Tag Archive for: Autumn

After the Harvest


I found this corn picker and gravity wagon standing in a recently picked field. Older farm equipment like these pieces are common on many small farms near where I live. This set belongs to an Amish farmer, hence the steel spoke wheels.

These pieces are a throwback to an earlier time. They stand in contrast to the large, modern combines and grain carts that are found on many larger farms today.

This corn picker and wagon brings back a couple of memories for me.

When I was growing up, some English (non-Amish) neighbors had tractor-pulled equipment like this. I loved watching as they would pick corn each fall.

I also recall when Dad would draw pictures for me when I was a young child. On several occasions as he was taking message notes at a Sunday evening church service, he would also draw farm scenes for me – to keep my adolescent self quiet. Those pictures often involved barns, tractors and equipment like these pieces.

In many ways, farming has changed over the years. But for many of us, the sight of equipment – whether vintage or modern, brings back wonderful childhood memories.

Have a great day! 🙂

/by

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Each season has favorite foods and beverages.  Now that we’re in fall, a snack food that we enjoy at our house is roasted pumpkin seeds.

Here is the recipe that my wife uses.  Hope that you enjoy!

1-1/2 cups raw pumpkin seeds

2 tablespoons melted butter or oil

Salt or seasoning of choice.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Clean off any chunks of pumpkin that may still be on the seeds. Toss pumpkin seeds in a bowl with the melted butter or oil and seasoning of your choice. Spread pumpkin seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.

/by

A Brilliant Autumn Sky

As I look at this picture, one of the first thoughts is how the blue sky reaches to the horizon. Yet, the vistas afforded by the Appalachian foothills of eastern Ohio offer some terrific views. The blue skies, fall colors and cattle grazing in the distance offer a peaceful, restful image in an often chaotic world.

By late October – when this picture was taken, you never know what colors will be left. Or, if any will even be remaining. As can be seen, autumn rains haven’t caused the leaves to fall just yet.

Looking at this picture, I can’t help but think of God’s handiwork. His creation speaks of His brilliance and love for us.

Each season offers unique glimpses of beauty. It’s when we deliberately slow down that we will truly find the peace that these scenes offer us.

Have a great day! 😀

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

/by

A Worn Fence and Autumn Leaves

I recently made a delivery to an old farm. As I was leaving, this scene caught my attention. The worn fence was a nice contrast to the trees’ leaves.

Fences often have a way of blending in with the landscape.  We often take them for granted – until animals get out.

As those of us who have ever lived in the country know, fences are an important part of farms.  In addition to managing animals, they help to prevent predators from attacking livestock.  Fences can also serve as markers for property lines.

A well-maintained fence can add value and security to a property.  Worn, dilapidated ones are often an eyesore.

Whether we realize it or not, there are fences in each of our lives.  These come in the form of the ideas, values, religious views and other perspectives that form and shape who we are.

How well we conform and remain consistent to these beliefs and ideals tells a lot about the fences that we’ve built.

Next time that you or I drive down a rural road, let’s take a look at the fences that we pass.  What do they say about the farms that they’re a part of?

Then, let’s think about the fences that we’ve placed in our lives.  Let’s check to see how well they’re holding up.  Are they protecting us, or do those fences need some mending?

Have a great day!  🙂

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

/by

The Pumpkin Wagon

Pumpkin patches and displays are a feature of autumn. This wagon sits at a farm that I drive by often that offers pumpkins and other decorations for sale.

On a weekend ride to see the fall colors, my family drove by this. Since I was driving, my wife took this picture for me.

I must admit that I’m already partial to the combination of green and yellow. Add the orange of my favorite season, and this wagon stands out against the weathered shop building behind it.

Think about the stories that this old wagon could tell. It may share tales of the people and loads that it hauled or the places that it visited – leaving scars as reminders of its years of use.

Each pumpkin shares its own story – one of perseverance, struggle and growth, from small seed to harvest.

Likewise, we all have stories. Think of your scars, and how they helped you to grow. The same Creator who watched over those pumpkins also cares for you and me. He’s lovingly watching over us to help us grow and mature into the “finished” people that we’re intended to be.

Autumn offers many opportunities to see beautiful colors painted across the landscape. Over the next few weeks, I hope that you’ll enjoy the scenery as you experience the Creator’s love for you!

Have a great day! 😀

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

/by

Mum’s the Word!

As summer fades into fall, autumn decorations become common to see. Corn shocks, pumpkins, gourds and mums can be seen outside of many homes and businesses.

Fall displays have always been something that I enjoyed seeing. After a busy summer, it’s fun to see the rewards of a good harvest. Autumn decorations also mean that the holiday season is just around the corner – with all of its fun festivities and get-togethers.

These blooms offer a splash of color during harvest time. With these flowers, we realize that the weather is going to be growing cooler. Decorative displays like this allows some warmth before the long, gloomy days of winter set in.

We live in a world that’s full of competing voices. Perhaps, we are missing out on the golden nature of silence. It’s in that quietness when we can hear our Creator and the needs and concerns of those around us. Remember, “Mum’s the word!”

Have a great day! 😀

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

/by

Autumn Backroad Adventures

My wife and I both love autumn. One of our favorite seasonal activities is to take drives to see the fall colors. Around every turn and over each hill are new views to enjoy.

These backroad adventures allow us to slow down – if no one is following. It’s here when we are given a chance to witness the brilliant colors and handiwork of the Master Creator.

We live in a world that seems to be constantly on the go. Yet, these drives to enjoy the autumn splendor give us another chance to pause and see that the most important things in life are our relationships with God and the people who He brings into our lives.

Each season offers new opportunities to be enjoyed. Yet, it’s in those drives to see the vibrant, unique color palettes that we find a sense of thankfulness and rest.

Have a great day!

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

/by