The Cottage Grounds in Fall

It seems preparing for winter is much like preparing for summer. There doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day to do all that needs to be done, especially when husband and wife are of the hard-working sort. My husband and I, along with our children tend to be hands-on workers. We tend to do things the 'old' way, much like our grand-parents did. For some reason, it gives all of us joy to work our bodies while doing chores. No need for expensive gym memberships here!
While a few of my kiddoes are sick with colds, ear infections and fevers, the rest of us were out enjoying the sunshine and fresh, crisp air... even the sick ones were out for a little bit... Here's a little glance of what got done today after a trip to the doctor for the sickees and a trip to the pharmacy for some antibiotics...

These guys have over-stayed their welcome in the garage. Meat chickens tend to be stinky! Time for them to move...

to their new home way out back! They'll stay here, unless my husband moves them to the now vacant turkey-coop, until D-Day. Then we'll fill part of our freezer with juicy, delicious, all-natural chickens.

Laundry is another daily chore. Sadly, my out-door clothes hanging will come to an end until spring. That is one of my favorite times of day; a very peaceful time, reflecting on each member of my family as I hang their washing. Oddly enough, I pray for them many days as I hang their laundry.

Lots of leaves needed to be raked and dragged to the back,

and the garden needed cleaning...

Some stacked wood needed to be moved from the side yard...

to the front porch, where we'll enjoy toasty meals and conversation...

in the kitchen.

Misty, our kitty was sleeping on the windowsill ledge, enjoying the wood fire while the rest of us were stacking wood outside the window. Then came time to...

assemble ingredients and make dough for tonight's dinner, and make rolls for tomorrow night's dinner.

Tonight it was calzones...

It was really yummy...

These hamburger rolls are for tomorrow night's dinner: Maid-rites. If you've never had one, you've got to try one... they are delicious. I learned about them from the Wild Prarie Rose blog. Hit my side-bar to visit...she's just delightful!