Fall's Gentle Goodbye... and Battening Down the Hatches

I have enjoyed every single moment of the beautiful fall colors that we had this year.  We have three huge storms coming in off the Pacific that will be hitting us over the next 3-4 days.  At least one of the storms was predicted to have high winds, which will mean most if not all of the leaves will be gone after the storms leave.

Just down the road from us is a beautiful little spot that I like to go to and enjoy the colors of the season.

The road follows the river, and each turn and bend have little delightful glimpses of the river flowing beside it.

The electrified colors of fall were abundant.

The quiet stillness of the waters were broken as the geese glided together in unison.

Some of the few hardy geese who are left.  Most have flown south long ago.

A quaint pirate-looking sailboat was anchored in the middle of the river, while a heron kept watch.

Dried elderberries left on the branches that will be a source of food during the winter for the birds.

Golden hues of marshland set against the backdrop of the mountains.

The call of the birds as they fluttered around, busy about their cares of life... gently reminded me that we all have work to do... and winter is coming.

The Maker of these colors, these vibrant hues... these golden tones... how vast His imagination is.  I never cease to wonder.

Simple things bring me great joy... and the simple joy of this moment stays with me.

Continuing down the little drive... the colors of fall glowing in the overshadowed sunshine.

Down by the river... the wheat grass beckoned gently to the view beyond.

Snow-capped mountains reminded me again... winter's breath is upon us.

Back at home, the blue skies and soft sunshine were calling, and Annie and I left for a long leisurely walk...

The turkeys were out in the fields, and Annie watched them carefully... oh how she loves to chase them.

They know her well.  No doubt Annie has chased some of them as they make their rounds through our property.  They moved quickly to the shadowed forest beyond.

We walked for 4 miles...  I think I could have walked all day in this weather!

I spotted this sign in a neighbor's yard.

A neighbor's golden cottonwood overlooking the valley below.

A little pond below the canyon...

A neighbor's tired old barn made lovely in the golden shadows.

As I walked, I soaked up every minute of the beauty around me, as I knew the three storms out in the Pacific were barreling down upon us.

The first one hit us yesterday.  Rain, rain rain!  I worked outside bringing to shelter anything that could possibly blow away with the winds that we are predicted to get. It rained hard all day yesterday and all night long.

This morning I got up to let the chickens out and assess the damage.  So far so good!  Lots of rain, lots of mud... but all seemed well.

Even 'ole Sal was feeling pretty chipper and serenaded me and his ladies.

My little maple tree, looking rather barren now, after the wind and rain had stripped her leaves.

Fall's colors never last long enough, the wind and rain have had their say.

I filled up an 50-gallon water barrel with water... just in case.  I don't think we are going to need it.{happy smiles}

Uh oh!  I knew something was up this morning when I saw Roger on "sniff duty" behind our storage area.  So that would explain where some of my eggs have been going.  She and Roger have a pact!   A few days ago I found Roger with a brown egg in his mouth.  Now... I know the rest of the story.  I removed the little "nesting area" she had made, and covered it up.... and escorted her back to the chicken coop where proper hens lay their eggs.  I hope she understood.  I really need to work on my chicken language skills I think, lol!

It looks like storm #2 is barreling down upon us.  The skies are rather dreadful appearing.

As long as it is just rain... we will be fine.  The wind... not so much.  The winds were forecast to come this morning, and now it is afternoon... so it seems the storm was not as bad as it could have been.

Old Glory blowing gently amid the darkening rain clouds approaching.

I found this poem and thought it was a fitting one to end my little dialogue with you today.  We don't walk alone!  No matter what storms in life we face... we can look to the ONE who holds the storms in His hand... and rest safe in that assurance.  Whether our storms are physical, financial, spiritual or just life in general, He is the maker of the storms, and is able to keep us safe through it all.  :)

He knoweth the way that I take;

Each of that way He hath planned;

And, walking through sunshine or storm, 

I walk in the shade of his hand.

In deserts untrodden and drear, 

Where foes in the darkness may hide,

He leaveth me never alone; 

He sendeth me light and a guide. 

 ~ Annie Johnson Flint ~