Autumnwatch

Yesterday morning I made a discovery. Jay got up at six and I was up soon after - usually I rise with Joe between seven and half past. 

Anyway, being up early meant I got to spend some time with Jay before he went to work. And I eased myself into the day gently rather than having to deal with Joe immediately after waking. I sat and drank coffee, ate toast and opened the kitchen door. The air was cool and damp. There was the tiniest, faintest whiff of the seasons changing. I discovered that getting up a bit earlier is a good thing.

We've been out on a few walks over the last couple of days, looking for signs of autumn. I always get excited about it coming but I think more so this year after the relentless heat.

There are lots of fruit trees nearby - apples are growing and there are red and yellow plums too. Plenty of foraging opportunities over the coming weeks.

The annual blackberry-picking jaunt will take place in Lancashire though. I have my favourite spots.

Conkers are out too. It'll be a while before Joe gets into them... I always like to bring some home from a walk but they never stay glossy and fat for long, sadly.

I can never resist stroking a friendly muzzle. This one belongs to a pony who lives down the farm track - I think he's a stallion so spends much of his time indoors (away from temptation).

We brought some of these pinecones back with us.

We used to call these fluffy seeds 'sugar stealers' when I was little. They're just getting ready to take off into the air.

I picked up a few other seasonal bits and pieces too: red leaves and seed heads to display indoors.

Oh, and I wore a jumper today too (Joe likes going barefoot though. Each to their own).