September 23, 2008

The autumnal equinox has come and gone, the days are getting shorter, and the nights cooler.  Yes, the season is winding down.  The mad rush of the high season harvest is over.  A few zucchini and cucumbers are still showing up here and there but they're mostly done.  The tomatoes are slowing down, as well, but the late planting is producing some beautiful German Heart, Wapsinicon Peach, and Moonglow fruits.  The winter squash survived the onslaught of pests earlier in the season and are maturing in the field.  I tucked little beds of hay under them to prevent the still wet soil from softening the shells.  The spaghetti squash are ripe and the Butternut, Delicata, Sweet Dumpling, and Gold Nugget are close to perfection.  Pretty pink, gold, and purple radishes are also coming out of the fields as are gorgeous little beets.

As always, I approach the end of the season with mixed feelings.  I am glad that the mad rush is over.  It's exhilirating for a while but it can also be a bit wearing.  Still, the shorter days remind me that winter is coming and that I will need to forego the pleasures of the field for too long a time.  I will miss the feel of the soil, the exuberance of the harvest, the sight of bees, butterflies, frogs, toads, and salamanders.  I'll miss the song of the wind in the Sudan grass.  I will miss this time of year the most, the golden warmth of the afternoon and the cool of the nights.  But still, the earth must rest for a season.

Too, I've turned to other activities.  I am back in school, taking a course in counseling skills, and am also taking Yoga Teacher Training.  I have started my field placement work as an intern in a local nursing home, working on the Alzheimer's floor.  I will also be returning to my volunteer work with troubled teens this week.  The search for my winter job is on - back to my old haunts in compensation and benefits.

And - we've adopted two old dogs from a local shelter - a Bichon/Poodle mix named Jeffrey and a Miniature Poodle named Pumpkin.  Jeffrey is 15 and Pumpkin is 17.  We hope that they'll both feel safe and happy here as they live out the last years of their lives.  If you're thinking of adding a companion pet to your family, please consider a shelter animal.  Saving the life of an abandoned dog, cat, or bunny is one of the greatest experiences life has to offer.