Life here on our little farm/ranch has a definite rhythm of its own. It’s tied closely with nature’s rhythm. The length of the daylight hours is getting shorter, and nighttime is getting longer. Summer grass is going dormant, and leaves are turning colors and falling from the trees.
The animals know that winter is coming. They have been preparing for weeks. The horses started to put on their winter coats in October, despite the fact that the daytime temperature was still reaching into the 90s. The cats and dogs are visibly putting on some extra weight, and their coats are much thicker, too.
There is much preparation going on during the fall months. Winter is a time to slow down and rest from the fast pace of summer, but in the months between summer and winter, all of nature seems quite busy. And so it is, here with us.
Just as the squirrels and harvester ants have been working feverishly to store up food for the winter, we are making sure that we have enough provisions for the horses. My fields are carefully managed all spring and summer long, but the trick is having grass growing in the field when it is time to move the horses to the winter pasture. In years past, my last mowing has been a couple of weeks too late, making less good grass available. Young plants contain the most nutrients, so it is a guessing game as to when the temperatures are going to cause the grass to go dormant. This year it seems that I couldn’t have planned it better.
I always buy a year’s worth of hay in June when the hay seems to be the best. I try to only buy as much as I think I will need, with just a little left over. Due to Copenhagen being so thin, I had been making elaborate plans for him to have access to as much grazing during the day, and hay at night as he wanted. With a lot of stock panels, and a few carefully placed gates, Copenhagen had his own turnout areas. Plus, I was beefing up his feed with non-GMO alfalfa, coconut oil, and flax seeds.
If you pay attention to the signs of nature, you can get pretty good insight into the near future. Like I said, the horses were already growing their winter coat in early October even though the temperatures were still very summer-like. My veterinarian confirmed that all the horses he had seen were also getting fuzzy. My neighbor commented about how fat the deer were getting. We all concluded that we are in for another cold, harsh winter.
That makes it all the more important to be well prepared before the cold weather arrives. Last year, I got caught flat-footed with the unusually cold, wet winter. Although we did it the first few times that the nights were brutally cold, keeping all the cats and dogs in the house overnight is very impractical. Every store I went to, the heat lamps were sold out. Finally, I was able to buy enough of them to keep all the cats and dogs comfortable outside, even when the daytime temperatures were below freezing. At least I am prepared for this year.
As sad as it was to lose Copenhagen, I am glad that he did not have to struggle through another harsh winter. It is a challenge taking care of the aged, and we have a number of senior cats and one senior dog. I try to keep an awareness of how each animal is feeling. Being so connected to nature is a big help.
I think most people feel a quickening of pace this time of year, whether they realize it or not. I see it especially in the way people drive. I think that it begins with changing from daylight savings time to standard time; it makes the day seem extra short. And then, we turn our attention to the holidays. Subconsciously, we begin to feel pressure from the media, especially retailers. Everyone is vying for our attention, and our dollars. From year-end sales to holiday specials, the pressure builds until after the new year begins.
I try to not get caught up in the busyness or fret too much about money. I think being vigilant about everyone’s needs (including my own) requires year round preparation. It certainly helps to stay in tune with the current season to be able to anticipate the ever changing state of your world. Of course emergencies arise, but in the end, you can only do the best you can do. Don’t forget your support system of friends and family. We all go through the same seasons of life, and we need each other. Don’t forget to be there for them, as well as ask for their help when you need it. Let’s remind each other of what is really important, and that is relationships. Remember to say, “I’m sorry”, and “I love you”. Be present, sincere, helpful, and most of all, be forgiving. Because everything only lasts for a season.
Genesis 8:22 “As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.”
