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Saturday, October 10, 2015

The Change


The farmers have begun turning over the soil in the alfalfa fields for the first time since we arrived. Slowly they work the fields, day after day, first with a rough machine that cuts through the parched soil in large clumps and then with other tools to break it down. With every row the ground squirrels scurry away.

Hawks line the trees and electric poles, and circle from high above, happily picking off dinner.  This week, a large Hawk proudly stood its ground in the middle of the road, knowing I would stop for him, and I did. We looked one another in the eye, in what was a very long staredown in bird time but probably less than 5 seconds in mine. Once that was settled he flew off to preen himself and I made my way to the drive.

Through the weeks, the soil has turned a dark mocha color as it is finely churned.  Sunflowers are coming, we hear, and that means bees. I'm already making plans for an extended garden and a special pocket for my EpiPen. How I wish we had a 2nd floor balcony to sit out and watch the field come to life over a cup of java.

Someday these fields will be an orchard of almonds to begin a lucrative and productive crop. His livelihood and lifestyle depends on a bountiful and high yield harvest, but we wonder what it will be like to no longer sit out at night with the world at our feet looking out at the long, open land.

We are into Fall now, and thankfully the promise of El Nino. The temperatures already cool to the 60s at night and the Hubs enjoys being outside.  Another Fall will come and then Winter, without the sheep squatters who grazed on the alfalfa these last few years. We will miss them skirting through the temporary electric fence, and playing King of the Hill on our pile of shredded bark. Once the transition is complete, we are looking forward to the end of open trenches that draw so many summertime mosquitos.

Yolo cat is gone, sadly hit and killed. Our sleepy little street is busy with trucks during harvest and our animals aren't used to that. Although we can never replace him, we are in the market for a new country-wise outdoor cat (ideally a friendly feral) to keep the field mice at bay. 

I love this time of year. Fresh pumpkin puree is waiting in the freezer for muffins and scones and holiday pies. Salted caramel sauce is selling again, and the new stove will have its maiden voyage for turkey day. I am excited to cook the sides right along with the bird in the small center oven - especially simplifying the timing challenges of Thanksgiving. 

Happy Fall to all.