Your post this week is swooningly seasonal Lia ( the most gorgeous pics) and the comment poem is heart liftingly lyrical - one of the best! We are off to our homeland in north Northumberland tomorrow for a couple of weeks to see friends, celebrate my birthday and tuck everything up for the winter. Can’t wait. This week I’ve mostly been knitting pumpkins! Inspired by a lovely lady on here with her picture of crochet ones. So lots of delicious yarn in gorgeous hues of soft orange, russet, ginger and butternut squash toffee. Cosy evenings by the fire knitting and dreaming of Christmas, candles ablaze and winter spiced tea in hand. There have been whole evenings of the Aurora In Northumberland recently with multiple sightings so I’m hoping we are lucky! My highlight - my stash of Almanacs for friends Christmas presents arrived so I’m feeling smug and virtuous.
Your cosy evenings sound delightful. I was so happy to hear you’ve been knitting pumpkins! I’ve been finishing a blue crochet pumpkin requested by my son. Wishing you a lovely birthday next week. I hope you get to see the Aurora!
A week ago I suffered a Rayburn related fall - I was using the towel rail as an exercise apparatus and it broke off. I fell backwards and cracked my head on either the bracket that holds the other end of the rail or the tiled floor, either way it hurt and has taken a while to get over it. I am grateful it was not worse and that my rather solid skull protected what lies beneath!
I started a new project creating a weekly moodboard to capture the essence of the passing seasons, already I am enjoying the process immensely... the reason why is expressed so well:
“The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.” Dorothea Lange' 1978
Three things that feature in my current moodboard are: The stunning colours of Autumn bramble leaves, brighter than any Acer. The gnarly look of Medlars, they are wonderful 'creatures'. Low morning sunlight shining through leaves, this is peak season for that.
Favourite moment of the week was on Monday. We're a hybrid working office so basically no one comes in on a Monday, which meant the three of us that were there shared a lovely quiet moment in the kitchen over fresh cuppas, watching the leaves fall from the trees outside as night fell too. "Would it be nice if emails just fell away like that?" said one colleague. Wouldn't it just!!! We've all been commenting on the progress of the trees in the courtyard all week 🍂
Morning! Well this week has been a bit different... I’m in hospital, having had a hip replacement operation on Wednesday. So earlier in the week I was trying to get at least some seasonal gardening tasks done before I’m out of the game for a while. I saved the November As the Season Turns episode for when I was admitted and waiting - very soothing! And finally, I’m reminded of the research that shows patients recover better if they can see trees from their hospital bed. I’m looking out at some lovely colours now.
I did! When I was “elevating with ice” for flipping hours every day I went through the back catalogue endlessly. But it was grounding and soothing to listen to Lia’s lovely voice and to motivate myself to get strong again and be out of doors, fit and well.
Feeling how dark it was after work post-time change we hung string lights over our windows; now it feels cozy. It makes such a big difference! And I do love naturally waking up to the light, sometimes with a deep salmon and rose sunrise.
Welcoming the first of those bright yellow stars of winter jasmine flowers in the back garden, and knowing that they will keep flowering until the other yellow of the forsythia flowers in the front;
making leaf mandalas with the neighbour's kids;
absolutely knowing that if the sun's out I need to get outside if I possibly can, the days are so short.
Oh yes! Winter Jasmine is a daily joy through the dark months! And getting outside whatever the weather in these short days - a good reminder. I sometimes create little “ treasure hunts” for myself - 3 little things!
Being followed by a red admiral butterfly in Ventnor Botanical Gardens, surely it was time for her to be tucked up in bed for the winter? But a lovely moment for me.
My children have returned to school this week after half-term. We've struggled to get back into routine again which has been thrown somewhat by the clocks going back. It takes us a while to adjust. The dog too as she knows when tea time is!
After a rainy but fabulous bonfire gathering last weekend, my thoughts have turned to Christmas - I’m prepping homemade limoncello for gifts and making lists (and checking them twice). But finding moments to enjoy the colours of autumn and the occasional glorious sunny and fresh day, just like today.
Growing up - we were never allowed to do <anything> about Christmas until our birthdays were over ( my brothers is a week after mine in 28th) I guess my Mum was trying to make sure there wasn’t too much excitement and overlap! It was a thing! So now I try to keep to that in some ways - but of course you do have to plan and dream! And make the Christmas cake!!
I totally understand that - it’s my daughter’s on the 10th December, and we don’t put decorations up until after her birthday. But we will sneak in stir up Sunday later in November!
Under a blanket is the place to be! At least it will be next week when our first storm of the season is predicted. Fiddling around the yard to prepare, feeding the citrus, planting freesia, storing the umbrella and outdoor cushions. Indoor preparations included baking a batch of cranberry speckled gingerbread granola, filling the house with the seasonal aroma of molasses, ginger, cinnamon. Bring on the wind and rain!
Remarking that our beautiful acer Osakazuki was still green. Noticing that it was turning a beautiful golden two days later.
One day the local winterbourne river was dry one day and a torrent the next. It only flows through our lowland when the South downs is full of water it can't hold any more.
Lovely pics Lia, and thanks for curating the comments so beautifully.
In this week of rotating thrashing rain and glorious Autumn days, my three things are: the oaks finally joining in with rows of russet loveliness in the park; the way that every tea (dinner?!) comes bubbling from the oven or the stove top at this time of year; the silhouette of our sycamore, now almost empty of leaves, against the nearly dark five o'clock sky.
Your post this week is swooningly seasonal Lia ( the most gorgeous pics) and the comment poem is heart liftingly lyrical - one of the best! We are off to our homeland in north Northumberland tomorrow for a couple of weeks to see friends, celebrate my birthday and tuck everything up for the winter. Can’t wait. This week I’ve mostly been knitting pumpkins! Inspired by a lovely lady on here with her picture of crochet ones. So lots of delicious yarn in gorgeous hues of soft orange, russet, ginger and butternut squash toffee. Cosy evenings by the fire knitting and dreaming of Christmas, candles ablaze and winter spiced tea in hand. There have been whole evenings of the Aurora In Northumberland recently with multiple sightings so I’m hoping we are lucky! My highlight - my stash of Almanacs for friends Christmas presents arrived so I’m feeling smug and virtuous.
Your cosy evenings sound delightful. I was so happy to hear you’ve been knitting pumpkins! I’ve been finishing a blue crochet pumpkin requested by my son. Wishing you a lovely birthday next week. I hope you get to see the Aurora!
Best wishes for a happy birthday!
Thank you Aster!
That sounds perfect Sue, hope you have a lovely birthday in your Northumberland homeland - such a beautiful place 😊
Thank you Sarah!
I'd love to see your knitted pumpkins once you've finished them.
A week ago I suffered a Rayburn related fall - I was using the towel rail as an exercise apparatus and it broke off. I fell backwards and cracked my head on either the bracket that holds the other end of the rail or the tiled floor, either way it hurt and has taken a while to get over it. I am grateful it was not worse and that my rather solid skull protected what lies beneath!
I started a new project creating a weekly moodboard to capture the essence of the passing seasons, already I am enjoying the process immensely... the reason why is expressed so well:
“The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.” Dorothea Lange' 1978
Three things that feature in my current moodboard are: The stunning colours of Autumn bramble leaves, brighter than any Acer. The gnarly look of Medlars, they are wonderful 'creatures'. Low morning sunlight shining through leaves, this is peak season for that.
Oof so sorry to hear about your fall! I hope you are feeling ok x
Sorry to hear about your accident and hope you're soon recovered 😵💫
Favourite moment of the week was on Monday. We're a hybrid working office so basically no one comes in on a Monday, which meant the three of us that were there shared a lovely quiet moment in the kitchen over fresh cuppas, watching the leaves fall from the trees outside as night fell too. "Would it be nice if emails just fell away like that?" said one colleague. Wouldn't it just!!! We've all been commenting on the progress of the trees in the courtyard all week 🍂
Love that, if only emails would! And not come back until spring.
Morning! Well this week has been a bit different... I’m in hospital, having had a hip replacement operation on Wednesday. So earlier in the week I was trying to get at least some seasonal gardening tasks done before I’m out of the game for a while. I saved the November As the Season Turns episode for when I was admitted and waiting - very soothing! And finally, I’m reminded of the research that shows patients recover better if they can see trees from their hospital bed. I’m looking out at some lovely colours now.
Get better soon Anne, take it easy x
Thanks Emma
Wishing you a speedy recovery Anne. X
Thanks Wendy
Hope you're soon recovered Anne, I'm sure you'll be up and around before you know it 🙂
Thanks Sarah
Thanks Sarah
Sending get well wishes your way, hope your recovery goes well and you are home soon.
Thanks Cathryn
May the trees bolster your spirits and speed your recovery 🌳
Thanks Aster
Oh Anne sending all my 💕 thoughts and wishes for a good and trouble free recovery xx
Thanks Sue! I remembered you saying you listened to all the previous podcasts when you were recovering from getting your knees done.
I did! When I was “elevating with ice” for flipping hours every day I went through the back catalogue endlessly. But it was grounding and soothing to listen to Lia’s lovely voice and to motivate myself to get strong again and be out of doors, fit and well.
Get well wishes x
Feeling how dark it was after work post-time change we hung string lights over our windows; now it feels cozy. It makes such a big difference! And I do love naturally waking up to the light, sometimes with a deep salmon and rose sunrise.
the yellowest yellow - the magnificent gingko biloba tree
Yes!
Welcoming the first of those bright yellow stars of winter jasmine flowers in the back garden, and knowing that they will keep flowering until the other yellow of the forsythia flowers in the front;
making leaf mandalas with the neighbour's kids;
absolutely knowing that if the sun's out I need to get outside if I possibly can, the days are so short.
Oh yes! Winter Jasmine is a daily joy through the dark months! And getting outside whatever the weather in these short days - a good reminder. I sometimes create little “ treasure hunts” for myself - 3 little things!
treasure hunt sounds lovely! what will you find today?
Being followed by a red admiral butterfly in Ventnor Botanical Gardens, surely it was time for her to be tucked up in bed for the winter? But a lovely moment for me.
So special Jen! Something about a butterfly following you that makes you feel irrationally chosen and honoured!
Yes you are so right Sue! It really did feel like a privilege especially in November.
My children have returned to school this week after half-term. We've struggled to get back into routine again which has been thrown somewhat by the clocks going back. It takes us a while to adjust. The dog too as she knows when tea time is!
And it doesn't matter how often I try to explain about the time change to my little dog we are still up and out in the dark.
After a rainy but fabulous bonfire gathering last weekend, my thoughts have turned to Christmas - I’m prepping homemade limoncello for gifts and making lists (and checking them twice). But finding moments to enjoy the colours of autumn and the occasional glorious sunny and fresh day, just like today.
Growing up - we were never allowed to do <anything> about Christmas until our birthdays were over ( my brothers is a week after mine in 28th) I guess my Mum was trying to make sure there wasn’t too much excitement and overlap! It was a thing! So now I try to keep to that in some ways - but of course you do have to plan and dream! And make the Christmas cake!!
I totally understand that - it’s my daughter’s on the 10th December, and we don’t put decorations up until after her birthday. But we will sneak in stir up Sunday later in November!
Of course!!
Your poor doggy a figure of fun under a blanket...FREE THE SAFFY ONE
Under a blanket is the place to be! At least it will be next week when our first storm of the season is predicted. Fiddling around the yard to prepare, feeding the citrus, planting freesia, storing the umbrella and outdoor cushions. Indoor preparations included baking a batch of cranberry speckled gingerbread granola, filling the house with the seasonal aroma of molasses, ginger, cinnamon. Bring on the wind and rain!
Remarking that our beautiful acer Osakazuki was still green. Noticing that it was turning a beautiful golden two days later.
One day the local winterbourne river was dry one day and a torrent the next. It only flows through our lowland when the South downs is full of water it can't hold any more.
Lovely pics Lia, and thanks for curating the comments so beautifully.
In this week of rotating thrashing rain and glorious Autumn days, my three things are: the oaks finally joining in with rows of russet loveliness in the park; the way that every tea (dinner?!) comes bubbling from the oven or the stove top at this time of year; the silhouette of our sycamore, now almost empty of leaves, against the nearly dark five o'clock sky.
I had a trip out earlier in the week to see a favourite tree - a liquidambar which glows as if on fire for a short time each year 😍
I seem to have acquired a pet blackbird, which follows me around the garden... Cupboard love I expect!