Puddicombe Farms...A Pearl

  Much to my delight, autumn has been exceeding my expectations. Today we took a pleasant little trip to Puddicombe Farms, a cute area just a few minutes from here. It's actually quite surprising how much they have there, not only is it a Pick Your Own orchard-where you can currently harvest pumpkins and apples-but it also has several different kinds of animals, all of which have been rescued. From pigmy goats to peacocks and a cow that has a liking for snuggles, we had a lot of fun meandering around. They also have a little train with quite the history that takes you on a tour of the farm all the way to the back of the escarpment. It's actually fun, although we didn't go this time around. 


     Today I broke down and bought some fudge for the family, I'm looking forward to indulging in the chocolate caramel sensation later. Apple picking was really a lot of fun too, but then...who doesn't like picking their own fruit? The best part about it by far is snacking on the job-empires are delicious this time of year-and biting into a juicy, crunchy, delight. Whenever we pick our own fruit, for some bizarre reason, I always eat more of it. Maybe it simply tastes better knowing how much fun went into the experience of it all. 

     I'm an animal lover, so of course, the petting zoo was my favourite part of the day, especially since they had two ponies. You can assume I was ecstatic when the little one just kept sticking its head through the fence to let me stroke his muzzle and give him a scratch between the ears. The cow, believe it or not, was begging for attention! He pushed his head right up against the fence and held it there while we massaged his forehead and every time we stopped, he nudged the fence for us to continue. I have never seen a cow do that before. It was completely, entirely entertaining and adorable!

     Emmah and I also got to pick a pumpkin, it feels like forever ago since we did last! There were quite a few to choose from and you should have seen the way my face illuminated at the sight of a perfectly round pumpkin sitting in a ray of sunlight. I insisted it was the perfect one because of the cuteness factor...if it's possible to find that in a pumpkin-which I believe it is. But after a few minutes, we agreed on a another one instead. It was smaller than some, perfectly round, and Emmah was able to carry it with not more than a little struggle which means it was just the right weight. After plopping it onto the scale and paying the 'man' we climbed into the car with our harvested crops and fudge and began the five minute journey home. 

   

  All but one family member home, cool, crisp, weather, no homework, leaves starting to change and one amazing day after another...yes I think the autumn odds are in my favour. 

Autumn

I love fall. There's something about the way that the breeze breezes that summons me. It's not like a summer breeze, which is still warm, but Autumn breezes are cool and almost chilling and they always put me in the mood. The mood for sweaters and jeans and pumpkin spice lattes. For apple picking and cinnamon sticks and leaves and being outside. It puts me in the mood to write, which is good, because hopefully I'll be posting more. 

     It was a couple weeks ago sometime when I woke up, and felt the air coming through our window. When I went downstairs the first thing I said was "Mom, it feels like Fall!" As if by instinct I dressed warmly, socks and a sweater, but unfortunately for me, it was still August and twenty-seven degrees outside. Thankfully, wonderfully, now it's September and the cool days have given me the liberty of dress. 

     On Friday, Mom and Emmah picked me up from school and the first thing they asked after I climbed in the car was, "Do you want a pumpkin spice latte?" Those are my favourite! So, to Starbucks we went and I indulged myself in the nutmeg-sprinkled whipped cream and half pumped coffee. Fall also puts me in the mood for reading, and if you didn't know this already, I'll tell you. I am the person that you keep away from the book store. No matter the season, I will go into the library or Chapters and fall in love with the place. Just the smell of paper does something to me. Paperbacks are like Sirens in the ancient Greek Myths for me; they distract, tempt and pull me in and during this time of year, it's ten times worse! 

     I go into the bookstore telling myself, "Laurel, you don't need anymore books. The chance that you'll read them is slim..." Still, there are few places I love going to other than the book store. 

     I look forward to watching the leaves change on our view of the Niagara escapement. It'll be absolutely beautiful. Even now, the more I write, the more I can't wait for Autumn to really set in.

     Although I can't say that this is my favourite time of year, it is a season that has been well awaited and I intend on living it to the fullest!