November Stroll

I made my way this morning to my rural mailbox to send a gift to a friend.

Its blistered paint reminded me that it needs some tender loving care.

Mild temperatures called out and lured me to stroll around this old farm.

I noticed the sights and sounds today that I have so long neglected.

Horizon to horizon stretched a canopy of varied shades of gray.

Naked tree branches no longer break the howling winds that swirl through.

Stately trees and windmill tower creak in the wake of its gusty train.

Green still blankets the earth ’til winter’s snowflakes come.

I ambled down the hill to the calf shed to greet the new calf herd.

With tummies full, they declined to visit.

Golden black cat eyes peered at me with distrust.

But our gentle cat, Baby, jumped up on the gate.  She drew close and purred.

In the garden, stood amber asparagus ornamented with orange beads.

A dozen stubborn apples clung tightly to the bare apple trees.

One plant remains in the garden, a cauliflower tucked in curled leaves.

It is firm, white and still growing in spite of the frost and chill.

Song birds have fled for their winter homes.

Hardy sparrows break the silence with their chatter.

Over the brisk blowing breezes, rumbles “our work horse,” the tractor.

Fall work remains in abundance for the faithful farmer to do.

Before my walk ends, to the sidewalk I go.

By the porch stands one last chrysanthemum.

Though injured by frost, it continues to show

Bright white blossoms I have waited for all year.

Today’s stroll ends as I open the door

To the cozy farmhouse which has housed so many.

Its warmth caresses; baking bread invites

And welcomes me home once more.

The seasons have their beauty.  Each one can be viewed with wonder.  We can look into God’s creation and drink in the landscape’s splendor. 

The holidays remind us to look further at not just the physical blessings of our lives.  But also we can ponder the spiritual ones we have been given. The kind hand of the Almighty cannot be ignored. 

Our constitution states we have freedom, the opportunity and the freedom to speak and worship as we choose.  We exist in a period of history where we can look back and see how many events and especially how many dear people have shaped our lives. And above all, Thanksgiving and Christmas point us to the One who deserves the credit for the world which we call home.

 

Fruit Salad

1 can of fruit cocktail, drained
1 banana, peeled and sliced
A handful of seedless green grapes
½ pint thick whipping cream
5-6 rounded teaspoons, sugar
Vanilla, one capful

Combine the fruit cocktail, banana and grapes in a bowl. In a small bowl, beat whipping cream till peaks begin to get stiff. Add sugar, one teaspoon at a time and mix in at a slow speed. Fold in the vanilla. Add the whipped cream mixture to the fruit and slowly mix together. Serve chilled.