November......................

I woke up to a very wild and wet part of Dorset this morning - I can't see across the Vale at all; it's still blowing out there, with driving rain. A dismal start to a new month, but hey-ho, it's almost winter. The beasties at the top of the garden will be well fed up with it, having to stay in their houses most of the day - the doors are left open, but they won't venture out into this! There's nothing quite like a bedgraggled wet chicken looking sorry for itself............. I haven't seen the bees for days now, so they must be tucked up ready for winter; fingers crossed they come through again.

In nature, November is the time of transition into winter - the last leaves fall, hibernation for creatures begins, and it has always marked a period of final preparations for the colder months ahead, especially so for those who live close to the land and feel the seasons. I'm grateful for the fact we are settled for the winter mostly, although we need to get some more wood. The cupboards are full, there are plenty of lamps ready to go, and I'm well-stocked up with matches and candles, tea and reading material- all essentials for the longer winter evenings; outside chores are hurried through, all livestock double checked for food,water and bedding, hearty evening meals are lingered over - there's usually nowhere to go in weather like November's in the evening! Half finished projects are brought out and dusted down for finishing; thicker curtains are hung, the rug replaced on the sitting room floor; thoughts turn towards Christmas now, the making of presents and cards, thoughts of friends and familiy, celebration, time with loved ones. Thoughts too for the wild creatures-I bought new seed feeders for thegarden yesterday to replace the very battered ones. I'll get them ready and filled and put out tomorrow hopefully. I look forward to being entertained by bird antics outside the kitchen window again!
A time for drawing on inner strengths and thoughts, staying inside both physically and mentally, winding down, getting ready, but with an eye to spring - the bulbs will be starting to stir under the cold soil already. Nature doesn't stop whilst man warms his hand-knitted stockinged toes by the fire!
I love November for all the above reasons, and am grateful for being exactly where I am in many senses of the words.