Autumn

It is official, we are settled into "Autumn". Most people refer to this season as "Fall". I am not sure why only the Fall/Autumn season has two words to describe it, but it does. Centuries ago, Fall was defined as leaves tumbling from trees and changing colors. Autumn was described as the time between summer and winter. 

I really like the word autumn; I just never use it. I think it is the prettiest season that we have. I was recently in a group of people, and they had to pick their favorite season. Most of them picked fall. Let's face it, Winter is cold and snowy, Summer is hot and windy, Spring is all about regrowth and rebirth. Fall seems to have a sense of peace and beauty about it.  

I love to go for drives to see the fall colors. This year the colors were stunning, especially in the valleys. There was no September frost, so the trees have turned naturally. Sadly, the trees are done being pretty and are now starting to drop their leaves.

Combining seems to be running late this year. All summer I watched as the magnificent fields of canola bloomed and then headed out. Field after field. On my drive it seemed there was still a great deal of canola waiting to be combined. Some of it even looked black, which I understand isn't a concern. Farming is something that has morphed into big business. Most fields are massive and when they start to combine there is at least 2 or 3 combines, and a couple of semis parked to haul the grain away. They use manpower efficiency. Not like the good ole days when the designated grain hauler sat in the truck and waited for the sign to come to the combine and unload. It is evident that the grain hauler is multi-tasking and waits for the call to show up and empty the truck.  

Of course, a drive is never complete unless I stop to see the white buffalo at Sioux Valley. I just have to share some pictures from my last visit. I have watched this unfold since the first white buffalo had her first white calf over 10 years ago. Sioux Valley was gifted a white female buffalo in 2010 and from that one lone buffalo they now have their own little herd. A buffalo will live to be 30 years old. So, no doubt the presence of white buffalo in their herd will continue to grow. A white buffalo is sacred in the aboriginal culture, and majestic in my world. 

I have really enjoyed my patio with my begonia that thought it was a shrub. I have grown an ivy in the same spot for years. It grows well there and why would I change it. This year, I am proud to say, I started the ivy from last year's clipping. Believe me, that is a big deal. I have a spot for both of the plants to be rehomed. My friend, the plant whisperer, is always excited to take them. I am not sure what she does with them, but they will enjoy the attention they will receive.  

Growing up, October was the month for the "Fowl" or "Fall" suppers. I am never sure what word communities use. It was always a big deal in my former community with preparation starting weeks ahead of time. The church ladies also known as the "Evening Group" would canvas the entire community to donate. They would then take on the cooking of massive turkeys, filled with dressing and they made sure they had enough gravy, that tasted like gravy, for dozens of people. Yes, they thawed their turkey at room temperature for 2 days, and they stuffed their turkeys probably the night before. And no one, not one single person ever got sick from the Fowl supper. Once the cooked turkeys arrived at the church basement, the men would put their white aprons on, sharpen up their knives and carve like crazy. I can still remember the clash of the knives being sharpened. The pies were all homemade. When a sour cream raisin pie came in, it was gone in an instant. I always went for the pumpkin with whipped cream. A deep pumpkin pie was the best. I can still recall the smell and humidity when it was your turn to eat in the church basement. You had to eat around your work shift. By 12 years old, you were an experienced person waiting tables. I never got old enough to cook a turkey, it is just as well. Most people did a quick turnaround to eat and get going. But there were some people that would sit and wait until they had room to eat, yet another piece of pie. Some would take on 4 pieces; this is a for real story. A fowl supper was a "all you can eat". My personal favorite was when a well-known couple would sneak in a take home container in her purse. Of course, a piece of pie was snuck into it. These are cherished memories of being part of a community that came together to raise money for the church. 

Let's face it, there is a whole lot of Autumn to come. Right now, we are seeing the pretty in fall, but by the time winter comes, it's not so pretty. Fall is the season we are reminded to be thankful, and this morning I am thankful it is raining. I know a late fall rain is not favorable for the last bit of combining, but it is so refreshing. If Fall is your favorite season, you have so much to enjoy, and it is a reminder that we all have so much to be thankful for.