Autumn at the farmette

It's a rainy day at the farmette. We had a corker of a thunderstorm with more than an inch of rain last night. Looks like it will continue through to this evening. Can't believe how mild it still is at 18C.

Yesterday's protests across the U. S. were well attended, and it's encouraging to see that there are some sane people down south. Not sure how much good it will do with the current administration.

Anyway. Enough of the ranting. On to better things. Like Thanksgiving. Last Monday, we had the Thorntons and my brother Dan (on the right with the lid) up for the big turkey meal. It was a bruiser, weighing in at 17 pounds. Fresh from Premium Beef, our local butchers. Excellent bird.

We were a smallish bunch compared to years past. But it was lovely. We all fit on our deck, for one thing.

The Thorntons brought pies for dessert, and you can see that sister Sandy was a fan of the pumpkin.

The weather co-operated, even though we had to brush a few leaves and wasps out of our meals.

We've been doing some cleanup in the gardens and yards. Hostas have been chopped. They're a slimy mess in the spring if I don't do that. I've planted a bunch of Asiatic lily and some tulip bulbs. Got smart and bought purpose-built augers that fit into the cordless drill. Slick and fast. Can't wait for the payoff next year, when the big, blousy blooms arrive.

I love this time of year. Cooler temperatures. The geese are back and getting ready to fly south. They do regular rounds above the farmette house at dawn and dusk. I've replaced the hummingbird feeder with grain feeders in preparation for winter. I read that the juncos are also back in the county. Haven't seen any here yet, but they are a sure sign of the coming winter.

Canada with its changing seasons, family gatherings and mostly sane government are treasures that we mustn't take for granted. Right? Until next week.

Gratuitous cat photo courtesy of Fred, who doesn't get bothered by extreme closeups.