Mareda's Mystical Meanderings and More!: It's November.....already?

It seems impossible that today is the 20th of November! When I look at my last blog entry's date of September 1st, that also seems impossible. Where did September and October go? What have I been doing with my life that this time has passed so quickly? Yes, I know it doesn't speed up or slow down but it sure seems that way.

As I look back, I've dedicated much of my time to work. I work at a job I am very grateful to have but not one I embrace with joy. I work at home readying my yard for the onslaught of fall weather and the winter cold that follows. Now working at home is a joy. My home is my sanctuary. It is a place where I can come and truly be me. A place where family is all important. However, this year the yard proved to be a lot to handle. Ornamental grass that grew and grew and grew. Talk about abundance! The grass could be compared to the negative thoughts that seemed to grow and grow and wanted to take over my consciousness much as the grass wanted to take over my yard.

Well, the grass has been cut down (thank you Joe and Ulya) and the negative thoughts have been weeded. The grass will be replaced this spring with something still to be determined. The thoughts have made way for new beginnings slowly being birthed into fruition. The new beginnings are a work in progress and shall stay in that secret place within for now. Soon, something new and wonderful will make an appearance.

There has also been some fun! The Annual Eckert Family Apple Butter gathering took place in October. Lots of good apple butter was processed with sunshine and the perfect temperature making the day just right! Tractor rides for the kids and lots of reconnecting for the adults added to the fun.

Then Ulya and I made our first trip to the Eckert's Country Store and Farm in Belleville. To answer the question that is probably on everyone's mind, this Eckert family is not related to us. A good country dinner of fried chicken topped off another beautiful autumn day for the "Eckert Gurls."

Although I must admit, cold weather is not something I look forward to, this has been a beautiful autumn. I cannot remember when the leaves have been brighter or more colorful. It has been a glorious season of bright reds, oranges and gold. Here are a few photos of autumn in Kirkwood and Wildwood.