Friday, 16 September 2016

Goodbye to Summer ...


Mother Nature is such a tease.  She gives with one hand and takes away with the other.



She gave us an extra couple of weeks of lovely late summer weather; then decided we had had enough and sent in the rain and lowered the temperature by a few degrees; as if we hadn't appreciated her gift.

Mornings have become misty; the skies hazy.


Compare a photo taken this morning to one taken a week ago when we were away.


Dull and dark; the rain slanting down
 


This time last week I was running wild; loving not only being beside the sea, but inland too - exploring ancient pathway and woodland; following meandering creeks and enjoying the panoramic views.



It will soon be time to make sure the garden is put to rights as the cooler weather arrives and outdoor activities slow down.  I have bags of bulbs waiting to be planted in containers once the summer annuals have gone over. 


Summer clothes will be exchanged for those put into storage boxes at the beginning of June; logs will be ordered; oil delivered and pumpkins and apples stored.  Damsons have been harvested and delicious damson jelly made for the winter store cupboard.



It is a time of transition; in the countryside and the home; one that I look forward to every year with anticipation of what is to come.
 
The gilding of the Indian summer mellowed the pastures far and wide,
The russet woods stood ripe to be stripped, but were yet full of leaf.
The purple of heath-bloom, faded but not withered, tinged the hills ...
Field head gardens bore the seal of gentle decay;
its time of flowers and even of fruit was over.
~ Charlotte Bronte 

Elaine

32 comments:

  1. Today we had our first dull day after a long period of warm sunny weather. However, we have not yet got much rain, but I'm sure that will soon come too because autumn is definitely on its way. By the rather long period of drought, leaves are already falling.... Although I like autumn I'm not yet looking forward to it.
    Have a nice weekend Elaine,
    Janneke

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    1. Like you I would prefer a little more of the Indian summer before autumn sets in proper but I think cooler weather is set for next week too - I think it's time to put the summer clothes back in the cupboard and get out the sweaters - but I shall miss the freedom of summer.

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  2. I love the enchantment of the transition time, when all of Nature seems thrilled with anticipation, whichever season is to come. It really shows how each season is so very much needed (although these days they have become so imbalanced, they either last longer or not as long as they used to, which is very scary.) Lovely photos!

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    1. Thank you Sarah. The season can't seem to make its mind up at the moment but I am sure it won't be long before autumn becomes impatient to get on with the business of being autumn.

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  3. On Monday we were hiding in the shadows desperately trying to stay cool, today I am wearing jumper and jeans for the first time in months. Not sure what tomorrow will bring but autumn has definitely arrived. Love the dragonfly.

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    1. I know how you feel Sue - I was wearing practically nothing two days ago now I'm fully clothed - it feels very strange - and we had a log fire tonight because it was so chilly.

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  4. What beautiful woodlands and countryside you have Elaine. You've reminded me to get bulbs soon. I plan on planting many. Do you ever find ancient coins or carvings on rocks?

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    1. Yes, bulb planting season is upon us - not a job I enjoy - backbreaking work but it is worth it for the pleasure you get from them in spring. And no I have never found ancient coins etc.

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  5. Imagens Belas.
    Prazer em conhecer seu blog.
    janicce/RS

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  6. There is always about autumn for me an air of melancholy in it's beauty..

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    1. When the weather is dull and rainy, yes - but beautiful on a lovely bright day.

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  7. All change here too. The Chestnuts plantations are being mowed in readiness for this year's crop, the hunters are out again again at weekends, and Wellies have been worn. I've even been making soup again for lunch!

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    1. Yes, soup season is upon us - no wellies worn yet, but it won't be long - definitely goodbye summer.

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  8. Those images reflect such a contrast in colours and textures, making you appreciate how lucky we are to have such changeable seasons. There is always something new and different to see. Sarah x

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    1. As I get older I appreciate every season, some more than others, but autumn is a favourite along with spring.

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  9. Such a beautiful post and photos. Transitioning sounds like an art in the way you describe it!

    Jane

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    1. Thanks Jane - I do appreciate you stopping by for a visit. Thank you for your kind comments.

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  10. Beautiful photographs which illustrate well the change of the seasons. I must look to more substantial footwear and seek out socks, scarves and gloves and have them ready for what is to come, meanwhile I am enjoying the extended summer:)

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    1. Thanks Rosie. Yes, sandals and flip flops back in the cupboard and proper footwear coming out. Not sure it's quite cold enough yet for scarves and gloves but the umbrella is getting plenty of use. I am loving the extended summer too - hope we get a bit more before autumn really sets in.

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  11. Beautiful images Elaine..
    Life is more interesting when the weather is so unpredictable.
    I love the UK for that reason. I often complain about the weather but I would not want to live anywhere else :)

    The weather cooled overnight here. We have had really high temperatures for days. Wednesday was 34C too hot for me .
    Today is very windy and cool. I am wearing a new autumn jacket and scarf when I pop into the village today.

    Have a great weekend.....enjoy the weather, whatever it throws at you :)

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    1. Thank you Cheryl. I am glad the weather has turned a little cooler, the heat has been unbearable at times - more so for you down south but I have spent as much time as I could outside building up my vitamin E, or is it D, ready for the winter months.

      It has rained for most of today and looks like we are in for more of the same tomorrow - at least it means I can do some indoor work for a change - the house gets a little neglected over the summer :)

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  12. A nice reflective post and lovely pictures. I'm thankful that it's now cooler, and like you will be planting bulbs soon. Flighty xx

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    1. Thanks Flighty. I have loads of bulbs to plant from last year and a whole new set for this year - worth it though for the spring display.

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  13. Some lovely thoughts on the changing seasons. It is remarkable that we've gone from a heatwave to a cool, windy and wet autumn in a few hours. Something in between would be nice! And as you say, it's time to look ahead further and plant for spring.

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    1. I agree Wendy - the change was so quick - hopefully it will change back again and we can gradually get used to the cooler weather, as it should be.

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  14. There is a definite chill in the air and my thoughts are starting to turn to Christmas !!!! Arghhhhh !!!! .... at least the grass is green again ! XXXX

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    1. No - you are not allowed to mention the 'C' word until at least the end of November :)

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  15. Beautiful, beautiful photographs and observations, thank you, Elaine. And your quote made me wanting to read Charlotte B. again - and I will.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words Britta - enjoy your Bronte.

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  16. We are so fortunate to have our four seasons to enjoy ... no matter what they bring.

    Your thoughts and photo's reflect this time of year so well, and it's always good to plant new bulbs. The cycle of life/nature keeps on going, and I'm so pleased it does.

    All the best Jan

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  17. The only way to appreciate the changing of the seasons is to be there. And Charlotte was. It is still hot here--90 degrees F yesterday. What we would give for some rain. Love the spider web photo.

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