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