The squirrels outside my window have been scurrying up and down the trees, tucking acorns and other squirrel delicacies into hiding places only they know. They’ve been at it for a while now, making me wonder if they know something I don’t--like that the winter could be especially cold or long--and the warm autumn we've enjoyed will come at a price.
Taking a cue from the furry creatures, I too have been stocking up on winter needs, travelling to my favorite farm markets to stock up on apples and squash, cabbage and potatoes. There is also honey to be had, and homemade jams and other home canned goods. I make a point of stocking up on baked goods too, loading as many loaves of bread into the freezer as it will hold.
It’s a somewhat bittersweet activity. Sweet in that I love the fresh produce the area has to offer (I just can’t say this enough!)) I love the drives into the country and seeing the leaves change from shades of green to yellows and oranges and reds.
The bitter part, of course, is that summer is over. And blizzards are, inevitably, on their way. The yellow, orange, red leaves will soon fall, and I will have to dig out my mittens. Trips to the beach will cease (except for the occasional trip to watch a sunset from the comfort of my warm dry car).
In truth, I love the seasons, but the transition into winter is a bit rattling. Will I get everything done in time? And where are those mittens?
I hate having to rely on the “big stores” for my groceries. When the time comes, I find myself standing in the middle of the aisle, dazed, confused, not sure why I’m there. It takes time to readjust, reacquaint myself with the scheme of things.
I do use the big stores to stock up on non-perishables--things like rice, dried beans, pasta noodles. I also stock up on nonfood supplies--paper towels, tissues, light bulbs, batteries, soaps and detergents--things I would hate to get caught without in a blizzard Add cat food and kitty litter. And furnace filters.
This time of year also finds me scrambling to winterize the house, and the car--would love to get another coat of wax on before the salt flies. (The lucky squirrels don’t have that worry!)
To be honest, all of this is somewhat satisfying, especially as I watch the first snows fall. I am comforted in the fact that I am ready, that I have somehow beaten nature at her game.
As the flakes swirl their way to the ground, I can kick back, sip my hot chocolate, stir the pot of chili simmering on the stove, and sigh a big sigh of relief that, like the squirrels, I am prepared for all the north wind can bring--snug as a bug in a rug!
