We've had an amazing Indian Summer up here.  The vineyards have changed color already -- a little early.  Gorgeous to view miles and miles of colorful vineyards.  As I drive around the Sonoma and Napa vallies, I can smell the rain-soaked leaves and pomace (remnants of crush -- skins and seeds -- that are spread out in the vineyards after the juice is extracted).  It's a heady scent -- fermenting wine and the end of autumn all wrapped together.  

Over the course of the season that fragrance will change to one of earthy decomposition.  Toward the end of winter, the tang of burning grapevine canes will permeate the air following vine trimming.  Many of the vineyards burn the canes while others mulch them.  The distant sound of the mulching machines chewing up the canes typically precedes the aircraft-like sound of the wind turbines, which help to head off frost damage as the tender shoots begin to emerge on the trimmed vines.   

I've had my first few fires in the fireplace, accompanied by jazz on the Bose and cups of steaming hot chocolate.  I use the rich drinking chocolate these days -- melted chocolate shavings mixed with rich WHOLE milk.  Why waste the calories and carbs on the cheap stuff? 

Fall and winter are times for turning inward, sharing my cozy warmth with my two purr machines -- one on my shoulder with the other on my lap.  What bliss!  The wind whipped at the window and rain pummeled my patio this weekend.  I smiled; my sweetie was next to me -- he reading his book while I read mine.  Winter is coming.  I purr, too.  

I'd prefer to awaken without the aid of an alarm clock!  One is required during the week, however.  So, I have one of those Zen alarms that gently chimes until I awaken.  No cold, hard dawn for me!

I'm a slow waker-upper.  I luxuriate in the early morning warmth of my favorite blanket; stretching, yawning, half in and half out of the dream world.  I hear the best information that way. 

If I tarry too long, the Orange One (cat number one) lets me know that her empty tummy awaits my tender ministrations -- although on some mornings I pad my way, barefoot, down the hall and to the kitty corner, dump the food unceremoniously into the bowls, and pad my way back to my nice, warm bed while I summon the oomph to get up and shower before driving the misty country roads on my way to work.

On weekends I have the added joy of being cuddled and smooched awake by my sweetie.  He's an early riser (so to speak ;-)  ).  Those early mornings are the best!  Then a little doze time, followed by freshly ground, steaming coffee and one of my famous breakfasts and chat time. 

The early autumn morning makes its way into my awareness as I am urged into wakefulness by my sweetheart. 

I open one eye and peek at the clock.  6 a.m.!

"It's too early!" I protest into my pillow.

The sunlight peeks weakly through the shutters, paler each day as the hemisphere draws closer to winter.

It's chilly in the room; I left the heater off last night. 

The covers are warm, along with my Beloved's embrace.

He spoons me, stroking my hair and kissing my neck.

"It's Sunday," he croons, "We can sleep later."

"Mmph!" I counter.

"'Love you," he whispers, teeth gently tugging my earlobe, his warm breath playing across my ear.

I smile, knowing that I'm loved.

I turn into his embrace, arms, legs, and tongues entwining.

We revel in the glory of morning and begin to doze lightly, cocooned in each other's arms.

"'Love you," he murmurs, his warm words settling gently into my heart.

I snuggle more deeply under his chin.

Morning glories bloom in my garden, regardless of season.

Karen E. Kelsay 
November 10, 2008  All Rights Reserved.