Sunday mornings start a bit early for me, especially with the time change (and our two beagles being morning enthusiasts). Usually, I’m up around 8 a.m. and head out to my “hamshack” — a cozy office shed where I fire up the radio for the Sunday Morning Social Hour net with the Cherryland Amateur Club. If you’re ever on, it’s at 3935 kHz LSB around 9 a.m. Eastern. After the net wraps up, it’s time to hop in the truck and head over to my dad’s place for the 10:30 a.m. IOOK net on 7185 kHz LSB. Dad and I have made this our Sunday tradition, and once the airwaves quiet down, we head out for brunch.

Brunch leads to one of two scenarios: either I head home, knock out some projects, or catch a football game — or I stick around Dad’s place to lend a hand with whatever he’s got going on. Today, we’re doing the seasonal tractor switch-over: taking off the mower deck, installing the snow blower, adding the enclosed cab, and making sure everything’s winter-ready. Northern Michigan winters require serious prep, and we’ve got it down to a routine.

This time of year is one of my favorites. The rush has slowed, the “winter is coming” chores are manageable, and the weather hits that sweet spot where sweatshirts and flannels are perfect. It’s crisp, cool, but not yet the bone-chilling cold that’s on its way.