Autumn nesting...

 When you live in an old farmhouse in Maine, fall brings one certain thing. Mice. The wee rodents are no dummies. They know that frigid weather is approaching, and they seek a place to stay warm. I don't dislike mice in general, but I don't want them in my house. Still, I respect the fact that they want to have a cozy nest during the impending cold season. I do, too. 

Our firewood has been delivered and bales of hay are stacked up to see the goats through the winter. We are preparing for the change of seasons.

Although it is still technically summer, a noticeable change in the air is evident. This makes me switch from wanting to dig in the dirt and plant things to thinking about polishing copper and brass, setting out candles, and tossing warm lap blankets about.  It is not a conscious thing, because in reality, the weather is lovely and inviting, but some primal part of my brain wants to make my "nest" cozy. 

Earlier this summer I bought a vintage wooden table, cheap. I wanted a table in the corner of the kitchen, and I wanted it to be painted white. I looked for weeks and found several that had wood so pretty it would have been a crime to paint. Then I found this one... 

Painted black with stenciling around the edges. Those chairs were a kind gift from a friend who was moving. They are sturdy and comfortable, but the shiny cherry finish just didn't quite work in our house. I am a notoriously terrible painter, but I was determined to do a good job on the table. I asked for advice from people who knew better than me, and bought all the right products. I lightly sanded the table all over and used a primer to block out all that black paint. 

It was oppressively hot outside, so I put down a plastic cloth and worked inside with a fan blowing. I tried to do a nice, neat job. It isn't perfect, but I certainly made an effort. 

Those chairs, though. They looked challenging. I tried again to love them the way they were, but it wasn't working. I voiced my concern to my sweet niece, and she quipped, "I'll come paint them!" And she DID. She drove over two hours each way, and then sanded, primed, and oh so carefully painted them for me. What a GIFT! 

Since that niece likes steamed clams, we "paid" her for her epic efforts with a family supper that started out with a pile of "steamers." 

There was also lobster, hot rolls, fresh local corn on the cob, and other treats... but the clams elicited the biggest smile. I know I got the better end of the deal, but she did seem to enjoy our attempt at thanking her.

My sister is visiting this weekend and brought me a tablecloth she brought back from France, but never found a place for, and two matching pillows. They are perfect and really cozy the kitchen corner up. This project soothed a bit of my nesting urges.

Yesterday Deb and I checked out a few antique stores. In one, I was stopped still when I saw a lamp made from an old silver-plated teapot. It sported a pretty shade with some lacy trim. I've been wanting a small lamp to put on the kitchen counter, but needed something sturdy and just the right size. This one fit the bill, but the price tag was $70, which I deemed a bit steep. Still, I felt it belonged in our house. I tried to get Deb to dissuade me, but she was a bad influence, "You NEED that!" And I did. I plunked down the money, and I'm glad.

The transition from summer to fall coincides with fair season, and we visited the Windsor Fair with our daughter and her family. The littles liked seeing the cows, oxen, horses, and pigs. They also enjoyed being pushed around in their little wagon, eating fair food, and both experienced their first rides: a carousel and the spinning tea cups. The smallest one sobbed when she was hauled away from the carousel. I understand.  Change can be a challenge.

The days are a bit shorter, the air more crisp, and my soul knows the seasons are changing. It's the nesting time of year, for both me AND the mice.