So beautiful as ever Lia! I love the new format for the previous weeks “word pictures” - like a handful of precious visual snaps! I’m up early, and in haste today as it’s our Golden Wedding Day and we have <loads> to do for our village fete style tea party this afternoon! Anxiously scanning the skies for weather signs as we need SUN today. 40 people arriving and we need to be out doors! We shall see - whatever - this week, staying in a big rented farmhouse in the banks of the river Tweed with all our family and closest friends has been just wonderful! It’s been the best fun - with all the generations mingling, helping, cooking and serving each other. Feel very blessed. Off to put up bunting - arrange hay bales and golden balloons!
Sounds wonderful Sue! We love to have family mini-breaks too, and try to make it happen at least once a year. As you say it is such fun having all the generations mingling and helping. Priceless. Congratulations on your Golden Wedding anniversary!
The new Almanac looks especially enticing. Here, in a valley near the Avon in the outskirts of Bristol, the increasingly autumnal feelings have been tempered by some unexpected sunshine, the cheery crayon-coloured zinnias, and the joy of harvesting (more courgettes?!). Favourite things this week: a delicate, pink mint moth on an echinacea flower, the wings and petals matching; harvesting purple potatoes and making gnocchi; popping the last few of the summer wineberries straight in my mouth and not sharing! X
Yes I’ve noticed the beech nuts too! But you can hold on to that summer feeling i think for a little longer - I’ve yet to go bilberry foraging and summer isn’t truly over for me at least until I’ve done that. My first one, the real change I’ve noticed since I’ve been back, is the red rosehips starting to adorn every hedgerow - the fat, bulbous hips of Rosa rugosa standing out from the others, which I particularly love because they have a certain ‘fairytale’ish quality to them. Second, harvesting an absolute glut of seasonal vegetables at our allotment (broad beans, spinach, corgette, runner beans) and at the same time going blackberrying and getting purple stained fingers. And finally - seasonal desserts ! As I felt like I started somewhat on the back foot being away, i was determined to catch up, so i started with raspberry, white chocolate, and blackberry muffins Then (allotment) raspberries with icecream, topped with a summer berry coolie, roasted white chocolate and nasturtium petals. And finally a plum and blackberry crumble with chantilly elderflower cream. And a bonus seasonal thing- the very first sweet pea flower on the sweet peas I so lovingly planted in the ground back in May! About time!
I spent the most glorious sunny day at Hastings-I was there to do a bit of work but it was so lovely I stayed for the rest of the day. I had some lovely freshly cooked pasta for lunch and wandered around in the sun and watched everyone sunbathing and swimming in the sea. The funniest thing was that someone had climbed up onto a statue of Queen Victoria and gave her some sunglasses!
We are away this week on the beautiful north Devon / Cornwall coast, and I am still resolutely holding on to summer, eating ice creams, rock pooling, watching kestrels on the cliff edges of Tintagel Castle and swallows swooping in the country lanes, and trying my best to live and enjoy the moment. And we had sunshine!
Hi Kate! I’ve noticed robins this week too and had the same thought. I love their songs. I’ve also seen hedgerows and the verges of roads and motorways full of hawthorn berries, looking shiny in the sun, all the way from Aberystwyth to Sheffield. And I’ve sent my annual message to the men who cut the big hornbeam hedge at the bottom of the garden, to get myself on the list for their autumn visit.
Your 2024 Almanac looks *beautiful* and I cannot wait to have one in my hands! 🦊
I really enjoy reading this newsletter, so thank you for all that you do to make it happen. I haven't shared for the 'your week' before (so I hope these comments are the right place!), but my noticing was this:
A robin intricately warbling at 8am, their singing signifying the slow end of summer and the approach of autumn...
Thank you, Lia. I always find it a bittersweet moment when the robins start singing again after a mostly silent spring and summer - knowing that the change into autumn and winter is at hand. But different wonders are on the way. I love seeing what you and others are sharing and revelling in - we're all part of the cycle, together!
My favorite thing that happened this week: I have been fostering a dog and this week on our daily walks instead of her tail being between her legs the entire time it was wagging. She has gotten so much more comfortable with the outside world now that she doesn’t have to be scared all the time. I got a little emotional and felt so proud of her.
Congratulations on the book, it is gorgeous and I can't wait to get my copy! Main seasonal moment for me this week is hand-pollinating my pumpkin plants... I am terribly anxious that they won't grow fruit because I am a very anxious gardener! (And because comparison is the thief of joy and my colleague has been showing me his pumpkins growing delightfully!!)
The joys of late August, birthday approaching but years added don’t equal how I feel inside. The smell every morning now of leaf matter and autumn leaves. The taste of the blackberries under a blanket of almond sponge. The sight of geese flying towards the marshes, there is always one struggling to catch up with the V.
Beautiful ... so lovely to see Mr F’s mad crumble habits get a mention. And, wow, the Almanac looks gorgeous. These are the most beautiful and uplifting gatherings of thoughts, memories, reflections and insights to lives in nature. Gorgeous.
I really like the 'menu' format - all the easier to savour each comment 😊
I now am planning a blackberry and apple crumble for when my daughter arrives with her husband and my 3 little grandchildren - especially as they'll be able to see where I picked the fruit in the garden.
Blueberries from the bush too are a morning treat with yoghurt.
I'm also looking forward to the new Almanac and thinking who else I can buy it for, lots of people come to mind.
Though it is still stupid hot here in NC, US I have decided to let go of summer (especially in the tangle that is my garden) and fully embrace the coming autumn. I don’t know why I expect that I will be able to keep the garden tidy when I have several years of experience showing me that doesn’t happen. And then I chose to plant pumpkins! Never mind, the garden has been fully turned over to the bees, butterflies, beetles, bunnies, and other creatures that are feasting in places I can’t even reach anymore. Enjoy the tomatoes, creatures! And speaking of beech nuts, I have been carefully stepping over the hickory nuts that have been falling in my driveway without giving them much thought. But there they are, right on schedule.
Excessive heat wave and stillness in the afternoons; popsicles; peaches; still finding luscious blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries at the farmers market; asters, anemones, and the last bloom of the roses (Pacific Northwest)
How lovely! I’ve noticed beech nuts as well this week. Been picking more blackberries and made our first crumble of the season (used your recipe as a base thanks!) Seen lots of skeins of geese flying overhead honking away and house martins still flying around too which I love.
So beautiful as ever Lia! I love the new format for the previous weeks “word pictures” - like a handful of precious visual snaps! I’m up early, and in haste today as it’s our Golden Wedding Day and we have <loads> to do for our village fete style tea party this afternoon! Anxiously scanning the skies for weather signs as we need SUN today. 40 people arriving and we need to be out doors! We shall see - whatever - this week, staying in a big rented farmhouse in the banks of the river Tweed with all our family and closest friends has been just wonderful! It’s been the best fun - with all the generations mingling, helping, cooking and serving each other. Feel very blessed. Off to put up bunting - arrange hay bales and golden balloons!
Oh it’s today! Have a wonderful time Sue it sounds fabulous and I hope we get to hear all about it. Willing the sun to shine for you! xx
I wish you sun and lots of joy
Have a wonderful day, sending warm sky wishes your way!
Have an amazing day, Sue! Looking forward to seeing some photos 😀
Sounds wonderful Sue! We love to have family mini-breaks too, and try to make it happen at least once a year. As you say it is such fun having all the generations mingling and helping. Priceless. Congratulations on your Golden Wedding anniversary!
The new Almanac looks especially enticing. Here, in a valley near the Avon in the outskirts of Bristol, the increasingly autumnal feelings have been tempered by some unexpected sunshine, the cheery crayon-coloured zinnias, and the joy of harvesting (more courgettes?!). Favourite things this week: a delicate, pink mint moth on an echinacea flower, the wings and petals matching; harvesting purple potatoes and making gnocchi; popping the last few of the summer wineberries straight in my mouth and not sharing! X
So gorgeous, am picturing your matchy butterfly/flower combo
Love the sound of the pink mint moth on the echinacea flower! All so beautiful!
Yes I’ve noticed the beech nuts too! But you can hold on to that summer feeling i think for a little longer - I’ve yet to go bilberry foraging and summer isn’t truly over for me at least until I’ve done that. My first one, the real change I’ve noticed since I’ve been back, is the red rosehips starting to adorn every hedgerow - the fat, bulbous hips of Rosa rugosa standing out from the others, which I particularly love because they have a certain ‘fairytale’ish quality to them. Second, harvesting an absolute glut of seasonal vegetables at our allotment (broad beans, spinach, corgette, runner beans) and at the same time going blackberrying and getting purple stained fingers. And finally - seasonal desserts ! As I felt like I started somewhat on the back foot being away, i was determined to catch up, so i started with raspberry, white chocolate, and blackberry muffins Then (allotment) raspberries with icecream, topped with a summer berry coolie, roasted white chocolate and nasturtium petals. And finally a plum and blackberry crumble with chantilly elderflower cream. And a bonus seasonal thing- the very first sweet pea flower on the sweet peas I so lovingly planted in the ground back in May! About time!
What a harvest!
You're right about the rosehips, they're looking absolutely splendid all around here. So bright and round!
Wow, those desserts!
Thank you 😊
I spent the most glorious sunny day at Hastings-I was there to do a bit of work but it was so lovely I stayed for the rest of the day. I had some lovely freshly cooked pasta for lunch and wandered around in the sun and watched everyone sunbathing and swimming in the sea. The funniest thing was that someone had climbed up onto a statue of Queen Victoria and gave her some sunglasses!
I wonder what Queen Victoria thought about the glasses :-))
We are away this week on the beautiful north Devon / Cornwall coast, and I am still resolutely holding on to summer, eating ice creams, rock pooling, watching kestrels on the cliff edges of Tintagel Castle and swallows swooping in the country lanes, and trying my best to live and enjoy the moment. And we had sunshine!
Good to hear it! We still have a week and a bit until our summer holiday so I am very keen to hang on to it.
What a lovely spot to be away in! Sunshine too!
Hi Kate! I’ve noticed robins this week too and had the same thought. I love their songs. I’ve also seen hedgerows and the verges of roads and motorways full of hawthorn berries, looking shiny in the sun, all the way from Aberystwyth to Sheffield. And I’ve sent my annual message to the men who cut the big hornbeam hedge at the bottom of the garden, to get myself on the list for their autumn visit.
That sounds like a very significant annual job! Gorgeous hedgerow images you are conjuring there.
Your 2024 Almanac looks *beautiful* and I cannot wait to have one in my hands! 🦊
I really enjoy reading this newsletter, so thank you for all that you do to make it happen. I haven't shared for the 'your week' before (so I hope these comments are the right place!), but my noticing was this:
A robin intricately warbling at 8am, their singing signifying the slow end of summer and the approach of autumn...
Oh that’s such a beautiful one. Delighted you’ve taken the plunge to join in!
Thank you, Lia. I always find it a bittersweet moment when the robins start singing again after a mostly silent spring and summer - knowing that the change into autumn and winter is at hand. But different wonders are on the way. I love seeing what you and others are sharing and revelling in - we're all part of the cycle, together!
Welcome Kate - so lovely that you’ve joined us! We have a Robin in our garden and I’ve noticed his song has changed too!
felt this sonnet while reading your weekly musings today ~
Because of you, the summer rains smell sweeter,
The streets are brighter and the windows smile,
The elegant bird marks with his signature
The morning air, and dews the flowers beguile.
Because of you the leaves become the trees,
Each blade of grass is greener because of you,
Accustomed thoughts stretch to infinities,
And you alone can make the untrue true.
Because of you my mind has shed its winter
And taken you as the season of the heart,
Because of you, no dreams can ever splinter to fragments,
You are the magic that bonds each part.
For you are as the alchemy that is long gone,
Gold that shines out from each and every stone.
~ William Shakespeare
oh this is beautiful, thank you so much for sharing it x
What's not to love about this sonnet! Thank you for sharing.
My favorite thing that happened this week: I have been fostering a dog and this week on our daily walks instead of her tail being between her legs the entire time it was wagging. She has gotten so much more comfortable with the outside world now that she doesn’t have to be scared all the time. I got a little emotional and felt so proud of her.
beautiful. Good work!
Leanna this is a wonderful bit of news! I felt emotional just reading it. x
So lovely to hear ❤️
Congratulations on the book, it is gorgeous and I can't wait to get my copy! Main seasonal moment for me this week is hand-pollinating my pumpkin plants... I am terribly anxious that they won't grow fruit because I am a very anxious gardener! (And because comparison is the thief of joy and my colleague has been showing me his pumpkins growing delightfully!!)
Good luck with the pumpkins!
The joys of late August, birthday approaching but years added don’t equal how I feel inside. The smell every morning now of leaf matter and autumn leaves. The taste of the blackberries under a blanket of almond sponge. The sight of geese flying towards the marshes, there is always one struggling to catch up with the V.
Love the image you have created here.
Beautiful image.
glorious
Beautiful ... so lovely to see Mr F’s mad crumble habits get a mention. And, wow, the Almanac looks gorgeous. These are the most beautiful and uplifting gatherings of thoughts, memories, reflections and insights to lives in nature. Gorgeous.
Aren’t they! Every week I think ‘surely it can’t be as good this week…’ and every week it is!
Such a gorgeous community you’ve built. Delighted to slip quietly in at the back. Keep up the awesome
I really like the 'menu' format - all the easier to savour each comment 😊
I now am planning a blackberry and apple crumble for when my daughter arrives with her husband and my 3 little grandchildren - especially as they'll be able to see where I picked the fruit in the garden.
Blueberries from the bush too are a morning treat with yoghurt.
I'm also looking forward to the new Almanac and thinking who else I can buy it for, lots of people come to mind.
Thank you!
Though it is still stupid hot here in NC, US I have decided to let go of summer (especially in the tangle that is my garden) and fully embrace the coming autumn. I don’t know why I expect that I will be able to keep the garden tidy when I have several years of experience showing me that doesn’t happen. And then I chose to plant pumpkins! Never mind, the garden has been fully turned over to the bees, butterflies, beetles, bunnies, and other creatures that are feasting in places I can’t even reach anymore. Enjoy the tomatoes, creatures! And speaking of beech nuts, I have been carefully stepping over the hickory nuts that have been falling in my driveway without giving them much thought. But there they are, right on schedule.
Sounds glorious! 😄
Excessive heat wave and stillness in the afternoons; popsicles; peaches; still finding luscious blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries at the farmers market; asters, anemones, and the last bloom of the roses (Pacific Northwest)
How lovely! I’ve noticed beech nuts as well this week. Been picking more blackberries and made our first crumble of the season (used your recipe as a base thanks!) Seen lots of skeins of geese flying overhead honking away and house martins still flying around too which I love.