Chilly weather has hit Climax Springs, Missouri, sending wood-burning residents scrambling to the many firewood vendors, laden with truckloads of seasoned oak and hickory for sale. The buzzing of chainsaws in the distance replaces summer's endless drone of ride-on lawn mowers being driven by homeowners who enjoy being kids again...

Yes, it's time to pull those warm sweaters out of mothballs and dig out your sweatsuits, mittens and wooly hats; Jack Frost nips at exposed body parts, so cover up.

I have been busy baking homemade bread using my traditional family recipe. Try this recipe for yourself at  http://www.ruralcountryliving.com/bread.htm Everyone at my house devours the entire batch before it's even cooled down, so hide some for yourself to eat at leisure. The heavenly aroma of fresh-baked bread lingers in your home long after its eaten.

Despite the cold weather, Henny Penny, my free-ranging Rhode Island Red laying hen, sits on her nest every morning come shower or shine, and lays me a delicious organic egg. She runs to me when I call her name--I swear she thinks she's a dog! It would be great if she continued laying through the winter.

Well I'm going to hit the hay. Nite everybody!