Stormy Days

Where do the fish go in such stormy days in Big Stone Lake?  This storm was produced by the lowest barometric pressure in history!  Sustained winds at 28-32 mph with wind gusts to 55 mph.  These winds lasted from midnight Oct. 25 - 3:30 a.m. Oct. 28.  Even the birds did not give up on days as this.  I witnessed them at the bird feeders, flying with all their might to get some food to sustain their little bodies from the approaching cold.  I am in awe of this powerful wind and water and reminded in the calm of the storm how blessed I am! 

PRICELESS!

Saturday afternoon cooking provided a feast for Diane, Bill, Kim & Jon!

Cheeseball n' crakers
Warm Roma tomato salsa 'n chips 
   (tomatoes from the farmer's market that morning...simmered in the afternoon)
Napa Valley Zinfandel 2006

Oven roasted seasoned baby potatoes
   (from the farmer's market)
Acorn Squash Casserole
   (pineapple, cinnamon, sugar & butter, Farmer's market 3 squash $1)
Mushrooms & Sweet Onions sauteed in butter and wine reduction
Grilled Bacon Wrapped Venison Loin (hunted from the woods)
Multi-grain Prairie Bread, still warm 
   (hand kneaded with wheat flour, golden flax, poppy seed, sunflower seed, honey)

Warm Apple Cake with Custard Sauce
Coffee

Mixed with low light, laughter and conversation the taste was PRICELESS!

Reflection

Just have to step out before I give in to the tasks of the day.  Water and sky meet while the birds fill the air with messages of their move.  I am enveloped in the color, sound and calm of the morning.  The afternoon sun sends it's share of diamonds on the lake encouraging me to stop and take a look.  The day closes as gentle hues fill the sky reminding us to rest in it's warm glow.  Reflections all the day through provide beauty if I but allow myself to receive them.

Seasons

Ah, yes, the chance to retreat everyday.  The opportunity to renew and refresh one's spirit  in whatever brings you joy!  Enjoying the rich taste in that first cup of coffee this a.m. and looking forward to the morning sun's ray in our home.  Docks come out of the lake today.  Neighbors gather to say good-bye to summer.  Just as nature makes ready for the changes ahead, so does Jon.  Everyday a little more of our home, that extends to the shores of Big Stone Lake, disappears!  The earth begins to quiet itself.