The countertop was a kaleidoscope of color, with a mix of fruit, flowers, and vegetables crowding the space. The neighbor children had come with bouquets from the garden, and the harvest bounty always took over for a bit this time of year.

Outside, the last leaves clung tenaciously on the poplar tree near the house, fluttering in the wind like dozens of golden butterflies fanning the sun. The nights were cool, but the days were unusually warm. Tomorrow more seasonal highs would return, but for now the warmth made lingering outside tasks more pleasant to complete.

After last week's frost, temps swung back up again. I'm not complaining, as it's made garden cleanup work more pleasant. We have some cover crops planted, the bean and tomato trellises cleared, landscape fabric up, and garlic planted. My eldest is pulling the last of the garden fences as I write, giving the duck patrol full access to the gardens for end of season cleanup.

We still need to get some boneset transplanted near the pond, and there's one more late season apple tree to pick. Joe Pye weed does well in the yard, so I'm hoping boneset will, too.

There's also some cleaning to be done in the main coop to prep it for the laying flock to move back in for the winter. In summer, they move to portable coops in their summer run, but cold temps merit sturdier, well-insulated shelter. We use the soiled deep bedding as mulch to tuck in a garden bed. It breaks down over winter and the bed is safe to plant in with a nice nitrogen boost come spring.

The guys got the soffits done on the Juice Box (our new electrical outbuilding for the solar equipment) and have started on siding. It'll be zipped up soon and ready for interior finishing.

We did get batches of relish and marinara sauce done, but Duncan wants to do a batch of spicier relish, and there are enough tomatoes ripening indoors after picking that we may can some tomato soup or ketchup. We're getting closer to wrapping up preservation for the year, but not quite there yet! I'll be glad when we're done, as the shortening days have my brain ready for hibernation.

This Week's Resilience & Abundance Boost

• Make the most of unexpected opportunities. A stretch of warm autumn weather is a gift when there's still work to be done outside. When circumstances change in your favor, take advantage of the opening instead of worrying about what comes next.
• Turn endings into beginnings. Spent garden plants, fallen leaves, and soiled animal bedding can become compost and mulch that feed next year's growth. What looks like the end of one season may be the foundation for another.
• Let everyone contribute. From family members tackling construction projects to ducks cleaning up the garden, many hands (and bills!) make lighter work. Look for ways to share responsibilities and make good use of everyone's abilities.
• Finish what matters, and let the rest go. There's always one more thing that could be done. Prioritize the tasks that protect your home, food, and living things, and give yourself permission to leave less important projects for another day.
• Make room for seasonal rest. Shorter days and cooler weather naturally invite us to slow down. A resilient life includes periods of recovery, reflection, and quiet enjoyment, not just constant activity.

Abundance isn't about squeezing every last bit of productivity out of each day. Sometimes it's the satisfaction of work well done, the promise of next year's garden, and the freedom to settle in and enjoy the quieter season ahead.

All our best to you and yours,

Laurie (and August IV, August V, and Duncan).

Warmth, Comfort, and a Little Fall Flavor

As the days grow shorter, we’re shifting from garden chores and food preservation toward the comforts of the colder months. A friend is coming over soon to help clean our chimney, fresh cranberries are appearing in the grocery stores, and there’s still plenty of pumpkin to enjoy.

This week’s articles offer a little of everything — an efficient way to heat your home, a fun twist on pumpkin treats, and a seasonal cookie recipe that’s perfect for sharing.

Masonry Heaters — Warmth That Lasts

One of my favorite features of our home is our masonry heater. Unlike a conventional wood stove, a masonry heater captures heat from a hot, relatively short fire and slowly releases that warmth into the house for hours afterward.

With chimney-cleaning time approaching, it’s a good reminder to get wood-burning heating systems inspected and ready before the real cold arrives.

If you’ve ever wondered how masonry heaters work, how they compare to wood stoves, or whether one might be a good fit for your home, this article shares our experience.

Read: Masonry Heaters — Efficient Wood Heat​

Pumpkin Fruit Leather — A Fun Fall Treat

Pumpkin doesn’t have to be limited to pies, breads, and muffins. Pumpkin fruit leather is a fun way to turn pumpkin puree into a chewy, portable snack with the flavors of fall.

It’s also a handy option when you have a little extra puree left after baking, and a nice change of pace from the usual pumpkin recipes.

Read: Homemade Pumpkin Fruit Leather​

Cranberry Cookies — A Little Sweet, A Little Tart

Fresh cranberries are starting to show up in the grocery stores, which means it’s time to bring out some favorite cranberry recipes.

These cookies offer a delicious balance of sweet and tart flavors, and they’re a welcome change from the usual chocolate chip or oatmeal varieties. Make a batch to enjoy with a warm drink, or share some with friends and neighbors.

Read: Homemade Cranberry Cookies​

There’s something satisfying about getting the house ready for winter while filling the kitchen with the aromas of seasonal baking. A warm home, good food, and a little time to enjoy both are simple pleasures worth appreciating.

A Little Time for a Good Book

As the days grow shorter and the garden chores wind down, I'm looking forward to spending more time reading.

Right now, I'm revisiting 1632 by Eric Flint, an alternate-history novel about a small West Virginia town suddenly transported back to Germany during the Thirty Years' War.

I read it many years ago, shortly after it was published, and decided it was time for another visit.

It's an entertaining mix of history, adventure, and ordinary people figuring out how to make the best of extraordinary circumstances. Given my interest in practical skills and preparedness, I suppose it's not surprising that I enjoy it.

There are also clear good guys and bad guys and the good guys get stuff done and help people in need. I don't much care for the modern fiction trends of good guys turning bad and moral ambiguity.

What are you reading lately? Hit reply and let me know. I'm always happy to hear about a good book!

Take care, and have a wonderful week!

Laurie

P.S. If you're looking for some practical nonfiction to add to your reading pile, my new book, Common Sense Preparedness, offers 350+ pages of practical skills, real-life experience, and hope for the future.