winter is on his way

Like in almost the whole of Europe, it was very hot here in Sweden the whole summer. After the 4^th of May, it was almost every day above 20℃ and we did have only a few days with rain. But despite that, we had a great harvest on the garden. I didn´t give any water to the garden, only the tomatoes in the polytunnel got about 10 liters a day. Everything did grow more slowly now but I neither needed to weed so often.

July was the month for the hay harvest. The grass had grown more slowly but after cutting it, it dried also much faster. Not only because the sun and the wind dried it out but there was also less moisture left in the grass. It was much more difficult to cut with the scythe. It´s always very important to have a sharp scythe but now it was even more important than ever. Otherwise it won´t cut anything. Other years the grass was always a little wet in the mornings from the dew which makes it also easier to cut the grass, now the grass is bone dry even in the early mornings. But after a month hard work it was done! The hayloft is full of wonderful smelling hay!

The last 2 months we were without water in the well but yesterday we did see a little, little water on the bottom, so hopefully it will be full of water soon. It is much easier to have water at home than that we must go and take water from a nearby town.

We made some progress with our little work pony also. After some training with the long reins we have now started to use him to pull timber. He is doing really well. Doing the job with confidence. After a few times he did know the routine. We got a nice little wagon last spring so hopefully he can pull it next year with the hay harvest. We only need to fix proper shafts.

Last morning it was -2℃ and hoarfrost had turned everything sparkly white. A briskly northly breeze make it feel quite cold. Winter is on his way again. We have prepared the most already. The pantry is filled with loads of canned food. Lots of potatoes and carrots. The fall garden filled with kale, sprouts and other winter hardy plants.  So now we can pull back into the house. Read a book in the warmth of the stove, take a hot cup of tea and nestle in my favorite chair and enjoy the new season.