The Shift from Summer to Autumn: Life in the Woods of Maine
Good morning! Out here in the woods of Maine, the changing seasons are impossible to miss. Living in a small home tucked among the trees, I feel the shift from summer to autumn as naturally as breathing. The days are still warm, and I make sure to enjoy those final, sun-soaked hours, but once the sun dips behind the trees, the air cools quickly. By nightfall, I’m reaching for a blanket to wrap around my shoulders.
The Colors of Autumn Begin to Emerge
It starts with just a few leaves here and there. The bright greens begin to fade, giving way to splashes of yellow, orange, and red. Walking through the woods, you’ll notice more leaves underfoot than you did just a week ago. The trees put on this vibrant display, and there’s something about it that always feels personal, like nature’s gift to those of us who slow down long enough to notice.
The Air Turns Crisp and Fresh
The air in autumn has a certain freshness to it that you don’t get in any other season. In the mornings, when I step outside with a cup of hot chocolate, I can feel that first hint of cold against my skin. It’s the kind of chill that makes you breathe a little deeper, feeling alive and awake. Later in the day, the sun warms things up, but the air still has that crispness, reminding you that fall has arrived.
The Birds Begin Their Journey South
Living out here, I get a front-row seat to the rhythms of nature. I always know autumn is here when I see the flocks of birds flying south. Sometimes I’ll stand in the yard, watching them pass overhead, listening to their calls as they head toward warmer places. It’s a quiet reminder that winter is on its way, and just like the birds, it’s time to start preparing.
Preparing for Winter: A Familiar Ritual
In a small home like mine, getting ready for winter is a satisfying task. I start by stacking firewood, making sure there’s enough to keep me warm when the temperatures really drop. There’s nothing quite like the sound of a fire crackling in the stove while the wind howls outside. I also swap out the lighter blankets for heavier ones and pull my sweaters out of storage. It’s these small acts that make the place feel ready, like a snug little den in the woods.
Comfort in the Kitchen: Soups and Stews
As soon as the days cool down, I find myself craving warm, hearty meals. A pot of soup on the stove feels like a necessity this time of year. Whether it's a simple vegetable soup or a rich stew with hot crusty bread it fills the house with a warmth and aroma that makes the space feel even cozier. There’s something about simmering soup on a crisp fall day that feels like home itself—comforting and nourishing in the most satisfying way.
The Season of Transition
Living out here, close to nature, the change from summer to autumn feels like a slow, deliberate shift. It’s a time of preparation and reflection, of appreciating the beauty around me while getting ready for the colder days ahead. The colors, the air, the quiet of the woods—it all invites you to slow down and just be present. This is the Maine autumn I know and love, and I wouldn’t want to experience it any other way.
To make the hot crusty breads, pies, cakes, cookies and more one of my favorite “tools” in my kitchen is a Nutrimill mixer.
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