Cornucopia of Colors

October is my favorite time of year with the landscape transforming before our eyes as the foliage assumes its annual cornucopia of colors. Each day brings a new view as nearby farmers combine their fields from dawn until way past dusk. Tractors and wagons full of grain sit waiting for transport to market. The scene is one that has been played out for generations and, at times, it can be hard to tell exactly which decade we are in as most small farmers have older equipment because it works, is easily repaired, and “paid for.”

We have an old Allis Chalmers 1945 WD tractor that we consider the workhorse of our farm. We use it to move bales, till up gardens and fields, and even to pull sleds in the winter. A few years ago, my husband bought a gallon of orange paint hoping to fix up his "baby," but that paint still sits unopened on a barn shelf. I actually prefer the current well-worn patina and love using discarded farm machinery and implements as cherished ornaments in my landscape. They have a history and interest each with its own story to tell.

The current economy certainly has most people using things longer and fixing up the old rather than buying new. This concept is well-known to most country folk as life here is slower and less prone to things trendy and fancy. Everyone chooses their lifestyle and that choice says something about you. Our lifestyle probably says simple, quiet, and peaceful. Home should be a haven to escape life’s stresses as well as a place to share with family and friends.

If you were to visit our home, you’d find a long lane with an acre of prairie grass and wildflowers near a line of cottonwood and sugar maple trees. There are various evergreens, a big weeping willow, apple trees, and tall maples in the front yard surrounding our front porch (which is wall-to-wall windows to enjoy the view without mosquitoes). Our dinnerware consists of mismatched utensils, black and white enamelware plates, and mason jars for drinking.

The mason jars didn’t happen on purpose, really, but evolved when our other glasses broke one-by-one and we were short on glassware. I substituted mason jars here and there and we drink from them exclusively now. Fittingly, the mason jars suit our simple, country lifestyle much like that old, (sort of) orange ’45 WD tractor. If you happen to see my husband out on his baby in the field, ask him if he ever plans to restore that old tractor.