Fall whispers farewell

The garden is tucked under a blanket of leaves.

We’ll let it wear this thin cover through the winter to protect sensitive perennials from frost while feeding the soil.

I am always surprised at how quickly the garden can fade; from brilliant oranges, reds and golds

to a canvas of grey and brown.

Not dead; just moved to a new state of slumber as if to say, ‘let’s rest awhile.’ It is a well-deserved. Fall whispers farewell.

Last year at this time, two weeks of record cold and frost were upon us. Unheard of for our area, it stole – overnight – the last color from the garden and resulted in more than a few casualties.

This year, we are blessed with successive days of warm rain. The last roses shine like neon against an earth-colored backdrop.

The long-term forecast says we will not yet escape the drought – but the outlook improves somewhat. For this we are very thankful. With the grey skies and the holidays upon us, the pumpkins were promptly dispatched to the compost pile

and a living tree was moved in.

While the décor has changed, we are still filled with the spirit of giving thanks. Our kennels are only half full after so many “going homes” including eleven of our twelve puppies –

Only sweet Titania remains. We have promised her a home by Christmas.

The breeder dogs that came in recently are all spoken for, including this beautiful pup – surrendered for a heart murmur. One person’s “defect” is another’s great fortune.

For once, the pace is relaxed – with time for enjoying each other’s company as well as the company of dogs.

Our own well-earned rest.

“And the dead leaves lie huddled and still,
No longer blown hither and thither;
The last lone aster is gone;
The flowers of the witch hazel wither;
The heart is still aching to seek,
But the feet question ‘Whither?’” ~ Robert Frost