Ceres - the goddess of vegetation and fruitfulness

Ceres, the goddess of agriculture in Roman mythology, balances precariously atop the gilded dome of Vermont's State Capital, hugging her wheat sheaf. Although, in this photograph, the illustrious deity has been overshadowed by a changing maple leaf! Apologies, dear Ceres, from an inexperienced photographer...

At this time of the year, I become quite domesticated, even fruitful, in my daily 'doings'. Making delicious soups and breads, knitting, jam-making, tidying up the place, all, I suppose, in anticipation of winter's blasts. It's an unwritten beckoning, an instinctive obligation, a 'just in case' feeling. Activities not peculiar to man, when one considers the frantic nut-hoarding of the squirrels in the woods!

And so, dear Ceres, whoever you are, figment of man's imaginings though you be: be pleased today, as this one, together with her squirrel friends, rushes madly about, doing this and that, at a ludicrous attempt to ready her house and home for the coming winter. Goddess of agriculture, vegetation and fruitfulness, we thank your Creator for His abundant blessings in the garden and in the fields, and for His Spirit who inspires us, and for His Son, who gives us life and that more abundantly!