Although there are days I dread heading to work in the wee hours of the morning, I never (oddly enough) dread the drive.  It is rare I get time to sip my coffee, reflect on past days and take in the scenery of farmland I pass.  I used to worry about every minute I "wasted" but now I carry my camera with me everywhere, to stop on the side of the road and take the opportunity to capture beautiful pictures just like this.  Ten minutes earlier or later and the sun just wouldn't be in the right spot.  I have learned my lesson...as I have missed several good photos by waiting or saying to myself "I will get that photo another day!"  Another day may come, but the sun isn't in the perfect spot, the season is not right or the rain is coming down instead.  I have started to get good at pulling over along the highway to click away, many times turning around or reversing to get just the right spot.  Really, years from now I will only remember the photo and how beautiful the sight was, not that I was five minutes later for work than the day before.  I am trying to stop and "smell the roses," when I am able!       

Trick or treat…or pork?  Candy and sweets were on hand, but pork was in abundance.  A pig roast would have been more enjoyable in September, which is when I had planned to have one.  Summer got the best of us and time flew by much too fast.  There was just not a weekend available to host one during my favourite month of the year, when the sunflowers were still blooming and frost hadn’t gotten the best of my gardens.  It came down to “This pig needs to get out of the freezer.  It just can’t be in there all winter taking up space.”  It is only 80 pounds, but still that is 80 pounds of space that could be used for something else. 
 
Of course I made a large crock of chilly, as I had little faith in the pig turning out.  However, it exceeded my expectations.  I was glad to catch up with a few friends – friends we rarely see.  I only expected a dozen people because of the circumstances of the night: it being cooler; rain in the forecast; people living further distances; and children hunting for treats being a priority on this day, so it was a pleasure to see more!  Also, it was a good excuse to clean and decorate the barn. 
 
Next year, Halloween most likely won’t fall on a Saturday night and I will plan ahead to have an early fall roast, where we can enjoy the weather (and the food) in warmer temperatures.  Thank you to the lady who decided this spring that she did not want to come pick up the whole pig she ordered.  It made for a tasty meal, a nice gathering and several leftovers.  Pork every day for lunch!