(at the workbench) – schooling

This is what our days are like now, circling around a little wood stove on one corner of our home. The leaves still need raking, though the wood thankfully is stacked and ready. I really wonder what actually happens to accelerate time when September comes along to move us so quickly into the heart of autumn?

And still, there are all the things I haven’t quite had the time to get to yet like the apple sauce and chutneys I’d like to make and can. It seems a shame not to do more as the apple trees this year have been incredibly exuberant and have been generous beyond anything I can recall in years past.

Deep into the school year though, there is so much evening work to go over after dinner is cooked, eaten and dishes done. I still find it strange, that even as children grow older and ever more independent, there’s still so much to do (if not more!)

On the workbench this past week, I have been working on a brand new species.  They are some very happy, multi-wood little fish. And though they might look to be ordinary school of fish, they are indeed little wooden baby rattles only in the guise of a little fish with nice little voice to match. As much as I love using color, these truthful tones of natural, native woods like maple, cherry and walnut really speak to me.

Otherwise there are the last of the wild flowers to gather and enjoy before the hard frosts arrive. Hope your Autumn (or Spring!) is as lovely as it is here. Thanks so much for visiting!