Good to be back on the farm after three days away. Not the best time to leave (it’s apple season), but it was an excellent trip, nonetheless. Now I can refocus on the farm: firewood, garden cleanup, potato harvest, garlic planting and, of course, lots more apples picking. I need to press cider again soon if for no other reason than to generate some space in the cooler which is now more than brimming over. Fortunately the temperatures are falling, and I can start to move apples to the root cellar.

We started filling the bird feeder about a week ago. The Bluejays were quick to find the free food. Now the fall travelers are also beginning to appear. Today several Goldfinches swooped in, possibly on their way south for the winter. Or maybe they’re just a bunch of locals, back from checking out Canada this summer. No passports needed.