Harvest

The green fields surrounding Powell are fast turning brown. As each crop is harvested the remains quickly turn yellow and then the paddock is ceremoniously ploughed. Trucks buzz in and out of town laden with produce. Mini mountains of sugar beets rise above the flat expanse.

It has been a bounty for us, fresh zucchini, cucumber, tomatoes, onions, peppers, raspberry's, and apples. I have made some pretty tasty salsas. Add that to our raw milk and free range eggs, we feel we are (somewhat) living off the land.

As the fields change so do the trees, turning yellow then orange and red. The fall colours are breathtaking especially in the mountains where the alpine meadows undergo the most dramatic transformation. The first snows have fallen there and as the sun sets the white glistens in the distance.

Peoples houses change too. The once lush grass is starting to die, returning the lawn to its mountain desert reality. Bright orange pumpkins are starting to adorn doorsteps and dark decorations fill windows and door fronts. All eagerly anticipating Halloween.

Autumn is a celebration of the plenty. I will do my bit - carve a pumpkin, build a scarecrow and scare my boys a little. A long American tradition.