Tonight the wind is howling around the house, countless shingles have blown off of the barn roofs, and the temperature is well below zero. The chickens and barn cats were inside all day, and I brought the heated waterer back into action for the chickens yesterday. It feels like January. There’s a special weather statement issued for Friday when another storm is headed our way, and there might even be a slight glimmer of a chance of a snow day in November - almost unheard of. The boys were dismissed early from school today because of a power outage. I actually really love this kind of weather - extreme wind makes me feel invigorated and alive. And as Adam’s Nana used to say, “it’ll blow the stink off of you”.
On a much calmer and sunny day last week after work, I took the camera for a walk back to the lake and captured what to me feels like the best of November - low golden light, golden grasses and the sense of soaking up the last shimmering warmth of the year. It was magical.
For Adam and I, September and October are the months when we are both incredibly busy with work. Unfortunately, this coincides with when the garden needs attention, the boys begin activities and life just gets to that level of hectic-ness that is a step beyond what we prefer. The potatoes are still in the ground. Adam graciously says that they’re just planted extra early for next year. And at this point, I’m wondering if I should in fact just leave them there. That’s my favourite thing about gardens, truly - they are endlessly forgiving. (Except for the bindweed. Oh, the bindweed.)
Along with this wild change in weather, my skin is protesting, and I need to think back to all of my winter-skin tricks. We’re almost out of my soap, and I usually make a few Christmas-y batches with cinnamon and orange for us and to give as gifts. I’m having a hankering for something rosemary-ish, too - doesn’t that sound lovely? I’ll be making up a bottle of body oil soon; I wrote a bit about it in this post. Even simpler than lotion - and I love simplicity. Now that would make some useful gifts.
I’m off to make a cup of tea - I’ve been skipping caffeine for the past several weeks, and that agrees with me. I’ve found a few new-to-me teas that I love! Yogi Chai Rooibos, Stash Gold Cup Chai (LOVE this one, and so warming on a cold morning thanks to the ginger), and this Chocolate Orange one. May you stay warm, moisturized, and tea-filled as winter arrives.