Fall in the Heartland

That buffet project must have plum tuckered me out, because I have no gumption this morning.  Yesterday, I spent the day catching up on the five ten loads of laundry that I got behind on when I was focused on turning the beast into a beauty.  Does anyone else see if they can turn 10 loads into 5 by cramming the washing machine so full it gets off balance?  I do.  All the time.  You'd think I'd stop, but I don't.  At least all but 2 loads have been folded.  Put away?  Now that's another story.

I feel like I'm wasting precious time by doing things in the house when I could be outside sanding and painting away.  Before I know it, Canada will be sending us her cold north winds and I will be freezing my southern tail off.  I have plenty of time to do all the boring inside stuff for the 6 months we have winter here.  I feel like I'm a squirrel hurrying to get things accomplished with the refrain, "Winter is coming!  Winter is coming!" pushing me to try to accomplish the impossible in just a few short weeks.  Y'all still in the south don't know how good you've got it!  :)

However, I can't deny the beauty of a heartland fall.  We do get the true seasons here even if they are June, July, August, and Winter.  Although this year, we've had a beautiful indian summer.  Thank you Lord for this beautiful fall weather!

I snuck outside this morning and took a few quick shots off my back porch and even opened the window next to the computer to take a few when the rising sun on the golden corn caused me to catch my breath.  That is what I have to share with you this morning...

I count my blessings that we have such beautiful views in each direction.  I can look north and see fields that reach as far as the eye can see...

I always love gazing east in the early morning, before the fog burns off the fields.  Its like looking at a living painting...

And looking towards the south, I see rolling hills of color...

But our growing woodpile to the west reminds me that soon, I'll be seeing a different view.  One of stark blue skies and blowing white snow.

Aren't we so very blessed?

I used this shot as a backdrop to a Fall poem I found online by using Picnik.  I plan on printing it out and framing it.

I've always said that there's nothing more beautiful than the sun rising over the ocean, but this is pretty darn close.  It just makes you want to take time to take a deep breath and breath it all in before winter sends her icy cold gusts.  The heartland in the Fall is one of the most spectacular places in the country.  And while I do long for the crisp sea air and salty scents of home, I'm pretty blessed to have these views out my windows each morning.  Aren't I?