What?

​

One day into autumn and what to my wondering eyes should appear? A Christmas tree already?!

Talk about skipping right over pumpkin spice and apple cider donuts! I had my annual dermatology appointment, skin checks are essential, of course, but I certainly wasn’t expecting to see Christmas already represented in the waiting room. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of celebrating every possible minute of the holiday season, but Christmas should wait its turn! The day after Thanksgiving is soon enough, thank you very much.

Maybe this was my reminder that I’d better start thinking about gifts, preparing to deck my halls, and getting ready for another festive season. But before I get anywhere near Christmas lists and twinkle lights, it’s time to batten down the hatches with a coastal storm heading our way.

Fortunately, my Mom and I will be heading out for our Virginia adventure just before the rain and high winds arrive. Poor Tim always has high hopes of sunny weather, fun outings, and adventures of his own whenever I skip town, but more often than not, his plans don’t quite work out and he finds himself home alone for the majority of the time, missing me, I’m sure!

Before I pack my bag and head to the airport, I’ll be turning over the outdoor tables, bringing in the flag and umbrellas, and securing anything else that might decide to take flight in the wind.

And then there’s the latest update in the chicken saga. The two girls who escaped during the last intruder crisis met a sad end during the night, with feathers scattered throughout the yard serving as evidence of their demise. The rest of the girls are safe and sound, thankfully, and Tim managed to find the point of entry. Apparently, something had dug underneath the coop and then bitten right through the chicken wire! Cinder blocks were placed around the weakened area, making sure that spot was secure, and, for one peaceful night, the coop remained intruder-free.

So, as autumn settles in, the Christmas tree makes its early appearance, a storm brews offshore, and the chicken coop gets reinforced yet again, there’s plenty happening around here. I’m heading off on a little Virginia adventure with Mom, leaving Tim to hold down the fort, and hopefully keep the wildlife on the outside where it belongs.

For now, I’m trading coastal storm preparations for a little mother-daughter adventure and much needed visit with my son, knowing that when I return, there will undoubtedly be another season waiting to unfold. And hopefully, it will be fall for at least a little while longer before Christmas tries to take over!

“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.” — Nathaniel Hawthorne