Still Safe, For Now

Did you all have a peaceful Chuseok holiday?
Thanks to all of you, I also enjoyed a warm and abundant holiday.
Just as autumn brings a rich harvest, I wish joy and prosperity to all Steemians and their families.

As always, I went out to the yard this morning to check on the rice plants.
They are still standing strong and healthy.
Seeing them gave me peace of mind, and I returned with a lighter heart.
But it seems that the time for harvest will come within this month.

One thing has been on my mind:
Some of the rice ears have turned a reddish color.
I wonder if it’s a sign of disease,
or maybe it’s a new variety I’m not aware of,
or perhaps there’s another reason.
I can’t help but feel a bit concerned.

Until a few days ago, I enjoyed walking along the paddy field ridges.
But lately, with all the rain and the overgrown grass,
I’ve been worried about snakes, so I haven’t gone as often.
As the temperature drops, the snakes seem to become more active,
their venom stronger as they prepare for hibernation.
They appear more frequently these days.

Honestly, no matter what anyone says, snakes are scary to me.
I really don’t want to get too close to them.
While walking, I sometimes see snakes that have been killed by road traffic
or by the blades of weed trimmers.

I think I’ll wait to resume my walks along the field ridges until after the rice is harvested.
It seems safer to be cautious for now.

Since our rice field is chemical-free,
there are many grasshoppers, frogs, and snails—
all kinds of creatures living together.
That’s probably why I see snakes so often, too.

As always, being careful is the best approach.
To everyone reading this, I wish you abundance and peace.

Thank you.