Over Labor Day weekend, I headed to the Shawano County Fairgrounds to watch my niece show cattle.

It was a homecoming of sorts. When I was her age, I spent a long weekend in the same barns, caring for and showing dairy cattle. 4-H played an important role in developing me into an adult, teaching me leadership, hard work and community service. It also led to strong bonds with other 4-H kids and families.

As I reflect on this season of thanksgiving, I am reminded of how much I have to be grateful for. Life moves quickly between work, family, coaching and countless events, but this time of year allows me to pause and truly appreciate the blessings in my life.

Putting thoughts onto paper is a task I find both enjoyable and intimidating. To share your visions and your perspective is powerful. It is an act of vulnerability and courage.

It used to be a vacant building on Suring’s Main Street that housed several different banks over the years.

It’s now the community’s latest travel destination.

Fall is quickly slipping toward those wintry months when many of our colorful birds, like the falling leaves, have flown away. Many songbirds, shorebirds and raptors have migrated south to warmer climes. It’s now the birds that stick with us through the grayer fall and winter months that attract our attention.

Add a bit of seasonal beauty to your front steps, window boxes and other outdoor spaces with winter containers. Fill them with greenery, berries, cones, baubles and more. You’ll find many of these items in your own backyard and more at your favorite garden retailer.