Sunday 24 August 2014

Autumn Begins to Fall ~~~

Gentle Reader ~~~ It gladdens my heart and soul to feel the very air so full of Autumnal change as the ground prepares to rest awhile.  Leaves on trees and shrubs are still green, but there are noticeable changes, some so small that many of us are too busy to notice them as we go about our daily lives, but I look out for, and notice, every subtle change from day to day, as the garden changes her mood and mantle, and that most glorious season of them all descends. 

With profound apologies, in advance, this entry is words only and no photography.  There is a new laptop {much needed} in the cottage and I have yet to work out how to load my photographs on to it.  My old laptop was purchased in 2007, so there are many changes with which to grapple, and many are beyond my ken!  I am plodding on regardless, as one must do with advancing technology, but until now I thought that clouds were ethereal entities that float by on a gentle breeze; or scud wildly across the sky in a storm; or create the amazing and magical {and that I long to see in person} beauties such as Lenticular clouds that swaddle high mountain tops; or provide amusing entertainment when we guess the shape; but ~~~ this week "Cloud" takes on a whole new definition!  It is a function I am not all together convinced I am comfortable with, or will use.  At the moment, I am ignoring it as I explore the new machine.  At least I am online, and for that I am grateful, despite the frustration of new technology and programmes to get used to.

Speaking of new definitions of words, I am currently reading Maya Angelou's "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" and my interest was piqued at the use of one particular word I came across yesterday ~ how the meanings of words can change ~~~ for those of you who know the book, or for those of you who wish to find it,  it is very near the start of chapter 23, and addresses the imminent graduation ceremony ~ where the graduating students are "nobility . . . travellers with exotic destinations on their minds . . . remarkably forgetful . . . came to school without their books, or tablets, or even pencils".  My eye was drawn immediately to the word "tablet" and I thought of the meaning given to it by Maya Angelou, ~a pad of paper for taking notes~, and the meaning we would give to it today ~a hand held device for connecting to the internet~ how our lives have changed!  A word in a book written in the late 1960's, published in the 1970's, about a world decades earlier and here we are a few decades on and, while the original meaning is still quite valid, how many reading that passage today would relate to the correct meaning?  How many reading that, without a second thought, would think that the children of Maya Angelou's graduating class owned a tablet device?  Both tablets are for the same basic need ~communication~ but they are as chalk and cheese in function.  I'd love to know what you think ~ and I know it is just me playing around with words and their meanings ~~~ sometimes I think I need a different kind of tablet to calm me down a bit!  

So, two familiar words, two old friends, "cloud" and "tablet" arrive in the twenty~first century ~~~

Shall we return to the Garden?  Pull on your 'wellibobs' and a shower proof jacket, for there is a gentle rain falling {although much worse is forecast for the coming week ~ let us not go there yet}.  Very little ~~~other than general tidying up and clearing away pots of plants past their best~~~ is happening as the garden winds slowly down into the imminent days of 'official' Autumn just around the corner.  According to different sources, Autumn begins, officially,on different days ~ the Met Office says September 1st, Almanacs and other sources say on the Autumn Equinox on September 23 this year.  The link will take you to a list of equinox and solstice dates and times up until 2020.  I say it begins on that first day when, upon waking, the air feels different ~ the searing heat of Summer is abating and the cooler air of Autumn, with a subtle scent, unique and solely belonging to Autumn, has arrived.  For me, that day usually happens, blissfully, in early August and I just run with it ~~~ 

Courgettes and tomatoes are continuing to yield, and this very morning I came in with my arms filled with six large courgettes ~ not quite the 'dreaded marrow mutants' but well on their way to becoming those monsters that somehow escape detection so, it could well be that, courgette chutney is made in the next day or two.  I do hope so, for I love that during the Winter months, especially in a cheese or nut roast sandwich, or with dishes that contain strongly flavoured cheeses, such as Cheddar or Stilton.  Mmmmmmm ~ hungry now! Although the harvesting continues, the ripening process seems to have slowed down quite rapidly, so I am hoping for the warmer days of an Indian Summer to happen in September or I shall be seeking out a recipe for green tomato chutney too ~~~

Rosy red apples hang on the boughs and are nearly ready for picking ~~~ few things surpass the eating of a freshly picked apple, sweet and juicy, still warm from the Autumn sun that kissed it into ripeness ~~~

Days lie ahead, full of mugs brimming with steaming hot chocolate; lunches and suppers of warming, filling soups and stews that stick to your ribs; sweaters, scarves and hats; my much loved fingerless mittens in gorgeous Fair Isle patterns; leaves of turning colours; stomping through crunchy fallen leaves; searching for conkers; foraging for berries ~~~ oh! how I love blissful Autumn, and just like this, a favourite quote from "Anne of Green Gables" ~~~
"Oh, Marilla," she exclaimed one Saturday morning, coming dancing in with her arms full of gorgeous boughs" 'I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers. It would be terrible if we just skipped from September to November, wouldn't it? Look at these maple branches. Don't they give you a thrill--several thrills? I'm going to decorate my room with them."
Now for a small announcement, for the followers of my Facebook page that is linked to this blog.  With regret, I am closing that page. I have been on an extended Facebook sabbatical for many weeks now and I am finding it increasingly difficult to return, and find time in my days to fit in everything that I must do; therefore, as my Facebook page also no longer meets my writing needs, I will not be posting there in future. I wish to thank those of you who have stayed with me on the Facebook journey, and I know that I will lose followers on Facebook because of this decision, but I truly hope that some of you who follow me there will sign up here instead ~~~ 

Gentle Reader, as I close for today, I am sipping the most delicious Autumn flavoured tea  from my new Emma Bridgewater Woodland Trust mug as I type ~~~ one of life's simple pleasures ~ tea from a special cup or mug ~ remembering that, despite a welcome break today ~~~ 


~~~A Gardener's Work is Never Done~~~






22 comments:

  1. What a lovely, thoughtful post, Debs! Your words paint such wonderful pictures that I didn't even miss the digital images. Autumn in The Shire sounds blissful ~ with crunchy leaves underfoot, snuggly sweaters, mugs of hot cocoa, and bowls of steaming hot soup! Walking out to your garden to pick an apple from your tree sounds especially nice! Your new Emma mug is lovely and lets you hold Autumn in your hands, as you hold it in your heart! Enjoy a relaxing holiday weekend! ♡ Dawn

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    1. Deborah Shire Gardener29 August 2014 at 11:43

      Thank you Dawn! Yes, just a few steps to that fresh picked apple is a simple pleasure, but oh! such a joy. Waving ~~~

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  2. Such a lovely post! Sad to see you go from FB, but totally understand. Posting and sharing should bring you joy, not frustration. Once I figure out how to add a "Blogs I Follow" widget to my new blog, I'll definitely be adding you to it! And, I hope you are able to figure out how to post pics with your new laptop. Because, they are just beautiful and I love seeing them! Waving from across the big, blue ocean! ~ Donna E

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    1. Deborah Shire Gardener29 August 2014 at 11:45

      I am not leaving FB permanently, just for as long as I need to do other exciting things I have planned. I need to get the blog layout sorted and working properly as one of the less exciting plans! Waving ~~~

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  3. Like Donna Elizabeth, I too will miss seeing you on FB. Since I don't blog, Facebook is the primary media I use to keep current with my non-blogging friends; but I have a long list of bloggers I check in with daily as well ... and you WILL be one of them :-) Thanks always for sharing your corner of the world with us.

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    1. Deborah Shire Gardener29 August 2014 at 11:47

      I have had many requests to leave the FB page open to make it easier for people who cannot reach it any other way. As I said earlier, the change is not permanent, just to give me time to take care of other plans. FB is too distracting and disrupts my day badly. So please you are here! Waving ~~~

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  4. Hi Debs: I've been missing you and knew you were reviewing your FB future. Also getting a new laptop is daunting. I don't blame you, though. FB does take time and I still am ambivalent. Sometimes posting. Sometimes not. I will stay in touch here, though, and email as time allows. I love reading your blog and I think I'm signed up will do again just in case. Best of success with your new laptop and ventures! Keep in touch! <3 xoxo

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    1. Deborah Shire Gardener29 August 2014 at 11:49

      Yes, the new laptop is daunting! Two weeks in and I still don't know what I'm doing, and the touch pad is way too frisky for my liking! Do stay in touch. Waving ~~~

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  5. Hello sweet friend... even without your own photos uploaded, I can just picture the glorious Autumn you write of... as you know, it is my favorite Season of all as well... ever since I was a little girl, the First Day of Autumn has always been September 21st... a very special day to me!... so although different sources give it a new and different date, it will always be the 21st to me!... how I would love to see your new Emma mug!... it sounds so wonderful for this time of year, I love all of hers!... I had never heard of her until Susan Branches blog and now I own five of them... oooh, and you speak of apples ripe for picking and eating!... nothing says Fall quite like a crisp juicy apple!... what kind do you have there in Wales?... enjoy these blissful days, looking forward to many new photos!... xoxo Julie Marie

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    1. Deborah Shire Gardener29 August 2014 at 11:51

      Oh, how I wish I knew what my tree is. It was planted by someone else and there is not a label in sight! It is such a delicious fruit, though, perfectly crisp and juicy, not too sweet, not too tart, just like Mary Poppins it is practically perfect! Yes, Emma mugs have a way of finding new homes! Waving ~~~

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  6. Hello Friend!
    I'm so glad you were able to get a new laptop, I know how frustrated you have been with your old one. Although it is a bit frustrating to learn a new machine. I am still getting used to my new sewing machine...so different from my old one.

    Since I don't do Facebook, no problems for me, and I absolutely think you need to do what works for YOU!!!

    I have no doubt that you will figure out how to load your photographs very soon. But your writing is so picturesque...no photos needed! But they are so beautiful so let's add them, okay?! LOL!

    Well, now I know why you haven't answered my e-mails. I'm glad to know you are well and playing with your new laptop. Play on!

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    1. Deborah Shire Gardener29 August 2014 at 11:52

      There you are! Hello Dear Friend! Hope we have sorted out our email issues now ~ such a pain! One coming out to you today. Waving ~~~

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  7. See, I did drop in for a visit! I too loved Anne of Green Gables (all the books) and we seem to share so much in common.

    Re: Facebook. Can't you do just a photo and a few words to nurture the space? It is a good connector to so many thousands of people, some of whom will become your true friends.

    All joys,
    Sharon

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    1. Deborah Shire Gardener29 August 2014 at 11:56

      Due to 'high demand' I have decided to keep the FB page open purely for sharing the blog link for the moment. I'll throw another favourite in to the mix ~~ Tasha Tudor! Waving ~~~

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  8. We have had fall-like weather here in the mid-atlantic states for almost two weeks! But summer is about to return for us starting tomorrow--hot and humid--highs in the 80F. When Autumn does arrive here we will be more than ready for it. I love all the things you listed--especially the soup and sweaters.

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    1. Deborah Shire Gardener29 August 2014 at 11:58

      I'm trying not to think about our weather right now. It is bordering on depressing looking outside! However, Indian Summer is forecast for next week! What a great thing to look forward to. Waving ~~~

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  9. Deb! If it wasn't for Susan Branch and the Friends of Susan Branch FB page, we might not have ever crossed virtual paths! And, I totally understand you decision to release your FB page. I appreciate your strength in making your decision. Those who have followed you will follow you right back here. Stay in touch, girlfriend! xoxo peg

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    1. Deborah Shire Gardener29 August 2014 at 12:00

      Susan is one of the reasons so many of us have crossed paths! She has touched the lives of so many with her wonderful way with words and illustration and she introduced me to the work of Gladys Taber ~~~ will definitely stay in touch! Waving ~~~

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  10. Hello Deborah! It is such a delight to find myself on your sweet blog. I'm not exactly sure how I found my way here...I think I was visiting a friend's blog and saw your blog name so I clicked on it :)

    Anyway, I had a lovely time scrolling through your posts reading your wonderful words. I am a happy new follower and I look forward to visiting again. Enjoy your weekend!

    Hugs, Stephanie - The Enchanting Rose

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    1. Deborah Shire Gardener29 August 2014 at 17:03

      Welcome Stephanie! Thank you for your kind words, I am so happy to see you and welcome you as a new follower. Wishing you a great weekend too! Waving ~~~

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  11. It does feel like autumn is coming, more and more. Even though it got warmer here these last two days, it is still cool in the evening and the leaves have started changing colour.

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    1. Deborah Shire Gardener30 August 2014 at 07:43

      Indeed, Guillaume, and the nights are drawing in, and thoughts turn toward maybe even having to turn the heating on! Still, with an Indian Summer forecast for the coming week, I hope it will be glorious!

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