Cages

We had our first frost of the season this morning, which heralds the coming of winter. I'm trying to prepare mentally for this to happen. It's not my favorite season of the year ever, but after a winter like last year, it's almost enough to cause anxiety!

The frost also means we are getting closer to hunting season. In fact, it has been bow season for several weeks now. Just as Kali and I were getting into our routine morning walks, we now have to limit the area in which we wander. It's hard to imagine feeling caged in on 50 acres, right? I wear my bright orange ball cap, and Kali wears a day-glo orange bandanna...no one is going to mistake us for random deer! Now instead, we are in danger of becoming fat and lazy again.


The deer have been out more than ever lately. The bucks have flattened 5 out of 8 of my ornamental pear trees.


I spent some time today trying to right them, and putting cages around them to prevent any further damage. The bark is torn off on one side of ALL the trees I planted this year, so only time will tell if they make it or not.


The garden is winding down. I picked the last of the beans last week. We still have lots of hot peppers (any takers?) and the winter squash to harvest. I love the look of the pumpkins and corn stalks...it's so...um...Autumn looking!


The birds are enjoying the sunflower seeds.


My flower garden is still going strong. In fact, the Mums are going crazy, looking like huge, fluffy pillows tossed out in the garden.


While working out there recently, I came across this rock with a fern fossil in it. Can you make it out?


Speaking of old things, the girls and I took a field trip last week to the old WV State Penitentiary in Moundsville last week. The tour guide had lots of gory stories, which were a bit overwhelming for the girls, but I found fascinating. This is a shot of the razor wire above the exercise grounds.


For now, I'm trying to make the most of the Autumn sun until we get caged in by the snow.