High summer ends and fall comes. It is a time of maturing, growing up, wearing out.

The baby turkeys grow large. Leaves begin to turn red.

We separate garlic for fall planting.

All our hatchlings are laying eggs. We have gotten to the place where we hope to house more over winter, unable to decide if we lack space for those who remain. Autumn joy wins us over. We have had too much death this summer.

The apple harvest keeps us working. Eight gallons of cider and counting. Heat will keep us from working on windows, allowing us to squeeze more apples. It is all a balancing act.

The rhubarb wine is ready to bottle, freeing space in primary fermentors for more cider. Balancing act!

We found another Hen of the Woods while hunting in the Mushroom Woods. We also found more Lobster Mushrooms. We did not find any Chicken Mushrooms. Our children sent us a message that there were Chicken Mushrooms to be found, and we found them. So happy we have taught children what to look for!

Morning fog. Less light. So many signs to tell us: work hard for winter is coming!

Even if winter comes for us, endless spring exists in those who come after us.