Happily startled by the familiar

Last year we got our first freeze in mid-September and a real snowfall in mid-October. This year, we’ve had a few cold, gray days, but for the most part it has been warm and sunny. I keep telling the kids we need to get outside and enjoy the last of the fine weather, but as balmy day begets balmy day, I think they’ve lost all confidence that I know what I am talking about. Meanwhile, the ranch…