Winds of change

Monday and Tuesday were unbelievably beautiful. They were the type of mountain days you have to experience to understand the intensity of the blue sky and the freshness of the air. I had checked our local weather source and was aware of the foreboding change, so I reveled in the perfect weather seizing the opportunity to take care of a few things I felt should be done before the winds of change ushered in a completely new season. I was determined to detail my Tahoe in the hopes of keeping it out of the elements, mostly the salt spread on the roads, this winter. Living on a dirt road definitely changes one's perspective (and ability) on keeping a car clean! I also mowed my grass to have it short when Jack Frost comes nipping at our nose. I've been so proud of our yard this summer; having the opportunity to manicure it on a weekly basis has really made a difference. I love being a housewife! I had time to wash my pickup truck as well...not only does living on a dirt road present a clean car challenge, but also does hauling FIVE dogs around in the back play a critical part!

As I mentioned, a new season has evolved quite quickly. I've traded my swimsuit for my handy Carhartt bib overalls in a matter of days. We built our first fire last night and had a hard time leaving the warmth of it. Little Bo is still enjoying the first fire of the year, keeping his belly stretched in front of the woodstove. The leaves are turning more each day to bright yellows and vibrant reds. With the drought this summer, the colors indicate a quick drop from a brisk wind. I love to see the leaves, majestic in their color, falling and blowing down the mountain roads. My feelings on seasons has not changed since I was a little girl. With the approach and entry of each new season, I think, "Ooh, I LOVE fall, fall is my favorite....Ooh, I LOVE winter, winter is my favorite"...and so on. So while we have enjoyed the warmth of the sunshine and the beauty a mountain summer entails, I thank the Lord for blessing me with yet another season of my life as I welcome fall. I really do LOVE fall, you know!

Danny's sister, Cindi, and her family are coming to the mountains today. She and her family live in China and have been in the States since late June or early July. We now have the Westbrook's for the next couple months. She is so excited to arrive here, one of her favorite places on Earth, and I am so happy she has timed it so perfectly to enjoy this transition. We hope to take them horseback riding this weekend, and I'm always up for a ride. Sometimes in October we ride to see all the leaves and have to "chase the sunlight", usually chasing it so long that we end up riding home in the chilly dark. It's still weird riding without our friend Worth, and I've already thought about him this morning as I was stoking the fire. He used to keep a house soooo hot. We surely miss him.

Arnold Acres has had its share of heartbreaks since September 2006, it seems. I hope these winds of change bring about happiness and prosperity for not only us, but our loved ones as well.