Come, enjoy our great outdoors

What doesn't our beautiful northern California have to offer if you enjoy spending time outside your home other than in the heat of summer?

We have one of the best back yards in the country most of the rest of the year.

Sure, some areas may have constant year-round climates, but I find that boring. For me, experiencing the seasonal changes keeps you on your toes.

Do I want to wear summer clothes year-round?

I think not!

I'd rather have variety. While it's a challenge to update wardrobes, I'm ready for my fall attire. I love my leather jackets and I can't wear them during the summer months.

Each fall and winter, we know we're going to experience some precipitation - a WET element. But, my yard will welcome the moisture and my water bill will put a smile on my face. Yes, weather changes do affect our pocket book - both up and down. If you don't have a buffer now and then with some mild temperatures, the old air conditioner and heating unit, not to mention the pocketbook, would never get a rest.

And, yes, soon the leaves will fall. This means raking, blowing or vacuuming them all up for the recycle bin or burn pile.

My grandsons and I got out and did some fall clean-up the other day. It keeps us all out of trouble and reminds us that the winter season isn't far away. My burn pile is 4 feet to 6 feet tall right now and will grow taller before I torch it.

With the change in weather comes another detail that needs attention. Animals start shedding their summer coats and begin growing that extra long hair for the cold nights ahead.

It's time to get out the shedding brushes and combs and get to work. Right now, my collie dog needs a good grooming as her coat is sprouting strange tufts that are begging to be eliminated.

The horses, too, are getting that fuzzy look in the early mornings as their sleek summer hair is standing upright to buffer the cooler air blowing against it. Soon these slick-coated creatures will look like shaggy Shetland ponies in the winter months.

Keeping them groomed takes a little more effort as the longer hair retains more mud and grime. Horses are like dogs, they love to roll in IT. And, it doesn't matter what IT is.

The nice thing about winter - which isn't my favorite time of year - is the hope of spring that follows.

But first, let's talk about the winter ahead. You might not want to hear this, but we REALLY need rain! I don't like the thought of pounding precipitation and hooves blending the field into a mud bowl. But it happens every year. That's why I have rubber mats in the barn.

I'm fortunate, because as soon as it stops raining, the mini-lakes disappear from my fields thanks to soil that allows for great drainage.

Back to the leaves ... My trees have huge leaves. Sycamore leaves are some of the largest and, trust me, they can really stack up in a hurry if you don't stay with the project. These are the projects that grandchildren were created for. My mother discovered that girls were created for dusting the inside of the house. But boys were meant to rake leaves.

Like my mother, I have always hated dusting. But fortunately for my grandsons, I enjoy sharing the duty of raking leaves. Besides, they don't feel like mules when I dive in with the rake. I try to keep the suggestions limited. I don't care how they hold the rake as long as the job gets done. On a cold day, raking leaves might even call for a cup of hot chocolate during breaks.

It's a small incentive, I realize, but it is one that is truly appreciated by any rake-toting trooper. If the weather turns warm, a nice glass of orange juice or sweet tea goes a long way in the motivation department.

We usually rake leaves on Saturdays, leaving Sunday for relaxing and reflecting on the fruits of our labor such as a cleanly swept lawn.

It's nice to get out of the house and into the yard when it's not sweltering or freezing. It's also nice to get back into our forgotten wardrobes.