its lights. I
was relieved when I jumped in and turned the key, I heard a click instead of
the engine starting, and it stopped. Figuring that solved that problem, I
opened up the hood and began to fiddle with the battery cable. I went back to
the driver’s seat and as soon as I turned the key if the Durango didn’t go mad
again honking and flashing its light, thankfully there was another click, and
silence. I jumped out and went to poke under the hood again. Instead of
starting like a normal sane vehicle would and should there was a repeat of
horn, lights, and a click. After the fourth time I was feeling rather
desperate. By now a small crowd had gathered watching the show as I raced back
and forth wishing I could crawl under my vehicle. Normally I go to town only in
the mornings, but this day I found myself right when everyone was getting off
work so the parking lot was full. Thankfully a “woman” -not any of the men
standing around- had pity on me and came over to help. She held the cable, the
engine started, lo and behold blessed silence, and I drove away after thanking
her profusely. When I got home and explained the problem to Dwight, he told me
what was causing it to do that. At the rate I am going I will soon be able to
get a mechanic’s degree.
Growing
up Halloween was a safe holiday where children dressed in costumes, went trick
and treating with orange pumpkins and black cats decorations- not all the scary
stuff that goes on today. Well I have the cats or rather kittens, which have
now turned seven months old. Zack and Jack have definitely brought life to the
household. Mornings find black streaks racing through the house and tussling
with each other full of energy, which I would love to harness for myself. They
have total faith in their furry bodies and it is quite amusing to see them leap
for something only to fall splat on the floor, shake their heads, and with a
perplexed look on their pointy faces get up, and try it again. Whether I am
sitting down breaking beans to can, peeling apples to dry, doing wash, or
combing my hair, I have two curious little creatures hanging over my shoulder
or sitting on the counter with bright eyes watching me. The simplest things
will keep them occupied. Even though they have cat toys to play with- left over
from previous cats, boxes, plastic bags, a dropped bean, apple peel, pen, or
leaf is much more exciting. Even more thrilling is a spider or bug. They
already caught their first mouse that dared to enter the house when the cold
spell hit. Best of all when I sit down at night to relax; I have two furry
bodies that curl up and snooze on my lap. I wake up in the morning to Zack and
Jack wrestling on top of me or a paw patting my face. Wherever I go in the
house two furry critters shadow me. Depending on what mischief they have gotten
into I call them: thing one and thing two, you little imps, or ye bad beasties.
They have learned quickly that when I start swinging a rolled up newspaper
around they are in trouble and it is amazing how fast they will disappear. Cats
are quite independent creatures and yet so loving to one they trust. In my
opinion every household needs a cat.
I
shall hush for now. Have a wonderful autumn on your end~
Dorcas
