Cold Crisp Air and the Scent of Hickory Smoke Herald the Arrival of Fall

I cleaned the fireplaces out today. The first cleaning before the cold weather. Ashes and half spent twigs from last year fill buckets carried out to the garden.

Toby at my side, my trusty assistant to any task.  I could feel Susie,who has been gone for several years, at my side too with her tail uplifted and twitching in the way only a Scottish Terrier is able to do. Certain in her Scotty mind that a furry creature is about to be uncovered!

The snap of twigs as a new fire starts. The quick, strong draft pulling the smoke up and out reliably. The sweet, sweet smell  of Hickory and a bit of Bay that was the starter perfumes the garden as we walk outside.

The curl of fairy smoke, a offering to the sky. A new season. New dawns and new dusks all of our lives entwining.