We know we can’t do anything about horrible mass killings, wars, hate, and divisiveness. We do know we can be grateful for what we have on our homestead, day by day.
Beautiful fall weather continues, bringing not only gorgeous colors of maples and aspen, but the fragrance of fallen leaves and fresh air. I took Jenna, our daughter, for a short tour a little north of us. We went to Vermilion Falls and were awed at the thundering water, coursing through the narrow rock gorge, then on to the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to look for moose and visit a few pretty lakes. It was a fun day!
Unfortunately, Sunday brought an end to her visit, and she headed home to Illinois and called to say she made it home safely. I’m sure Gus, her Carpathian Shepherd, was very happy to have Mommy home again. (They are a big, beautiful dog, the size of our English Mastiff.) Sarge and Hondo will miss her petting too, I’m sure. I know Will and I will sure miss her a lot.
Today I’m picking and shelling more beans. I’ve got to tell you how thrilled we are with a pole green bean, Brita’s Footlong. These beans handled our horrible weather wonderfully, putting on tons of bunches of very long, sweet green beans. The dry beans I’m shelling today are pure white and can easily substitute for Great Northern beans like you buy at the store. But they grow much nicer in the homestead garden than them. They will always have a place in our garden!
— Jackie
Mama, Gus was so happy I came home! Ten minutes or 9 days and that dog thinks I’ve abandoned him forever. I always forget how big he is! I realized as I was giving him the I missed you so much squishies that I barely had to lean over for, he is taller and longer than Sarge, not as heavy but he makes up for it with all that floof! It’s like hugging an angora sweater the size of a bear. Give Hondo and Sarge some scritchies for me!
I had the best time and love you and Dad lots and lots. Thanks for letting me do all the things. Being there brought me so much joy. ❤