Full Autumnal Immersion

November is almost here and I'm feeling like October blew by at breakneck speed. In fact that might be why today this majestic maple was dismantled limb by limb. It was a sorry sight to behold. She almost lost her battle a couple of years ago and rallied thanks to a town that cares and some hearty cables. The extreme winds we've had recently proved too much for her, so now we mourn the loss. Also, I now have a perfectly clear view of that modern monstrosity that was built after they tore down the sweet cottage that used to sit there. Progress is not always good.

Despite the fact that today's temperatures surpassed the 60 degree mark, on the whole it has been plenty chilly. The dip in temperatures threw me into nesting mode and I spent the weekend being productive (something I've not felt I've been very much this year) and I got the garage storage and the attic cleaned out and organized. I also spent a bit of time shuffling things around the house, always looking for the balance between peaceful and cozy.

I love to get things clean and in order before the holidays. I relax and enjoy it more if I know that there are no dust bunnies hiding behind the sofa.

I did the annual turning of the dining room furniture in anticipation of a crackling fire being lit in the dining room and although I wish our fireplace was in the family room, I'm grateful to have one at all and try to make the best of it.

Of course a clean kitchen and brisk days almost require that you do some baking. I made this cake and this bread. There are so many other things I'm tempted to bake as the need runs deep this time of year, but my desire to keep my sugar intake at a minimum requires that I resist as much as possible.

You would be shocked to see how three people can destroy that loaf of bread in minutes. Well, really just two people as I only had one slice myself. I live with animals.

As we start to prepare for our cold weather hibernation, some of us have gotten an early start. There is a vent under the dresser that makes this the coziest spot in the house for a cat. Unless there is a giant, drooling golden retriever near by.

It's interesting that as I've gotten older, the months that used to have me just ticking off the days (January, September and November) until the good months started, now are some of my very favorite months. I appreciate the opportunity to catch my breath and get caught up or to just be more still. I find that I get overwhelmed much easier than I used to and in an effort to prevent any loss of joy during the more hectic days, I look forward to these times to restore serenity to my days.

I hope you are all well and finding time for the things that make you happy and enjoying whatever season you are in.