Welcome to the Ranch!

My family is so enjoying the recent season change.  I know that most people don’t think that we have four seasons in Texas, but all things are relative.  The seasons are more subtle here than in the more northern regions.

The dog days of summer are over!  The temperature is so lovely.  There is a coolness to the air, which is borne on a constant light breeze.  There seems to be a collective sigh of relief from human and animal alike as the intense heat of summer has dissipated.

We have opened most of our windows to allow fresh air to circulate throughout our home.  Not only does this decrease our electricity bill, but the cool night air helps me sleep well.  The coyotes howl and yap.  The occasional owl hoots.  And, I sink deeper under my covers.

The kids spend most of their time outside to play in the sunshine.  Whether they are riding horses or jumping on a trampoline, they are enjoying the change in the weather, too.

We finished planting our fall garden, which is my favorite garden of the year.  We enjoy fresh greens, lettuce, and spinach well into the winter as well as cabbage and broccoli.  We planted leeks and onions too.  I love getting my hands dirty this time of year while the sun is not scorching your skin.

The deer are moving about in the coolness of the morning and evening.  Bucks strut about with their new antlers crowning their heads.  Just yesterday, we saw 2 bucks and 3 does crossing the pasture.  At the same time, we heard another buck snorting in the brush.

The horses seem more playful as they graze the green pastures.  Today several went for a full-body swim in the lake.  As they climbed out of the water, their coats glistened in the sun.

Like I said before, this is such a good time for both animals and humans.  It is one of my favorite times of the year.  Autumn ties with spring in my opinion.  However, I love the different qualities unique to each season, which is why I want to share a poem with you by Charles Dickens.

Merry Autumn Days

‘Tis pleasant on a fine spring morn
To see the buds expand,
‘Tis pleasant in the summer time
To see the fruitful land;
‘Tis pleasant on a winter’s night
To sit around the blaze,
But what are joys like these, my boys,
To merry autumn days!

We hail the merry Autumn days,
When leaves are turning red;
Because they’re far more beautiful
Than anyone has said,
We hail the merry harvest time,
The gayest of the year;
The time of rich and bounteous crops,
Rejoicing and good cheer.