Harvest Time

I looked out my window today, saw this and collapsed in a pile of tears. 

Not actually. 

But it did cross my mind. 

Harvest basically equals early onset winter. Winter equals snow and, worse still, darkness starting at about 3:30 in the afternoon and not letting up until about 10:00 a.m. the next day. 

I don't love winter. And harvest means winter is coming. So really, if I'm needed, look for me in a pile of fur coats, mourning the warmth of June sunshine. 

My husband graciously reminds me that winter here isn't like winter in Iowa, which starts in October and lets up in about June. But it doesn't matter. I don't like dark. And I don't like cold. So there. 

To help with my denial that snow boots and black ice are on the horizon, I'm keeping myself busy with baking pies, which I've never done, 

Canning corn relish with corn from our garden, which was one of the few plants that didn't end up overtaken by weeds, 

Trying new recipes and then forgetting where I found them so that when my farmer asks me to make them again, I get a look of panic and mild confusion,

And enjoying the sunsets, even if they are moving earlier and basically starting at 5:00 p.m. in the afternoon. 

So here's to you, Harvest, even if your arrival does mean that soon the cold northern winds will be whistling through the trees and howling outside while Jack Frost traces designs on the windows and the dogs grow thick wooly coats. 

It's a good thing you're beautiful. 

It's a darn.good.thing.