It's that time of the year when the first bite of cold stings our arms and makes us reach for the old sweater in the far reaches of the closet. The days have shortened and darkness is coming earlier and earlier each day. The season of Fall has taken her position in time and brought with her some days of thick fog at Coteau Valley Farm. I had the opportunity to get out and take Compass for a stroll or two in the fog and enjoy the cool mist and the unknowing feeling a thick fog offers. As I walked I pondered on the year and how quickly it seems to be passing, so much not accomplished and more still to be done. Always more, I think that is why we have this time of cooling temperatures and darker days. We can slow up and start to focus on quieter things and less hustle. It's a good time to reflect on the things that are important, like the passing of seasons. We can stop to be thankful to God for the moments He has already given us and those moments we hope are still yet to come. While I was walking a group of lovely cows stared down at me as they often do from their pasture. I could see their curious faces watching me intensely. I knew they had shiny, beautiful black coats from past walks. Their fine color gave the appearance of mystery in the shadows the fog caused. I wondered what this time of year meant for them. I know it's laughable, but they seem to be intelligent and I know they are very social and curious animals. They always come running over when I walk past them, perhaps they expect me to toss them some alfalfa and that is why they gather. Still, I also think they like companionship. Sometimes I hear them lowing in the fields and worry they are in danger or being bothered by a coyote. While the cows grouped together and gazed at me with friendly, thoughtful looks I could not help but hope their winter would be safe and they would have nice cute babies in the spring. Many of them probably were weaning their babies at this time and I bet they get nervous and feel uncomfortable at weaning time. It's a time of change even for the cows. I stopped for a moment and snapped the picture and admired their beauty and the sweetness they add to the fields and I thanked God for the lovely creatures he gave us to enjoy. I hope we all have some time to stop and reflect on the peacefulness in our lives and enjoy the cooler weather and shorter days, perhaps slowing down in your car as you pass a field of pretty cows.
Coteau des Prairies
South Dakota Hobby Farm
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