The cool night air turns damp and frigid in the early morning hours and awakens me from the open bedroom window. The mesquite tree is getting tired of her green leaf dress and is ready to shake it off and to hide under her winter blanket for a long nap. Nature has also ushered her creatures along to warmer places or to their winter hideaways.

The nests that were once full of fluff from the cotton fields and feathers from Mother Wren, have gone barren and empty..............
The weathered old birdhouses that hang throughout the grounds have once again become weathered,....where once came the sound of cheeps.... only silence....as they hang motionless in the fall air.

The bustling family of woodpeckers , who survived harsh, strong winds and peering cats, have grown up and flown away....leaving the old tree hollow and quiet.

The wasp's nest have fallen to the ground, light and empty...blowing along with the wind.

Only a few creatures hang on to the remaining sunny days and to the flowers that still bloom here on the farm...... they are such curious creatures........their backs shining like jewels in the late afternoon sun. I too, have grabbed a soft blanket from my closet, and have lowered the window. Yet, I enjoy the cool voice of fall, speaking of harvest time to yet come and of her cold sister Winter, on her way to visit.

Have you pulled out sweaters and blankets already? Have you enjoyed a crackling fire yet?

I send you warm wishes on this chilly afternoon!