Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Can you smell it in the air?

The horses are fuzzy. The dogs are getting furrier and the chickens seem to be a bit fluffier. The air has the distinct crisp smell of fall laced with the acrid rot of leaves and dark dirt.

Wild has been complaining about the house being cold (this coming from her as she wanders through the living room in shorts, a tank top and no shoes) and I'm about ready to toss another quilt on our bed. I have a policy that the furnace does not get lit until we have consistently at or below freezing temps at night, so, if you're cold, throw on another layer. I prefer the house to be on the chilly side rather than the too toasty side and winter is usually spent in "sneak mode," as Hubby and I battle over the thermostat. He'd be happy if the house was 72-degrees year-round. I prefer the low 60s during the winter and the mid-80s in summer.

Yes, autumn weather is finally here! It's been a long time coming, that's for sure. To usher in the cooler weather we stoked a fire in the fireplace the other night, Unruly's absolutely favorite thing. Hubby got that fire going and we snugged in around the flames and just chilled. There is something so divinely comforting, and relaxing, about a crackling, blazing fire. I don't know how many times I fell asleep in front of the darn thing last year! On especially cold mornings I get all Laura Ingalls and light a fire before the girls get up in the morning so they can warm themselves while enjoying some hot chocolate. They love it, and it's kind of fun to do. Work, yes, but I love seeing Unruly's face light up with delight on a particularly chilly morning when she sees the logs burning.

I think I'm going to get a bonfire going this weekend...for no other reason than to hang around outside and enjoy it with my family. Bonfires are always matched with hotdogs and marshmallow, a few drinks and a whole lot of just relaxing and gazing at the amazing constellations hanging above us, reminding us how very tiny and insignificant we really are.

5 comments:

Heather said...

I think fall was skipped and winter arrived. Shoot! We don't see temps in the 50's until january in my parts!

Jim Thomsen said...

Just watch out for that mean Nellie Oleson!

Joeprah said...

Yo! You are tagged! http://joeprah.com/content/view/108/1/
Thanks!!

MP said...

I am SO jealous. I LOVE LOVE LOVE bonfires. Full moon, crisp air, dark sky, fire...jealous. I have a fire pit in the yard. I bet a million dollars I couldn't get the boys to go out there w/ me. Sitting by yourself in the yard in the city just aint cutting it.

we could NEVER live together..in the summer I like it around 71.
In the winter I like it cool enough to get out my Laura Ingalls long flannel nightgown. :-)

Anonymous said...

I would love to join you around your fireplace or bonfire. Here in California, my neighbors would frown upon me having an autumn bonfire.