I wanted to believe my ears were deceiving me. But as the sound grew louder, closer, I went to the back door for confirmation. I looked up and there they were--a double V formation of geese heading for warmer climes. Their honking announcing the true start of a new season.
I watched until they were out of sight. But as they flew over head I could actually see their strong wings flapping gracefully while the rain fell and the cold chill pricked at my skin. I wonder how it all felt to them--they were so much closer to the cold and the rain.
When they were gone I brought my gaze down to my garden. Brown leaves from the trees are now mixed among the baby Swiss chard that is growing strong and the globes of winter squash that wait to be picked. What was the garlic patch is now filled with unwanted weeds that must be removed--again--so that I can plant next year's crop.
I don't know much about what next year's plantings will be except for this: there will be twice as much garlic and half as much kale--maybe even less than that. I'll definitely do an early round of chard and dispense with the broccoli altogether. And peppers, I must give those a try--not quite sure which ones just yet.
Today is rainy and cold and the garden is the last place I want to be right now. But come Monday morning, no matter the weather I'll be out there. Cleaning things up, getting things ready, preparing for the day when the geese return.
Comments