More Autumn Blessings

Dear Friends,

Happy Sunday to you! We have been enjoying all sorts of varied weather this past week, with everything in the forties to forecasted highs in the 80s. Our fall garden is a little confused, but is doing really well. Nothing beats fresh greens in a salad or smoothie. Did you know that you can eat squash leaves? They blend up really well in a fruit smoothie, and have a nice, mild taste.

After noticing a lot of books going unread on our shelves, I challenged my three oldest girls to read at least three books to their younger siblings each day. After only a few days, there has been a noticeable change in the atmosphere of the home, with fewer videos being requested and more peace and quiet.

The cooler weather brought some amazing sunsets,

. . . While also making Hickey Pickety decide that the pantry would be a perfect place to lay her egg!

The dark, rainy days are made a little brighter by a few mums on the table,

which is also made brighter by yummy buckwheat pancakes! We make our pancakes by soaking whole groats overnight, then straining, rinsing, and blending them with water, baking powder, and salt in the blender. This makes the flavor a lot more mild than using buckwheat flour, and they really are tasty and simple, especially pouring the batter from the blender onto the griddle, instead of using a ladle and bowl. Everyone down to little Rebecca loves flipping pancakes in the morning (although Rebecca's results are a little more "interesting" than the rest!).

(This pancake was NOT made by Rebecca)

Violets and dandelions have decided to have a second spring, and we have enjoyed plucking their cheery blossoms (and wearing them, too).

They don't last very long as a clothing accessory with chickens around, however.

Autumn's light brings a more golden hue to our walls, showcasing the lovely plates that our friend Evelyn gifted us~

This little pillow was stitched for us by our friend Devina, who lives "Across The Pond"~

Pumpkins are at bargain prices at all the grocery stores, and we have made them into everything from soup to muffins to custard. We think our favorite way is simply roasted with coconut oil, salt, and butter.

We took a recent trip to a local nature center and had fun exploring the trails and play area, as well as buying a couple of field and native gardening guides.

Audrey was excited to see this Nashville Warbler visiting the feeders there.

Autumn with its bright colors makes us glad to be alive, and teaches us to live each day as gracefully and gently as a leaf, who makes the world a sweeter place at its passing.

We leave you with these beautiful words by Christina Rossetti:

"Were there no God, we would be in this glorious world with grateful hearts and no one to thank."

May we always remember to stop and thank the One who makes this beautiful life possible.

Love,

Marqueta