We had our first snow up on Cozy Ridge

As they say, “Tis the season!” This had the birds all singing, sending their own reminder that the seasons are changing! And this prompted Pippa to remind me that it’s time to fill the bird feeders again, so these songbirds and all their friends know to come visit us this winter!

It wasn’t that long ago that I finished gathering up the walnuts for this winter! I probably tossed the equivalent of eight buckets full into my small trailer, only to dump them again on the driveway, where they have stayed put as I continue to drive over them every day. The remainder of the walnuts have now fallen from the trees, and I’ll be leaving those for the squirrels to gather and pack away for themselves.

The last of the leaves has finally fallen from the old oak tree, and the ridge is now open and barren. Last night there was a cold, high wind whistling through the top of the spruce trees, singing their familiar song, reminding us that the world is still turning and that we are blessed to have a warm, cozy home! And this morning the wind has passed, and the landscape is now peaceful and still, covered with an unusually quiet hush that somehow seems to resonate with the coming season!

We have had a perfectly delightful Indian Summer this year, just right for getting work done that I had put off for far too long. Thankfully, everything needing finished before winter has been completed at last! We’ve got more than enough wood for this winter, though there still plenty of splitting and stacking to do. That’ll keep me occupied for a while! And I suspect you know the old saying about firewood– it heats you more than once!

The fragrances of Thanksgiving are still in the air—the smells of those familiar foods, the memories—both new and old—of our family and friends, and the counting of our many blessings! And I’m finally allowing myself to begin to whistle some different tunes—another sign that the season is changing.

Tonight, we will be celebrating with some delicious leftovers and a warm pot of tea! I’ll have a fire in the fireplace, the first of many to come as we begin to nestle in for the winter! And as this year begins to wind down, and life on Cozy Ridge begins to slow down just a little bit, I’m taking this opportunity to begin this newsletter—the first, I hope, of many to come!

So wherever you are, may you feel a hint of the warmth from up here on Cozy Ridge.

From our hearts to yours,