A hint of Fall?

The last several mornings have been exhilaratingly cool – almost chilly feeling after weeks of sticky humidity.  The light even seems fall-like in the early morning with the lower riding sun peaking up over the eastern tree line.  Everyone’s mood seems to have improved.  Certainly Nora and I are relishing this refreshing crisp air.  But the animals seem to appreciate it as well.  The lambs have become more exploring of their vast pasture and show more reluctance to come into the barn in the evenings, although they can still be easily tempted with a flake of hay and a tickle under the chin for Jem.  The chickens fly out of the coop in the early morning and scatter around their yard with a lighter step.  Ruby makes herself comfortable on the steps outside the sliding door basking in the coolness. She in particular dislikes the intense heat of summer; and who can blame her with her ridiculously thick coat.  

I think we all feel revived and more energetic (well, okay, Ruby isn't looking real energetic in this photo).  I love fall, and I love feeling the anticipation that these last couple of mornings have produced – thoughts of chilly mornings, dew on the pumpkins, the smell of damp soil and fallen leaves, and the softer light on the reds, yellows and oranges of the foliage.  I can’t wait.