Prep!

Fall is here in Lexington, Kentucky, U.S.A.!  Sometimes I consider moving to an area with only summer because, no matter how hard I try, I really hate winter and always suffer through the cold and ice, but, most of all, the bleakness, the dark.  But then comes Spring, in all its glory, and I love seeing the change of seasons.

The same feelings return in the Fall: beautiful colors, changing weather.  I hate, really find it hard, to admit that I'm looking forward to the first freeze this year.  The reason: I've worked hard in the yard this summer and look forward to a break from the sweat and mosquitoes!

Looking down my street, some of the trees' leaves have started turning red.

All my world is preparing for winter: the squirrels are scurrying up and down the trees, presumably storing acorns for the winter; birds, huge ducks, are flying south, and my friends and I are chatting about how we're finishing up in our gardens.  We've all put away the summer clothes and are wearing the warmer fall clothes. A few trees around town have turned totally yellow and while driving around today, I enjoyed lots of trees with just red tops.  There are quite a few dry, brown leaves swirling around in the wind.

Fall and Halloween decorations have replaced the seashells, lighthouses, sea birds and fishes in my living room.

Young people don't realize how us elders grew up: one never wore white clothing after Labor Day.  Nor would we wear patent leather shoes after Labor Day.  Why?  Our one pair of black patent leather shoes were made of real leather.  And in cold weather (we were told) the patent leather would crack.  No one ever tested it.  As for the 'white clothing,' I have no idea, but we wouldn't buck tradition on anything.

Pumpkins and ghosts on the kitchen table.

Today at a funeral at church (I sing in the Resurrection Choir), my friend, Catherine, whom I hadn't seen for a few weeks, inquired, "Well, Jan, have you been working on your book lately?"  Sadly, I answered, "No, I look forward to colder weather when I can."  I've also been neglecting my search on www.ancestry.com, for German relatives.

Other preparations for winter include getting the ventless gas logs serviced, having the roof inspected and several cracked places fixed, and having several pieces of rotten wood trim around my back door replaced.  What are YOU doing to get ready for winter?

If you're interested, I've done several other "Prep" blogs since July: July 19, 2014: "Ready for Anything, #1: Famine;" July 24, 2014: "Ready for Anything, #2: War;"  July 30, 2014: "Ready for Anything, #3: Mental Illness;" July 31, 2014: "Ready for Anything, #4: Poverty," and September 20, 2014: "Ready for Anything, #5: Prosperity!"

Naturally, the funeral this morning reminded me: am I ready for death?  This includes both spiritual 'Prep," and the practical things such as burial arrangements, funeral service, making a will, etc. Some of the folks in my church have already chosen the songs they would like at their funeral.  I need to think about that also.

One 'prep' for death I see neglected (and I'm guilty of this, myself!) is making plans for heirs to have quick, easy access to computer and finances in case of being incapacitated or after death.  I plan to have that information ready soon and give it to my trusted person who is my power of attorney.

This friendly Jack-O-Lantern is so old but still glows in the dark when plugged in.

Dear Lord, in Your great wisdom and creativity, you gave us wonderful Seasons!  Thank you!  Please help us enjoy ALL your seasons!