A Change InThe Wind

It is evening here at the Chicken Ranch. The sky is now a crumpled blanket of varying grays, with only an occasional cream colored fissure to indicate the proximity of the setting sun to the horizon. The warm southern wind, that has brought us such lovely weather the last few days, has bowed politely and yielded the dance floor to an unusually humble northern breeze. The cool and damp has begun settling around us, and a change is felt upon the skin. Snow and sleet again is on the way.

The birds feel the return of winter coming, and huddle together in a line on the branches of cedars and pines. I think that they look like ball players on a bench, just waiting for the coach to put them in. Tonight their closeness will keep them warm, as the cold wetness settles on the needles of the branches, and on the curve of their dainty feathered backs.

Trails of smoke are visible from chimneys of brick or stone as folks bank the fires, and wait for the frozen dampness to fall. A blue-gray puff floats from my own chimney, an indication that Patty has added a new log to the fireplace. She will soon fold into her favorite chair, and open a book across the blanket that drapes her lap.

A flock of snow geese cut a V against the darkening sky as they fly south. They honk gently as they encourage each other to go just a few miles more, until a suitable resting place can be found, and their wide white wings can fold at last wearily to their sides.

A fat red squirrel scampers up an old maple tree. He takes one last look around before dropping into his nest of leaves, and throwing his bushy tail around him in a shield against the coming cold night air.

I check in on the hens who are now roosting in their house. They put and purr contentedly, and blink sleepily as they hunker down for the long winters night.

I walk to the back porch, and take another look around as I pull the leather gloves from my hands. I smile as I think of our recent visit with overnight guests; a visit that was filled with laughter, music, fellowship and love. The pleasantness of the visit has left us feeling peaceable, happy, and warm.

And on this winters eve, warmth, that can be felt both outwardly and inwardly, is a welcome thing. It’s just the kind of feeling you need when the sleet patters upon the window pane, and the north wind moans it mournful song.