It has been a while since I have posted hasn't it? Sorry about that...life has been a little busy this year! Speaking of this year, it is flying by far to quickly, I cannot believe that it is October already!
This year has seen us (by pairs or as a family) taking several trips hither and yon, for a day, a weekend, or a few weeks. Some of those trips have been embarked on out of necessity, some for reenactments, and some to visit friends.
We've had farmer's markets May though the end of September, which takes three days out of the week (Thursday=market prep day: baking etc., Friday=market, Saturday=market).
This summer I also began the job of housekeeping in the local area. It is interesting how that came about...I really wasn't looking for a "job", but I had been giving some thought and prayer as to what the Lord might be direct me to do imminently, and rather out of the blue, this opportunity was dropped in my lap! I took a little while to consider and pray over it before I accepted. Admittedly I was a little nervous, as I had never done something like this before, and my past work experiences have really been more in the sales department! (Vending at markets and shop-keeping). :) And no, that doesn't mean that I don't know how to clean! I clean in my own house, it was just that the idea of cleaning for someone else and to their standards was a little like stepping off into the unknown deep end! But so far, all has been well, and I think that in this endeavor I now finally have my feet under me.
Our garden this year had to be planted thrice due to heavy rains in the Spring (during which rains, as a side note, G-ma's apartment also flooded twice, or was it three times?), and even at that we haven't gotten too much of a harvest. But I am grateful for the small bounty we have been blessed with! We had a few green beans, and we finally have ripe tomatoes (several pans/boxes of them sitting in the garage)! We have quite a lot of radishes, and some turnips, and we've had a little okra and greens, and I am hoping for a decent crop of potatoes and sweet potatoes. We have canned a couple batches of apple sauce too! So, it has not been a lovely garden year, but we've done are best, and at least have something of a harvest.
Speaking of harvest, all the corn and soybeans on the farm land about us are being brought in and the ground cut...filling the air with crop dust and dirt...that is particularly not pleasant for those in my family who have mold toxicity issues, as this dust and dirt contains a lot of mold and mold spores, exposure to which makes them feel poorly. But, you do what you have to do, and just try to stay inside as much as possible.
Racheal and I are stepping out (or rather "jumping in" I suppose!) on yet something else new to us this year...We have just started singing in a choir that performs a large section of Handel's Messiah every December. Many of the choir members are "veterans" and have been doing this for years, but we are very new to it, and I must say that the musical talent and knowledge there is well over my head! But I am trying my best and after another month and a half of practices I hope to sound at least passable! But no matter how I sound, it is a joy to sing, and a unique opportunity to be able to sing that specific selection! So, that has currently become a part of our lives as we take a long drive to practices once weekly.
I don't think I ever said on my blog, but my sister Savannah (the one who got married last year), is expecting, and due next month! People keep telling me, "You're going to be an Aunt!" Yes, I guess I am...so...something else new. We don't know if it is going to be a boy or a girl, but don't worry, I'm sure I'll let you know when the time comes! ;)
Another year is winding down, and the air is getting nippier, and the feeling of Autumn is beginning to settle in. I love Autumn--it is my favorite time of year, though I can't really explain why...
A time of feeling the fullness of the year,
A time to count our blessings.
A time to feel another year older,
(And we hope a year wiser!)
A time to be sentimental,
A time to settle down before the snow.
A time to close the 'Volume of the Year',
And wonder where the 'Road of the Next Year' will go.
The conclusion of a chapter,
Before the New one is begun.
A time to be most grateful,
For the last warm rays of the setting sun...
A time of preparation,
Before the ice of winter's snow,
And a time of looking forward,
To the Springing of the New Year,
Which we know is to come.
I hope that y'all have a blessed and peaceful Autumn!