Is It Too Early?

Hello friends,

Warning: This post is photo heavy!

I bet you think I'm going to ask how early is too early for Christmas? Well, that's not my question. My question is, how early is too early to start decorating for Autumn? aka Fall if you live in America.

Meteorological Autumn begins in a few days on September 1st, while Astronomical Autumn is recognised as starting on the Autumn Equinox around the 22nd of September, this year on Saturday 23rd September, and ending on Friday, the 22nd of December with the Winter Solstice.

Those of you who know me well know that, although I love and honour all the seasons, Autumn is my favourite. I don't know why I love it so much. Maybe it's because I'm an October baby. Who knows? I love everything about it.  Even the bad weather!  I love the warmer layers of clothing. I love the softer lighting as the sun slips slowly lower in the sky. I love mittens and fingerless gloves, scarves and woollen hats. I love wrapping up warmly. I loved going out for long walks on frosty days. I loved stomping through crisply crunchy fallen leaves. I love closing my curtains on the darker evenings. I love the changing smells that waft from the kitchen. I love bringing out my blankets from storage and draping them on the sofa and chairs ready to use as the nights become more and more chilly. I love candles. I love hot chocolate. I love pumpkins. I love the wind, as it howls in the chimney. As long as everyone stays safe, I even like the sturdy winds that come with the Autumn storms.  I love watching Hallmark Christmas movies on the television.

So that raises the question. how soon is too soon to begin decorating for Autumn? Can I do it now, or should I wait until Astronomical Autumn in a few more weeks? Well, I think I already know the answer to this question. A few bits and pieces might start making their way out slowly; I won't go for the full on Autumn just yet, but it won't be long!

Here are a few photos of some decorating from previous years.

We mustn't forget the pumpkins!

I am rather fond of pumpkins. Of all sorts of pumpkins. You'll notice my handle is Rustic Pumpkin.  I have just put together an assemblance of these photos to have a calendar for next year, every photo will be a pumpkin!

So my friends,

Until next time.

Stay safe. Stay well.

Debbie xx 

Pumpkins Galore!

Hello friends!

Warning. If you don't like pumpkins, look away now!!!

Once again, it's Autumn and pumpkin season is upon us. My friend owns a sunflower farm, which at this time of year becomes a pumpkin patch farm. I'll be putting a link in later if you're able to go, but I know for most of you will it will be impossible.  I'm sure you'll find your own wonderful attractions near where you are.

Imagine my delight to be able to photograph some freshly harvested local grown pumpkins on a warm Autumn afternoon. I jumped at the opportunity. Those of you who know me well, know I have a bit of a thing about pumpkins. The more patterns and the gnarlier, the better!!  These are beauties. The varieties here are: Turks Turban, Harvest Moon, Sweet Lightning, Harlequin, Crown Prince, Casparita, and Kabocha.  

Could anything be more versatile? Firstly, you decorate with them. Secondly, in my case, you paint them. And thirdly, you eat them, turning them into delicious soup, stews, breads, pies, risotto. And more. My friend says they make excellent crisps, or chips depending which side of the Atlantic you're on!

Before I forget, here's the link to the Facebook page, which has all the details if you are in the area and wish to visit.  Pembrokeshire Pumpkin Farm.  There's loads of seasonal attractions. A haunted barn. A hay bale trail. And other things to do besides picking out beautiful pumpkins to decorate or eat.

Here are my photos. The first batch are taken with my Panasonic. DMC FZ45. The second batch which follow that are all square are taken on my phone.

Taken with my phone

Well, my friends, I hope you've enjoyed the trip around the pumpkins. I hope to get more photographs again. There are long lasting fruit and it's nice to take advantage of the different levels of sun light at this time of year. Also, they'll be popping up in my seasonal decorations, which I'll share later.

How do you like to use pumpkins? Do you use them just for decorating or purely for culinary purposes? Do you have a favourite recipe? Are you like me? Your pumpkins will be decorating your home from now until the end of November. I'd love to know.

Until next time. 
Stay safe, stay well.

Debbie.