Preparing for the Season of Slumber

With the recent cooler weather, I have found myself making a mental checklist of all that needs to be done in preparation for the winter season. So many tasks that I wonder if there will be enough time to complete them before snow falls.

October rolled around and the tomatoes, peppers and eggplant were picked, then the withering plants were pulled. Recently, the rest of the garden finally succumbed to the colder temperatures and the last of the potatoes were harvested. In spite of the cold temperatures the herbs have not quite let go. I am always amazed at how hearty they are and how they fight what will come.

My flower bed held on far longer than in the past, and Bees visited to collect nectar as long as the flowers continued to thrive. Alas, the last of the annuals were pulled and the perennials covered for the cold weather ahead. I will cherish my memories of the colorful floral display that I enjoyed spring, summer, and fall. 

Outdoor repairs that had been put off were finally completed. There is a little painting left, however it will have to wait until warmer temperatures come again. As we did in childhood, leaves were raked into a sheet placed on the ground and tossed into the woods. The stragglers will be left for the wind to pick up for their whimsical final dance of fall. If you stop and watch, you will hear the music that accompanies them.

The boat is in storage, and the dock has been pulled from the water and soon will rest under the upcoming winter's snowfall. Seems like only last week that there were children playing, swimming and laughing in the hot summer sun. How could time have passed so quickly?

It won't be long before the ducks and geese vacate their summer home on the lake. Only the hearty birds that remain in the winter will be occasionally seen braving the cold and snow. I often wonder how such tiny little birds can survive in New England's harsh winters. It is amazing how rugged and resilient they are.

Snowblower is ready, shovels placed for easy access, and the generator is working. Of course, in a perfect world we would not need to use any of these, but in New England that will never be. Perhaps someday I can convince him to move to warmer climates.

Until then, we are prepared for the season of slumber.