Autumn is my favorite time of year.
Leaves chattering to one another as chilly breezes flow through them. The white lean trunks of the maple trees becoming even whiter, anchor deeper into the earth.
Already, there is a crunchy carpet of green, yellow, and brown beneath my feet. I take deep breaths full of magic and relax into the earthy woodland scents and their humble boldness that invite me to a place of inner calm and forever memories of playing in the snow and sipping hot chocolate with the unabashed joy of a child.
Rivendell has many types of oak trees, Live Oaks, being one. Unlike other oaks, Live Oaks are not true evergreens, though each Autumn, you may be fooled for a bit that they are. Eventually, they will sync-up with nature's metronome, and shed their leaves, but it will be far later than that of our Maple trees, which upon the first keen Autumn breeze began to prepare for Spring's new growth.
We've much work to do to settle Rivendell for the winter. The oak tree lost during the last storm still remains mid-creek. We've put out three calls to the county to make sure we can remove the tree. We haven't heard back. I believe I shared in a previous post that we aren't yet sure what we can do with the creek and what requires oversight from an environmental expert. Paul tries to reassure me that sometimes fallen trees are best served when left, as they can give shape to new habitat. Though, like me, I know he is anxious to have the tree removed.
Soon, all of the California Wild Grape vines will disappear. For now, they stay vibrant green and continue to stretch out their tendrils, growing on the next closest thing. Cleaning up the vines will be quite the chore. The good news is the vines can be made into many things, of which, I am particularly fond of vine wreaths. Perfect timing for Christmas.
We need to be better about taking pictures. Befores and afters. We've had many changes, most all of which are occurring in Rivendell proper, the highest point of the property. Our contractor's chore list of tasks we must accomplish before the first big truck grunts its way up our dirt road, is beginning to see strikethroughs.
Paul takes on the lion's share of the heavy lifting. I tend to tinker. Mostly, I tinker in the prayer garden and raised garden beds that are not yet finished, but already, have a year's worth of garlic planted and a tea garden sowed.
After a long day's work, it is here where we come to sit. With each bend, the creek bed takes on a new identity, this area is jungle and wild-like, and I love it the most. The bare root structures are important protective habitat to our frogs and toads, who are steadfast with their choir songs come dusk.
The maple tree that forms a bridge from creek edge to creek edge is a favored perching spot for the hawks and smaller birds when the hawks are not present. I imagine myself one day becoming a bird watcher and learning more about the many species we have on the land. For now, I am content with enjoying their company.
We have experienced our first summer at Rivendell. Now, we are learning about autumn. We are so new in our caretaking of the land that everything feels compelling. Paul and I understand we are experiencing a metamorphosis, essential to the work ahead and life we want to build.
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