The change in the weather.
We are definitely leaving our lovely, long fall behind and heading into the wild ways of winter. We had a solid quarter-inch thick coating of ice on the bird bath this morning.
It snowed most of the day yesterday. But with the temperature hovering in the mid-thirties, it melted as it hit the ground.
I've been working inside for the last several days because it's been generally nasty outside. What have I been doing? Cleaning and organizing like a mad woman. A MAD woman, I tell you.
Using psychology on myself (is that dangerous?), I've decided that if I use the remaining days of October to get some of the jobs done that have been hanging fire for way too long (ones that until now I've found all kinds of excuses for cleverly avoiding), I will reward myself by taking laid-back, do-what-I-wanna-do, fluff-off time in November. Having this goal to work toward has infused me with all kinds of energy for tackling big, ugly-bugly jobs. ('Bout time.)
One really big cleaning job I have to get done in these last remaining days of October is the garden. The weather has been so wet that recent forays out there have felt frustrating and futile. The most I seem to accomplish is collecting about ten pounds of mud adhered to each foot.
If we get the next couple of days of sunshine which is currently being forecast, I simply MUST spend it in the garden (regardless of Frankenstein-like boots). Not having the garden ready for winter by this time of year is very unusual for me. Still seems so strange to have things growing and producing out there the next to the last week in October. Mother Nature is definitely fooling with us here in the northwoods this year.
It's not supposed to be any warmer today than the low thirties so it won't be the most pleasant time for harvesting all that is still in the garden, but it must be done. We've luxuriated in our warm, extremely pleasant, long fall . . . and now the piper must be paid.
Now where are my insulated mud boots and long johns?
wish I had your energy. Looking forward to what comes out of your quilt room this winter.
ReplyDeleteTombstone Livestock - You'll notice I've had to bribe myself to get movin'!
DeleteAs soon as I feel better, I have many jobs to complete indoors. The garden is 1/2 tilled and ready for next season but the handle broke. Hubby has to fix it and then we finish tilling.
ReplyDeleteKristina - Don't push yourself to get going on your various jobs before you're feeling good again. (Easy to say, I know.) I wish my garden areas were 1/2 tilled. Far from that but a LOT was accomplished today. More tomorrow, I hope.
DeleteYou going to use all that "extra fluff time" in your quilt room, right?
ReplyDeleteCarolyn - From your mouth to the Quilting Goddess' ears!
DeleteThat durn snow went and accumulated here. We still have the stuff on the ground.
ReplyDeleteI like your logic and maybe I can make myself believe I can get these jobs done.
From Glory Farm
odiie - Ooops. Sorry about your sticking snow! It's a little early, isn't it?
DeleteWhether I'm going to succeed at getting all done I need to to feel okay about relaxing a bit in November remains to be seen. I know I 'bout wore myself plumb out today working outside in the garden!
You have such great sticktoitiveness , Mama Pea, while I have a touch of give up itis going on here. It is pushing 70 this week - not normal. But I am inspired to get more done outside when I look at the weather forecast for next week, dipping down into the teens at night. Sure do hope they are wrong...
ReplyDelete2 Tramps - It's so hard to take real time off at home (especially for a woman who is responsible for the cooking, washing, cleaning, etc. in the home) because all that needs to be done is right there, staring you in the face. I'm feeling the same way you are about outside projects. I just know one of these days it will be too cold to be on my hands and knees in the garden or flower beds. So while the weather is still tolerable, I feel a real impetus to get out there!
DeleteI like the way you think!
ReplyDeleteLisa - Thank you! :o)
ReplyDelete