The shift from summer to autumn has felt so sudden this year, no subtle changes moving from one season to the next… one day summer warmth in the air and then suddenly the next, a bite of cold. Although I find I am not sad. I love the summer, if I love the autumn too. Each season I love until the next arrives, in its arrival I revel in the newness of another turning year. I find myself hoping for hard frosts, so that the dogs can run mud free!!
It really has been so sudden this year here too Emily, but then we really only had six weeks of summer, ordinarily we have at least sixteen and I don't think the ground heat was high enough to withstand the sudden drops in temps - I have shivered through these first two weeks of September!
I too love all the seasons despite my grumblings... even winter has its beauty if we concentrate, what I, or at least my body, complains about is the change over from one to the other. Perhaps this is an age thing but it happens every year - I feel out of sorts, listless and a little adrift, as if I'm hanging in limbo, which I suppose is not so ridiculous really!
Thanks for reading lovely, I'll be hoping for frosts with you! xx
The summer did feel so short this year, like there were just a few days of the heat and sunshine. The first of September was baking hot here (for me anyway!!) as I tried to be a good soccer mum, and then suddenly cold the next. I think it’s the changing of the seasons that I love the most, the memories of what is behind and the anticipation of the next. Particularly autumn, I think. The colours and the freshness of the air, pumpkins and Halloween 🍁🍂
Hoping the logs were ordered and delivered … we’ve escaped the ravages of gales that normally rip through our flatlands. I’m keeping warm by gathering up all the piles of sticks and logs snipped from various trees and bushes … the barn is full of tidy rows, to be burned in order. We’re holding back on lighting the fire and holding to the hope that the forecast increase in temperatures happens as Meteo would have us believe. Currently, sunny and brisk. Stay toasty.
Damn, thank you for the reminder Barrie, (message sent to Pierre 14h45) delivery is set for ten days time which will be just in time for the next cold snap according to my meteo! Today the wind is still very brisk and more than a little chilly if I'm not moving which up until now hasn't been the case.
I remember seeing photos of your neat log stacks, ours are usually anything but, it would be a similar case this year had we not bought a whole uncut oak tree (one of so many blown over in the storms at the beginning of the year) which we then had to section ourselves - it was enormous work to finally reduce it to burnable size logs and so many! We had no choice but to stack it neatly for fear of having no space left for dry log deliveries later.
Sunny but windy here. I’ve just fuelled up with pasta to go and struggle against the headwind for an hour. JoJo is out walking in the woods where there’s less headwind. I finally cleared up the last of the branches left outside after our chestnut was trimmed. Our log pile is a real mix now match this year! Holding off on the fire for now!
Autumn began here two days ago. Marked by a sudden drop in morning and evening temperatures and the need for a jumper and shoes when I kick the dog out for his first wee of the day. The morning smells different too. It's not just the cold, it's the way scents hang differently in cold air.
I love your video snippets, Susie. I could put that pine needle on a loop and watch it all day.
Many thanks Miranda, The mornings do carry a different scent when the temperature drops, more earthy, or is it mossy? Whichever, there is a clarity to them not present in warm air - I marvel often at how warm air carries floral scents more prominently and cool air the scent of soil.
I spend far too many hours in that pine forest, its as if magic spells are cast by the light and the scents forcing me to stay... at least this is the excuse I give to my family when once again the meal is late! Im so glad you enjoyed it! xx
I have succumbed to wearing socks. This means summer is officially over. Last year, according to our Book of Numbers, the temperature we recorded was 28°c. This morning, our thermometer dipped below 10°c and the weather app said 6. The wind is ridiculous for here, usually blocked by mountain and forest, it has been screaming through the village, causing all manner of mayhem, plastic chairs blowing and shattering, branches and leaves here and there, and Ailsa complaining about le vent, le vent ! I try and explain that, when Papa was young, he remembered watching a caravan torn apart and blown past across the field in front of the house, or tales of the chicken shed which disappeared, only to reappear in Norway, chickens still roosting inside... She doesn't really believe me, I think. It's just a little too Dorothy.
Stay warm! I am keeping all fingers, toes, and limbs crossed for a warmer September and October ahead. We shall see.
I'm chuckling to myself here after reading your stories of high winds and flying chicken houses Alex - I believe you! Here on my hill we had a freak wind in November which tore down trees and lifted barn roofs entirely off, it also picked up three of my hens and took them for a ride too! I watched them take off, frantically flapping as chickens do they disappeared into the distance, never to be seen again!
At work on Friday I wore three layers of clothes and a scarf all day - the top layer was a thick woollen jumper - I didn't remove even the scarf all day! The weekend has been similar, the wind is so cold that even the bright days will not entice me back into shorts again and yes, damn it, I had to put socks on too... I feel thoroughly cheated of summer this year!
I think warmer is heading this way, yours too looking at the radar - Ive everything crossed it sticks around til Christmas at least! ;-)
I sometimes wonder if there is a place that all these missing chickens congregate, somewhere fabled amongst all fowl, beyond the rainbow?!
It was very cold this weekend, but at least today has had sunshine. I shall have to have a peek at the radar too, I know my weather app suggests warmer weather to come, but more rain too. I really want to get out to find more fungi, if I can, so at least conditions aren't too bad for this. And cheated is the word! Hmph.
Maybe there is a delightfully, 'happy ending' feathery chicken rave going on somewhere neither humans or wind or predator can reach them Alex! I do hope so - poor things...
I'm counting on at least 24c on Thursday for a fishing outing with my class of CM 1/2
but we already have storm clouds looming here which weren't forecast so I think huge prayers are in order!
Honestly, I think the forecasters have just about given up at this point! My app keeps altering, just about every time I look at it! Still, the general sunnier and warmer trend does seem to be sticking, so shall keep my fingers crossed for a warmer fishing trip for you!
For our end of summer 110+F degrees and dry days have sparked three major fires east of Los Angeles. The wind luckily is nil. Mountain resorts are in jeopardy. Weather can be fickle as people lighting a match.or a spark from power company. Doesn’t take much. Give me 30 seconds of calm. Fresh air to inhale deep.
I do hope you stay safe Richard, that your home is not situated in an area of danger - I watched the wind whip up the flames of forest fires last year, the subsequent devastation was heartbreaking. Perhaps, no definitely, I should be more grateful for these cool damp days 🙏🏼
I will endeavour to post more cooling calm for you - stay safe my friend.
I absolutely love your moments of pine. I am partial to the scent of Eastern Red Cedar, but pine comes in a close second. It is the time of year I begin to cut a few branches for sachets ( mixed with lavender).
“I feel a hint of a smile, I’m still cold but the pleasure is undeniable.”
I’m happy you found delight and gave in to the chill. What choice do we have after all. Would be sad if we started the season with a frown.
Onward to October…
“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?”
Anne of Green Gables~ Lucy Maud Montgomery
( Your Hare drawing is so endearing, I couldn’t help but fall in love).
My favorite American version of Constable Clouds ;
I had a momentary pause to my smile on Friday due the dreaded Virus C leaving its unwanted lethargy again - it has passed quickly though and as I sit here reading your kind comment, I can catch the scent of cedar and lavender sachets and I feel the smile returning.
That great golden ball is smiling back down on me and despite not having its usual warming effects, the feeling is a healing balm. In an hour or so I will walk with my son, no doubt chatter about cars and engines and computer innards, none of which I know the first detail about but it will feel perfect anyway.
October, I'm ready!
Anne of Green Gables was one of those books I read over and over as a young girl, I used to quote this phrase to my mother when she was reprimanding me “It is ever so much easier to be good if your clothes are fashionable.” it never helped and certainly didn't stop her hand sewing our clothes which were never ever fashionable!
Thomas Cole's clouds are equally beautiful Lor, but then aren't all clouds in their own way?
I love that ‘picture’ of you quoting from Anne of Green Gables to your mom. I can relate, some of my skirts were hand me downs, sewn awkwardly to make them shorter and smaller. Mom was the antithesis of a seamstress. I had my own way of displaying my ‘goodness’ with a cute (at least I thought so) demonstration. I would hold my two hands above my head to form one of these 😇. Seriously, I did.
Here, up in the North, the climate catastrophe has orchestrated the exact opposite. It's a late summer, 27 degrees a few days ago, (in September!), and I'm watching the leaves fall in the warm sun. Predictability has packed its bags.
Thank you, I shouldn't be envious of your gloriously hot days when I know they are for reasons far less so, but damn it its cold here! The leaves are falling, still green, unable to cling any longer and I'm left wondering just what colour autumn will actually be? And then, as feckless as the temperature, I think, but grey is so very beautiful too!
I always try to imagine something wonderful to make each season a pleasure Carol, warm socks, a crackling fire, frosty mornings... this year has been a case of fast forwarding a little, as simple as that!
Enjoy, whatever the day brings you I hope it brings you a smile too - thank you for reading x
I love your writing Susie, and can just see those ear tips amongst the wild carrots.
That cold wind blows this far north too. There is an excitement in the air as the new season begins, so early, I yearn to soak up any rays of sunshine before the cold settles in for a long long winter.
I feel more than a little cheated of summer warmth this year Alex, we've had just six weeks of sunny days where usually we would have sixteen and sadly there is no heat here left to soak up now! The North wind has worked hard for too many days, the ground temps have dropped and everything is shivering, wilting and folding leaves.
I am turning towards autumn with a smile but goodness it's been a battle!
I hope you find sunbeams to warm you lovely - thank you for reading xx
We're in the Forest of Dean for a day and it's really cold here too. Last year September was warm and it was mild into October -- the patterns seem so fragile and unpredictable.
Thanks my lovely, it is so many years since we've had cold weather this early in the year its been chilling shock to not only me but all! My fire is lit - again and it admittedly feels so good-!
“I am windswept down the lane with eddies of leaves, that shouldn’t be falling, to the pine forest. Here, for as long as the wind allows, I bathe in the scent of pine needles and damp moss, listen to wind whistling through their tips.” Beautiful.
What a shift. It hasn’t happened where I am yet.
But I, too, will be unsure of how to greet it when the cold comes to chill my bones.
Many thanks Holly, I have to admit to being one of those people who feels completely adrift at the changing of the season, as if I need a week or too to acclimatise. This has hit me like a wrecking ball and I'm still reeling, trying that smile on and taking it off again - Oooph... I'll get there!
I've lit the fire again this afternoon and bread is baking in the oven, that alone is warming.
May your Sunday be perfectly lovely, no matter the weather. X
I’m for sure that way with the cold. I don’t think I was built for cold climes. While I love fires and cozy scarves and hats and watching your breath, cold gets into my bones and makes me a little undone. So, I’ll be reeling on your tales whenever the weather changes in my spot on the map.
It’s one of the reasons I usually head south in the old van come late autumn. I may be unable to this year, so we’ll see how that ends up going. But then there’s hot chocolate and wrapping up in blankets. (Trying to prepare myself.)
Take your time getting there, I say. I think it feels good to be true to where you’re at—smile off again included.
Thank you so much, I shall look forward to reading of your decision enormously.
I envy you your home on wheels Holly, especially knowing from past excursions into the unknown the adventure that awaits and the excitement of deciding where next, the utter freedom - Halcyon days even with the hardships.
Enjoy your preparations, I think this is all part of the change isn't it? Why I have struggled so terribly this year - there was just no time for adjustment;
I can report there has been a dramatic change in the last few days here in Atlanta too. Hurricane winds are blowing up from the coast, but they are just an exhausted whisper by the time they reach us. Still, it’s enough to usher in a feeling of fall.
Thanks as always for taking us to your hill, Susie. I think we can all agree that 30 seconds is simply not enough.
I'm glad to hear those hurricane winds didn't reach you Ben, dramatic changes of temperature are one thing, drama in the form of a hurricane site another!
Thank you for your always much appreciated comments, I shall endeavour to make longer clips of calm!
Oh my word! It was so hot when school started this fall and already, I'm wondering if the heat should be turned on. I listened to your video on my ear buds and it was so strange because it actually sounded like the wind whistling by my ears, which I loved. I could almost feel the breeze in my hair. Wow!! Thanks for sharing. XO
Ahh Danielle, I am so very envious, I was wrapped in so many layers in class on Friday it might as well have been mid winter! If this cold continues I will be taking a hot water bottle with me into classes just to stop the hypothermia!
I exaggerate of course but hell, its mighty cold here for so early in autumn.
I'm so glad to send cool, pine scented breezes your way - enjoy! XOX
Feeling that crisp chill in your beautiful words and video and leaning into the shift. You could write about weather for the rest of your days and I would swoon.
You make me smile with relief Kimberly. Every time I sit down to write I convince myself that I will write about something different, anything but the weather. Of course, it never happens - the weather plays such an enormous role in my life with all things outdoors I suppose it is inevitable which means I get to live it twice! 😂
Thank you for sweet words, the weather has warmed this evening, I may even get to shed a layer of clothes! ;-) xx
I’ve always wondered why some make fun of people who talk about the weather, as if it were the most banal topic. Weather is EVERYTHING if we leave in concert with nature, as any tree, bird or blade of grass will attest.
Now I have a funny vision of a new kind of weather-woman on late night news—she speaks for five minutes drawing connections between species, observations on the impacts weather has on all of us, waxing poetic, maybe even a song or two. An incantation to remind humans of their grand, yet insignificant interconnectedness to all life. Now that’s something I’d gladly tune into!
It is a sad fact in the UK that anyone that can’t find anything more interesting to talk of than the weather is considered uninteresting, or worse. I never forget that but when a life is presented to you that is bound by every good and bad weather imaginable it is not within me to not speak of it - hard though I try. All that to say, I love that you say, weather is EVERYTHING! Bless you xxx
"I am uncertain whether to feel deliciously cosy or simply depressed..." -- my sentiments exactly! We have not turned on the heat yet, but our house benefits from a lot of light exposure which warms it up if there's a bit of sun. I hold out hope for at least some part of October and November!
I have teetered between the two Betty, cosy is lovely, but in winter, not now!
We have managed to refrain from lighting stove again since but I have literally had to keep moving to not be cold - this evening though felt much warmer - at last!
The shift from summer to autumn has felt so sudden this year, no subtle changes moving from one season to the next… one day summer warmth in the air and then suddenly the next, a bite of cold. Although I find I am not sad. I love the summer, if I love the autumn too. Each season I love until the next arrives, in its arrival I revel in the newness of another turning year. I find myself hoping for hard frosts, so that the dogs can run mud free!!
It really has been so sudden this year here too Emily, but then we really only had six weeks of summer, ordinarily we have at least sixteen and I don't think the ground heat was high enough to withstand the sudden drops in temps - I have shivered through these first two weeks of September!
I too love all the seasons despite my grumblings... even winter has its beauty if we concentrate, what I, or at least my body, complains about is the change over from one to the other. Perhaps this is an age thing but it happens every year - I feel out of sorts, listless and a little adrift, as if I'm hanging in limbo, which I suppose is not so ridiculous really!
Thanks for reading lovely, I'll be hoping for frosts with you! xx
The summer did feel so short this year, like there were just a few days of the heat and sunshine. The first of September was baking hot here (for me anyway!!) as I tried to be a good soccer mum, and then suddenly cold the next. I think it’s the changing of the seasons that I love the most, the memories of what is behind and the anticipation of the next. Particularly autumn, I think. The colours and the freshness of the air, pumpkins and Halloween 🍁🍂
Hoping the logs were ordered and delivered … we’ve escaped the ravages of gales that normally rip through our flatlands. I’m keeping warm by gathering up all the piles of sticks and logs snipped from various trees and bushes … the barn is full of tidy rows, to be burned in order. We’re holding back on lighting the fire and holding to the hope that the forecast increase in temperatures happens as Meteo would have us believe. Currently, sunny and brisk. Stay toasty.
Damn, thank you for the reminder Barrie, (message sent to Pierre 14h45) delivery is set for ten days time which will be just in time for the next cold snap according to my meteo! Today the wind is still very brisk and more than a little chilly if I'm not moving which up until now hasn't been the case.
I remember seeing photos of your neat log stacks, ours are usually anything but, it would be a similar case this year had we not bought a whole uncut oak tree (one of so many blown over in the storms at the beginning of the year) which we then had to section ourselves - it was enormous work to finally reduce it to burnable size logs and so many! We had no choice but to stack it neatly for fear of having no space left for dry log deliveries later.
I hope your Sunday is a Sunny one.
Sunny but windy here. I’ve just fuelled up with pasta to go and struggle against the headwind for an hour. JoJo is out walking in the woods where there’s less headwind. I finally cleared up the last of the branches left outside after our chestnut was trimmed. Our log pile is a real mix now match this year! Holding off on the fire for now!
It's finally warmed here Barrie, I may even be tempted to shed a layer of clothing tomorrow!
I hope you won the battle with the headwind, have a good week.
Fingers crossed for some late Summer/early Autumn warmth for you, Susie. Have a great week.
Autumn began here two days ago. Marked by a sudden drop in morning and evening temperatures and the need for a jumper and shoes when I kick the dog out for his first wee of the day. The morning smells different too. It's not just the cold, it's the way scents hang differently in cold air.
I love your video snippets, Susie. I could put that pine needle on a loop and watch it all day.
Many thanks Miranda, The mornings do carry a different scent when the temperature drops, more earthy, or is it mossy? Whichever, there is a clarity to them not present in warm air - I marvel often at how warm air carries floral scents more prominently and cool air the scent of soil.
I spend far too many hours in that pine forest, its as if magic spells are cast by the light and the scents forcing me to stay... at least this is the excuse I give to my family when once again the meal is late! Im so glad you enjoyed it! xx
I feel this in my chilled bones.
I have succumbed to wearing socks. This means summer is officially over. Last year, according to our Book of Numbers, the temperature we recorded was 28°c. This morning, our thermometer dipped below 10°c and the weather app said 6. The wind is ridiculous for here, usually blocked by mountain and forest, it has been screaming through the village, causing all manner of mayhem, plastic chairs blowing and shattering, branches and leaves here and there, and Ailsa complaining about le vent, le vent ! I try and explain that, when Papa was young, he remembered watching a caravan torn apart and blown past across the field in front of the house, or tales of the chicken shed which disappeared, only to reappear in Norway, chickens still roosting inside... She doesn't really believe me, I think. It's just a little too Dorothy.
Stay warm! I am keeping all fingers, toes, and limbs crossed for a warmer September and October ahead. We shall see.
I'm chuckling to myself here after reading your stories of high winds and flying chicken houses Alex - I believe you! Here on my hill we had a freak wind in November which tore down trees and lifted barn roofs entirely off, it also picked up three of my hens and took them for a ride too! I watched them take off, frantically flapping as chickens do they disappeared into the distance, never to be seen again!
At work on Friday I wore three layers of clothes and a scarf all day - the top layer was a thick woollen jumper - I didn't remove even the scarf all day! The weekend has been similar, the wind is so cold that even the bright days will not entice me back into shorts again and yes, damn it, I had to put socks on too... I feel thoroughly cheated of summer this year!
I think warmer is heading this way, yours too looking at the radar - Ive everything crossed it sticks around til Christmas at least! ;-)
I sometimes wonder if there is a place that all these missing chickens congregate, somewhere fabled amongst all fowl, beyond the rainbow?!
It was very cold this weekend, but at least today has had sunshine. I shall have to have a peek at the radar too, I know my weather app suggests warmer weather to come, but more rain too. I really want to get out to find more fungi, if I can, so at least conditions aren't too bad for this. And cheated is the word! Hmph.
Maybe there is a delightfully, 'happy ending' feathery chicken rave going on somewhere neither humans or wind or predator can reach them Alex! I do hope so - poor things...
I'm counting on at least 24c on Thursday for a fishing outing with my class of CM 1/2
but we already have storm clouds looming here which weren't forecast so I think huge prayers are in order!
Honestly, I think the forecasters have just about given up at this point! My app keeps altering, just about every time I look at it! Still, the general sunnier and warmer trend does seem to be sticking, so shall keep my fingers crossed for a warmer fishing trip for you!
For our end of summer 110+F degrees and dry days have sparked three major fires east of Los Angeles. The wind luckily is nil. Mountain resorts are in jeopardy. Weather can be fickle as people lighting a match.or a spark from power company. Doesn’t take much. Give me 30 seconds of calm. Fresh air to inhale deep.
I do hope you stay safe Richard, that your home is not situated in an area of danger - I watched the wind whip up the flames of forest fires last year, the subsequent devastation was heartbreaking. Perhaps, no definitely, I should be more grateful for these cool damp days 🙏🏼
I will endeavour to post more cooling calm for you - stay safe my friend.
Calm cool days arrive.
I absolutely love your moments of pine. I am partial to the scent of Eastern Red Cedar, but pine comes in a close second. It is the time of year I begin to cut a few branches for sachets ( mixed with lavender).
“I feel a hint of a smile, I’m still cold but the pleasure is undeniable.”
I’m happy you found delight and gave in to the chill. What choice do we have after all. Would be sad if we started the season with a frown.
Onward to October…
“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?”
Anne of Green Gables~ Lucy Maud Montgomery
( Your Hare drawing is so endearing, I couldn’t help but fall in love).
My favorite American version of Constable Clouds ;
https://press.philamuseum.org/philadelphia-museum-of-art-to-display-thomas-cole-masterpiece-the-arch-of-nero-in-american-galleries/
I had a momentary pause to my smile on Friday due the dreaded Virus C leaving its unwanted lethargy again - it has passed quickly though and as I sit here reading your kind comment, I can catch the scent of cedar and lavender sachets and I feel the smile returning.
That great golden ball is smiling back down on me and despite not having its usual warming effects, the feeling is a healing balm. In an hour or so I will walk with my son, no doubt chatter about cars and engines and computer innards, none of which I know the first detail about but it will feel perfect anyway.
October, I'm ready!
Anne of Green Gables was one of those books I read over and over as a young girl, I used to quote this phrase to my mother when she was reprimanding me “It is ever so much easier to be good if your clothes are fashionable.” it never helped and certainly didn't stop her hand sewing our clothes which were never ever fashionable!
Thomas Cole's clouds are equally beautiful Lor, but then aren't all clouds in their own way?
I love that ‘picture’ of you quoting from Anne of Green Gables to your mom. I can relate, some of my skirts were hand me downs, sewn awkwardly to make them shorter and smaller. Mom was the antithesis of a seamstress. I had my own way of displaying my ‘goodness’ with a cute (at least I thought so) demonstration. I would hold my two hands above my head to form one of these 😇. Seriously, I did.
Hope you are all better!
Here, up in the North, the climate catastrophe has orchestrated the exact opposite. It's a late summer, 27 degrees a few days ago, (in September!), and I'm watching the leaves fall in the warm sun. Predictability has packed its bags.
Loved your prose again Susie, thanks.
Thank you, I shouldn't be envious of your gloriously hot days when I know they are for reasons far less so, but damn it its cold here! The leaves are falling, still green, unable to cling any longer and I'm left wondering just what colour autumn will actually be? And then, as feckless as the temperature, I think, but grey is so very beautiful too!
Enjoy Jonathan, whatever you are sent, enjoy...
Sweet humor and fine memories if childhood in New England. (Putting socks on… first day of ‘real fall weather’)
I always try to imagine something wonderful to make each season a pleasure Carol, warm socks, a crackling fire, frosty mornings... this year has been a case of fast forwarding a little, as simple as that!
Enjoy, whatever the day brings you I hope it brings you a smile too - thank you for reading x
I love your writing Susie, and can just see those ear tips amongst the wild carrots.
That cold wind blows this far north too. There is an excitement in the air as the new season begins, so early, I yearn to soak up any rays of sunshine before the cold settles in for a long long winter.
Wishing you warmth and comfort 🍃🌲🐇
I feel more than a little cheated of summer warmth this year Alex, we've had just six weeks of sunny days where usually we would have sixteen and sadly there is no heat here left to soak up now! The North wind has worked hard for too many days, the ground temps have dropped and everything is shivering, wilting and folding leaves.
I am turning towards autumn with a smile but goodness it's been a battle!
I hope you find sunbeams to warm you lovely - thank you for reading xx
We're in the Forest of Dean for a day and it's really cold here too. Last year September was warm and it was mild into October -- the patterns seem so fragile and unpredictable.
They are worryingly fragile. and fickle Jan. I try to find rhythm but there is none, the seasons are as adrift as I am it seems...
I hope the Forest of Dean was as mystical and magical as I remember it to be. X
I'm sorry you're having a cold September. I wish you the warmth of a log-burnt fire to heighten your spirits and energies your walk.
Thanks my lovely, it is so many years since we've had cold weather this early in the year its been chilling shock to not only me but all! My fire is lit - again and it admittedly feels so good-!
Many thanks always xx
“I am windswept down the lane with eddies of leaves, that shouldn’t be falling, to the pine forest. Here, for as long as the wind allows, I bathe in the scent of pine needles and damp moss, listen to wind whistling through their tips.” Beautiful.
What a shift. It hasn’t happened where I am yet.
But I, too, will be unsure of how to greet it when the cold comes to chill my bones.
Wishing you coziness, Susie.
Many thanks Holly, I have to admit to being one of those people who feels completely adrift at the changing of the season, as if I need a week or too to acclimatise. This has hit me like a wrecking ball and I'm still reeling, trying that smile on and taking it off again - Oooph... I'll get there!
I've lit the fire again this afternoon and bread is baking in the oven, that alone is warming.
May your Sunday be perfectly lovely, no matter the weather. X
I’m for sure that way with the cold. I don’t think I was built for cold climes. While I love fires and cozy scarves and hats and watching your breath, cold gets into my bones and makes me a little undone. So, I’ll be reeling on your tales whenever the weather changes in my spot on the map.
It’s one of the reasons I usually head south in the old van come late autumn. I may be unable to this year, so we’ll see how that ends up going. But then there’s hot chocolate and wrapping up in blankets. (Trying to prepare myself.)
Take your time getting there, I say. I think it feels good to be true to where you’re at—smile off again included.
Thank you so much, I shall look forward to reading of your decision enormously.
I envy you your home on wheels Holly, especially knowing from past excursions into the unknown the adventure that awaits and the excitement of deciding where next, the utter freedom - Halcyon days even with the hardships.
Enjoy your preparations, I think this is all part of the change isn't it? Why I have struggled so terribly this year - there was just no time for adjustment;
The smile is on today though! X
I can report there has been a dramatic change in the last few days here in Atlanta too. Hurricane winds are blowing up from the coast, but they are just an exhausted whisper by the time they reach us. Still, it’s enough to usher in a feeling of fall.
Thanks as always for taking us to your hill, Susie. I think we can all agree that 30 seconds is simply not enough.
I'm glad to hear those hurricane winds didn't reach you Ben, dramatic changes of temperature are one thing, drama in the form of a hurricane site another!
Thank you for your always much appreciated comments, I shall endeavour to make longer clips of calm!
Oh my word! It was so hot when school started this fall and already, I'm wondering if the heat should be turned on. I listened to your video on my ear buds and it was so strange because it actually sounded like the wind whistling by my ears, which I loved. I could almost feel the breeze in my hair. Wow!! Thanks for sharing. XO
Ahh Danielle, I am so very envious, I was wrapped in so many layers in class on Friday it might as well have been mid winter! If this cold continues I will be taking a hot water bottle with me into classes just to stop the hypothermia!
I exaggerate of course but hell, its mighty cold here for so early in autumn.
I'm so glad to send cool, pine scented breezes your way - enjoy! XOX
Feeling that crisp chill in your beautiful words and video and leaning into the shift. You could write about weather for the rest of your days and I would swoon.
You make me smile with relief Kimberly. Every time I sit down to write I convince myself that I will write about something different, anything but the weather. Of course, it never happens - the weather plays such an enormous role in my life with all things outdoors I suppose it is inevitable which means I get to live it twice! 😂
Thank you for sweet words, the weather has warmed this evening, I may even get to shed a layer of clothes! ;-) xx
I’ve always wondered why some make fun of people who talk about the weather, as if it were the most banal topic. Weather is EVERYTHING if we leave in concert with nature, as any tree, bird or blade of grass will attest.
Now I have a funny vision of a new kind of weather-woman on late night news—she speaks for five minutes drawing connections between species, observations on the impacts weather has on all of us, waxing poetic, maybe even a song or two. An incantation to remind humans of their grand, yet insignificant interconnectedness to all life. Now that’s something I’d gladly tune into!
I think I would love that job!
It is a sad fact in the UK that anyone that can’t find anything more interesting to talk of than the weather is considered uninteresting, or worse. I never forget that but when a life is presented to you that is bound by every good and bad weather imaginable it is not within me to not speak of it - hard though I try. All that to say, I love that you say, weather is EVERYTHING! Bless you xxx
"I am uncertain whether to feel deliciously cosy or simply depressed..." -- my sentiments exactly! We have not turned on the heat yet, but our house benefits from a lot of light exposure which warms it up if there's a bit of sun. I hold out hope for at least some part of October and November!
I have teetered between the two Betty, cosy is lovely, but in winter, not now!
We have managed to refrain from lighting stove again since but I have literally had to keep moving to not be cold - this evening though felt much warmer - at last!
Dare I still dream of that Indian summer? X