Putting the Homestead to Bed

So, we're very much into Autumn now.  Today is the first day of hunting season in Maine and everyone is wearing their neon orange.  I live towards the end of a dead-end road, way in the woods, so this time of year always scares me a bit.  There's a lot hunters around and it's not uncommon to hear guns firing.  But we're also finishing up getting ready for winter and our projects can't be put off for a month, so I'm forced to be outside.

I love Fall and Spring, especially Spring when I'm somewhat giddy with anticipation of what we'll be planting that year.  Fall is beautiful, with the brilliant leafs and cool air.  I love bundling up in sweaters.  But it's a bit bittersweet as I know winter will be coming and driving me inside much of the time. 

Yesterday I cut down the tomatoes and put away their cages.  We just had a frost, it was very late this year.  The vines still had small green vegetable on them and I decided the chickens would appreciate those.  We mulched the asparagus, blueberries and some of the ornamentals.  I still haven't planted my garlic, I've been to frazzled by other events and forgot so that will happen this week.  The honeysuckle a friend bought me and the kiwis I bought from the local co-op are doing great and I think they'll make it through the winter.

Yes, the year's winding down, but soon it'll be catalog time:  I can't wait  :-)