When you grow much of your own food, and process it, summer means more work. A lot more. The long days of sunshine bring twelve or more hours of activity, and by season's end, I am wore out. Rising early and squeezing the most out of every moment before sunset, I parcel my day out into pieces. This summer, in particular, was a challenge, as I added some part-time biologist work (away from home) to an already heavy load. Tom traveled more than usual on business this summer, and homeschooling, summer camps, and a couple of short family trips filled in the gaps. Together, we all made it work, and we have a lot to show for our efforts, but I am ready for the season to end.
Right now, at the moment that I write this, I am part of a perfect, universal balance...the autumnal equinox. Beyond this day, there will be more darkness which, for me, brings more rest. Six months from now, the balance will be struck again, and I will feel the anxiety and hurriedness that comes with each extra hour of sunlight. But not today. Today, I celebrate a productive harvest and all that summer brought, but most of all, I celebrate the fact that for a few months to come, I no longer have to keep up.
Happy First Day of Autumn!
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looking for potato bugs
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| chamomile harvesting |
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sweet potato slips under the jugs
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| a natural beauty we found in the woods (yellow fringed orchid) |
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conquering a fear of the water slide
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when you forget your swim clothes, you swim anyway
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school on the front porch and breaking beans
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capturing the morning sunshine full-faced
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| a furry friend I found while working |
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too many cucumbers. again.
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