Something Told the Wild Geese

Snow Geese

Something told the wild geese

It was time to fly--

Summer sun was on their wings,

Winter in their cry.

Jack and I happened to be on the porch when we heard the cry of wild geese flying overhead. Looking up, we saw the "V" formation as they made their way south, ahead of what was to be a major storm. All night the winds howled at the windows. We had already prepared for winter weather by moving all signs of summer out of the yard and off the porch. Still, a few things bumped and squeaked most of the night. The rains blasted the windows and doors despite an 10 foot porch overhang. We later learned the wind speed got up to 60 mph. I can imagine the jet stream coming right over our house!

Sure enough, the next morning all signs of early fall had disappeared! The brilliant gold, red, and orange leaves had flown south with the geese! What few leaves were still on the trees were brown and falling. That's okay. It is time. This is a transition time preparing us for the winter that is just around the corner, or over the mountain, or still up north. Already, the weatherman teases us with "chances of snow" predictions. We get excited, knowing all the time it won't be but a dusting. And, hoping it doesn't turn into an ice storm.

I love this time of year. Probably because it is my birth month. I can always count on a first winter blast about this time. The woolly worms are out. I have seen solid black ones as well as those with a brown band around the midsection. Never figured out which is a sign of a hard winter. Another harbinger of a hard winter is the persimmon. If there is a "shovel" inside it means lots of winter snows. This is a banner year for persimmons, and I have heard you can find most anything--fork, spoon, knife, whatever! inside. I haven't really looked, but I did eat some that were really tasty!

If fogs in August are any indication of a harsh weather, as some old timers tell us, we are in for one bad winter! I didn't count them, but there were quite a few very foggy days and nights in August. Something that isn't too common. The fogs have been discussed at the feed store since August!

Most everyone around here has a favorite way to predict the coming winter weather. One that makes sense to me is the one about gauging the harshness of winter by watching how high the neighbors' stack their supply of firewood. It makes one want to go out and cut more wood! Just in case.

What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord...When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings...For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory...What joy for those who trust in you. Psalm 84:5,6,11,12

And A Good Time Was Had By All!

Cave Mountain Road

There is an air of excitement in the mountains this time of the year. The colors are glorious! A main topic of discussion is whether the colors have "peaked" and how do they compare with last year's. Who cares! We don't complain! The temperatures range from cool in the morning to "just right" in the middle of the day. It is a great time to do anything in the mountains!

I was in Jasper this week, and the little mountain town was bustling with visitors and locals. I stopped by Emma's Museum of Junk (by far the best little antique store anywhere!). I am on a mission to rid our house of clutter and "stuff". Emma needs "stuff" to sell in her store. We both agreed it was nice to let go of things now and then. But, it is hard to do. These are little treasures that I fell in love with through the years as I shopped little places similar to Emma's. When we moved to the mountains, those things were packed away in boxes and they have just taken up space in the basement for seven years. I hope Emma's customers will love these old and nostalgic things as I once did and take them home to enjoy. Emma and I agreed on a price, and soon my "stuff" will be on her shelves. She has a way of displaying items that make you want to take them home. I just hope I don't walk in her store some day and purchase some of the same items I sold her!

The same day we took Mother out to eat at one of her favorite little restaurants, The Boardwalk Cafe. They serve only organic foods, most is locally grown, even the buffalo burgers and elk sausage (all meat is farm raised, not wild).

Joseph, the owner, was happy with the business they were getting throughout the week. We both wished for several months of fall weather that brings out the tourists. We ordered our favorite winter meal, Janet's Cajun gumbo. The couple are originally from New Orleans, and the seasonings reflect that!

Saturday was a good day to do some yard work. I always leave some plants standing for the wildlife in winter, but some of the grass had to go! Got one bed done with two more to go! For another day, no doubt! It was a good day all around with the Hogs winning and the cabins full of nice folks who came to enjoy the Ozarks.

We capped off the weekend with a hike to Hawksbill Crag up on Cave Mountain. I really prefer to call it by the name most locals use--Whitaker Point. We went with a group of friends from church and packed a picnic lunch. There were about 15 of us--all ages, from 3 to 63! Lots of fun, even though this was not your "quiet walk through the deep woods" sort of hike. Seems like everyone else had the same idea. This is probably one of the most publicized scenic areas anywhere in the Ozarks, and people come from everywhere to view it, especially when it is clothed in fall colors. We even met a group from Japan! This was our third time to hike there--only about 2 miles round trip--not too strenuous, but hold on to the little ones as they near the bluff line.

Today, it's back to school for Jack, and back to the cabin business for me. Looks like another beautiful week to be living in the Ozarks, or anywhere you live for that matter. It is especially a good one for me. I am having a birthday on Friday, and I plan to celebrate all week!

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.

John 1:16