The recent gales have ripped the last vestiges of the mantel of multicoloured mantels from the trees .Now the bare outlines stand silent like sentries guarding the skyline- a uniform greyness but beautiful in its own way . The countryside is enfolding itself in preparation for the cold days to come .The hedgerows have shrunk and the fields look tired .Yesterday the hunt came past our house - its not something I can approve of but the horses were magnificent , groomed and plaited their coats glossy , their eyes rolling in anticipation of the gallops ahead .The huntsman in their red coats stared down haughtily from on high surrounded by baying hounds . It was all so very English and a little part of me warmed to it - they claim to only drag hunt but all of us round here know that is only part of the story .This afternoon , quite late , I walked up through our village - always a delight at this time of year because as dusk falls the lights come on in the houses and curtains are not yet drawn so one can look in on other people's lives . I caught the first smell of wood smoke lingering in the air and as I turned for home the turquoise sky was streaked with amber and gold - signs of cold night .
Winter approaches : The recent gales have... - PSP Association
Winter approaches
Then you opened the front door!!!
I know.......................
Lots of love
Heady
Beautiful... the Autumn day in the life of an Englishman...Do tell this American the rest of the huntsman's story, won't you?
AVB
Our winter doesn't really come until January. Now we are in an extended autumnal glory with blue skies, sunshine, sea still warm in sheletered coves and the trees taking their time to shed their leaves. We have an enormous walnut next to our terrace which has hardly shed any leaf so far. I know there will stil be leaves on it on Christmas Day and by mid-March new green leaves will be sprouting. I am amazed at its ability to thrive on such a short period of dormancy. Unfortunately it doesn't fruit well because of this and due to the fact we are at sea level. Walnuts grown for nuts here are at higher levels. Another tree in our garden which may not be known well to people reading this is the persimmon. It produces orange fruit which are ripening at the moment. It is also shedding its leaves so by Christmas will look like nature's decorated festive tree with reams of bright orange fruit hanging on bare branches. I will try to photograph it in a month or so and post here. Meanwhile I shall go and post image of C who decided winter had come yesterday. I can't figure out how to include a photo in a reply - is it possible to do so?
No I don't think you can in the reply bit but do post a picture anyway would love to see your vistas . I envy you your seasons I have never heard of a persimmon tree - what do the fruits taste like ?
Georgepa
How can such scenes exist on the same small island as London's vaulting skyline? In the same century as the space station? Beautiful. Thanks, George
Georgepa you have a wonderful way with words that paint the most beautiful picture. long may you continue. Nanny xx
George lovely just imagine being there, makes me feel so relaxed. Yvonne xxxxx
You are our Therapist! Thank you George Love to you both x
GEORGE - YOU HAVE DONE IT AGAIN - TO BE ABLE TO WALK DOWN A BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE HIGH STREET - MAKES ME LONG TO BE BACK IN THE UK
What are you waiting for ?