Autumn wind

The autumn wind blows open the gate,
St. Michael, for you we wait.
We follow you, show us the way,
With joy we greet this autumn day!
Good morning! good morning!

Just as I was ready to tuck in my computer for the night, I heard it. Plink, plunk on the new shed roof. Yes, the rain is finally here. And tomorrow’s Michaelmas festival? No worry, for it is merely autumn rains, torrential, then clearing enough to let a few sunbeams sneak through before it starts again. We think rain boots are an important part of any school event, and the children will slay the dragon come rain or come shine.

A smile breaks out as I look out the kitchen window this morning: everything is washed clean, the valley on the neighbor’s roof is brimming with leaves from their big-leaf maple, and our garden has a light dusting of golden cedar needles. The cedar tree smiles back at me, waving its handfuls of needles turned color but not yet dropped. We know we will mulch the flower beds together, he and I. I am content with life, warm in my home, the beauty around me, and the love in my life.

We will eat as a community today, one of the few chances we have to break bread as one. First grade will supply the bread: baskets brimming with little rolls, big rolls, crusty and soft, homemade and store-bought, and one mom will surely bring her excellent gluten free ones. To me has fallen the task of making salad dressing, as I balked when asked to purchase some. A double batch of Number One’s first teacher’s dressing will be our contribution.

Place in a jar with a lid

1½ cups extra virgin olive oil
1 cup lemon juice

Add ½-1 tsp each of the following (to taste):

Chopped parsley
Crushed garlic
Chopped onion
Celery salt
Salt & pepper

Shake to blend and serve.