November is a month that isn’t any one season, at least around here. It is a blend of fall and winter and spring.

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The start of the month had spectacular autumn colors, but the winds and rains have been steadily denuding the trees. We have had some quite chilly days with the north wind blowing and also some nice balmy weather, enough to trick several plants into thinking it’s spring.

This year it feels like everyone is jumping the gun on Christmas…Encouraged by the advertising complex. I am more than a little cynical about that. Sometimes I refer to Christmas as “consumer-fest”. It really is not a religious holiday for most. I like to take things slower and celebrate advent, trying to find something less like jolly and more like joy.

With no kids in our lives the pressure is off…but the dark days seem to cry out for something special, something hopeful and a little bit sparkly and fun.

It seems fitting that my last NanoPoblano post would be also a Changing Seasons post. Posting every day for a month is a real challenge for me. You’d think that with just dogs to walk and household things to do I’d find it easier.

It’s been great fun to read and explore the many different posts of all the cheer peppers, thank you all for enriching my month and to Rarasaur for the very cheerful and encouraging hosting of this event.

Wishing you all a joyous Christmas, or whatever mid-winter (or summer for those in the south) fest you prefer.