Fall

Third week of August the trees started turning. We’re pretty high up so only the lower foliage will turn, upper levels are conifers then nothing. I’m only partly dreading our first full winter out west. As soon as Jim has the right car it’ll be better.

The rains started to set in yesterday and are full-fledged today with a drop in temperature as well. I never know what to walk the dog in for our morning jaunt. No, I don’t dress the dog, she’s a real dog! I’m talking about me. We were supposed to grill tonight but that’s not going to happen. Perhaps a pizza.

Thunder and lightning, Zoe is here at my feet and Jim just called and is on his way up the hill in the rain. Back later after dinner at Redrock, pizza. Yesterday I saw the young crane practicing its flying along the preserve, a majestic sight. I grabbed the binoculars and ran upstairs but it had already landed in the tall grass and had faded from view yet again. He’s good, but flew low and probably doesn’t have the stamina yet to fly to Northwest Canada where they summer.

Summer’s about over here, Fall too by the looks of it. I’m finishing the ratatouille today and will try the tomatillo salsa but may freeze it. I couldn’t find pasillas so got New Mexico chiles instead. I’m supposed to cut them in half and seed the dried chiles, toast them in a dry pan, then cover them with hot water until they soften before placing in the blender or food processor with the tomatillos. I’ll let you know. Much to do today. Cheers, Dee