I have been trying to get out for a walk almost every day. Most days, it's first thing in the morning. That will change as winter comes on, but for now it's a perfect time. Sometimes the sun isn't even up yet. I like that.

As I was walking down the lane to the main road, I passed my friend S's house. She has a maple that grows right next to the fence.

I found this...

And so it begins.

My favorite time of the year.

I love the shorter days and the lower angle of the sun. The cooler nights. The smell of Mr. P's apples on the ground in the orchard. The difference in the cloud formations. All of it.

Well, not the layer of acorns that I have to negotiate through on the lawn. Those always annoy.

It's a beautiful afternoon, and I decided it was Spa Day for all my water bottles. They are drying off on the front porch in the sun and fresh air.

I'm slowly getting used to the fact that my garden is well and truly tucked up for winter and I have no guilt inducing chores out there except to water the emerging clover. I'm reveling in this new freedom.

Though along with all these joys comes a new chore.

I need to fill the woodbox!

(It's always something with you.)

Always.