Late Fall around the Farm
It seems like in Upstate New York Fall could almost be divided into two seasons. The bright pretty fall:
And the “if it is going to be cold and miserable could it at least snow Fall?”. It has clearly transitioned out of the first, and in my opinion better version of New York State fall.
I have been unfortunate enough to be dealt a case of never-ending hives, so the cold air actually feels good. After multiple attempts by my Dr. to treat the hives I have been referred off to a specialist, along with the reassuring “many times we never are able to find the cause of chronic hives”, Gee thanks, Dr. Sunshine.
My hives are not a health threat; just an annoyance, an incessant itch, and some times it is down right maddening. Most days I weigh itch versus grogginess. The antihistamine my Dr. prescribed is strong, really strong. The label says take 1 to 2, I have only ever taken 1 at a time, because I am pretty sure 2 would put me into a medically induced coma. When I decide I don’t want to be a zombie being out in the cold air is wonderful. A sharp contrast from the mental fog of antihistamines, and the cold air offers some relief to the red welts that cover most of my body including my face.
I brought my camera on my most recent hive cooling walk around the farm and snapped a few pictures . Things are not quite as pretty this time of the year, but really nothing compares to the autumn days when the sun is peeking through red, purple, orange and yellow foliage. I am not going to lie, seeing the fields empty of their crops after the harvest is a welcome sight. We finally feel like the farm has been mostly put to bed for winter, and we can catch our breath.
Even though the field work is for the most part done for a little while, there is no break from livestock. The Cows now are getting a steady supply of dry hay. It is always fun to watch them eat it, they cover themselves in it!
I guess it is not all cold and ugly this time of the year. I know it is a weed but, there is something striking about milkweed, especially when huge numbers of it’s white, fluffy, floating seeds take of in the breeze.
Another weed I think is pretty:
My winter chore that I think I officially wiggled my way out of, for now at least. We heat our house with wood, so bringing in wood, and stacking wood is an endless job all winter long. I however decided since I have been dealt hives, I might as well play that card; and convinced my husband I might be allergic to something on the wood. So now all the kids bring in the wood. It builds character, right?? 🙂
