Nesting & Housekeeping

There is something about September that makes me feel like nesting. Maybe it's the cooler temps. Or that kids are back in school. Or that the summer rush of traveling or the incoming hordes of visitors has wound down.

September is when I get down on the floor and sort through cabinets. What stays? What goes? My pantry gets the same once-over and I make a list of things that need replenishing and other foods that need to get used up.

This past week, I've raked leaves for an hour every morning before it got hot. The chickens follow me dutifully because a raked-up area might yield a few juicy insects. We're still under a burn ban so it may be months before those leaves get burned. But I'll keep piling them.

Soon the garden will need to be turned over and prepared for next season. I was going to plant a fall garden, but with so many pesky chickens running loose, I think I'll stick to container gardening so I can lock away the fruits of my labor.

We have surpassed the all-time record of over 100 degree temps. Technically, it was 72 days of triple digits where I live, but the official record is 71 days for the Dallas area.

We've lost a lot of plants and trees, but not a single animal. In areas south of me, many lost their homes to fire. It's been a tremendously stressful year climate-wise. Certainly one for the record books.

But I think we turned a corner this week. I've had no less than five friends close deals on new homes. A couple welcomed babies into their fold, and some sent their babies to school for the first time. It's a time of rebirth and healing.

Greg and I have petitioned to adopt a starved rottweiler that was found wandering the roads. A lot of people are interested in adopting 'Mercy', but we have our fingers crossed they'll pick us. I know we can give her a home where she'll never know hardship again. I would've posted pictures, but they are too painful to even look at. 

Mercy has her own FB page. She's recovering slowly, but steadily, so we have high hopes she'll pull through. If you go to her photo gallery, be prepared for some shocking images. When you see her, you'll understand why we want to adopt her.

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Blog Housekeeping

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So what's on tap in September for you? How do you prepare for fall (or spring if you're down-under)?