Winds of Change
October 8, 2008

Fall is probably my favorite time of the year, although there is one element the season brings that I have to force myself to welcome...the wind.

Living in Montana one learns to appreciate the changing of the seasons. In fact we anticipate it with exhilaration most of the time.

The coming of Fall is no exception. Work days on a ranch are long and hard during the summer months. In Montana especially, as the sun illuminates our outdoor 'office' from around 5 o'clock in the morning until 10 o'clock at night. No wonder we ranchers don't fret the loss of vivid green leaves at summer's end.  Their transformation to tones of yellow, red and orange guarantee fewer daylight hours, providing rest for the weary.

As if cued by the first hint of amber foliage, the wind begins blustering in from the northwest almost daily. This is the one shortcoming fall possesses, in my view. For some reason, wind can make me cranky and tired~even if I never go outside. Montana men don't seem as annoyed by the wind. After all these years, I've finally figured out why....they don't have any hair...or any hair 'doo's'.  I guess that doesn't explain why even staying indoors can get my dander up on a windy day though.  Maybe I'd better re-think that one...as for now...that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

One thing I do know for certain is that autumn winds and changing leaves represent the conclusion of summer; my favorite time of year. Crisp, cool air inspires me to fire up the oven once again without fear of overheating the house...which my hungry family appreciates. Football games fill weekend afternoons and the kids head back to school. A certain calm replaces the frenzied work days of summer. Not that there isn't as much work to do this time of year; there just isn't as much daylight to do it in! It's finally legal to curl up on the couch in the evening with a bowl of popcorn to watch a good movie on television...

...Oh, by the way, our TV satellite dish is rendered useless during the summer months...why? Because of  the many trees we've planted, who's leaves now block the signal's path when in their full summer glory. The only time we get good reception is when there is a decent wind, thrusting the branches out of the way. Ironic.

I guess a stiff breeze has it's good points too.

Enjoy your Fall in the Country!     ~Deena