It has been a quiet week for me. I have felt grateful for this, as last weekend went by far too quickly and I really cannot remember accomplishing very much at all. I made four more jars of blackberry and elderberry compote, and a batch of flapjack but I think that might have been it.
The gloomy, damp days continue but the road gritter, which drove past me on my way to work this week, signalled much colder weather ahead.
I think it's time for me to be making some firm Christmas plans. Gifts are being sourced occasionally, as and when inpspiration hits, and I already have a few bits and pieces in the cupboard. But I often do this. I get lulled into a false sense of security that I have everything in hand, when in actual fact I find myself rushing around with just a week or so to go, which is not something I enjoy. Much as I don't like starting to plan too early, I also don't like being last minute. I have booked the train tickets for our weekend away, at least, so that's one less thing to worry about. And I'm really looking forward to it, as it will be our first trip away in ages. I'll need to dust off my suitcase.
Here, the trees look very bare now. Many autumn leaves lie fallen on the ground, and once vibrant colours are fading into dirty brown mulch. Still, they are beautiful in their own way. It is as though the earth is gradually winding down into it's long winter's sleep. It won't be long before I'm eagerly checking the forecast for signs of snow.
It feels to me like it's almost time. Time to offset the gloom with sparkle, fairy lights and festive magic. Candles that lend a warm glow to a room, hot mulled cider, and cosy woollen blankets draped over sofas.
J. X
I know what you mean about the days being gloomy and damp. Here we have had several very misty starts and days where it's never really been proper daylight, although there's also been the odd sunny day here and there too. I'm afraid I won't be eagerly checking the forecast for snow though, I hate the stuff :( I hope you enjoy your weekend away, whenever it is, and I'll look forward to seeing some great photos after the event :)
ReplyDeleteIt has been so very dark. Even the security light I have in the hallway has stayed on most days this week.
DeleteI think the reason I get excited about snow these days is that I no longer need to drive for my work. X
Lovely photos, it's been pretty gloomy weather here too, I've read that it's going to get colder this coming week with a chance of snow. I am ahead of the Christmas game for once and hoping for a more relaxing December.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maggie. I think bright and cold is far nicer than damp and gloomy.
DeleteI don't think I've ever been completely organised for Christmas :)
Hi Jules, you have captured the feel of the season so well in both your words and pictures, your blog is truly a little gem m’dear
ReplyDeleteThank you, John. It's great to see you posting again. X
DeleteYes, thoughts are definitely turning to comfort foods and cozy clothing!
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are never far away from comfort foods :)
DeleteSeems we sshall need cosy woollen blankets next week/
ReplyDeleteStay warm, Pat. X
DeleteThe leaves might be fading, but, the scenery is still very beautiful! I am waiting until Thanksgiving is over to start on the Christmas decorations. :)
ReplyDeleteNot long to wait now, Bless. I usually wait until the first week in December. At least I am organised with the Advent chocolates, for once. X
DeleteThat is a bad sign of things to come when the gritters are about. Your photos are lovely as always, I do like autumn.
ReplyDeleteThey are a common sight around here. I just didn't expect to see one this week. X
DeleteJules...if you ever discover a miscellaneous 'lump' under one of your blankets on a sofa in your cosied up room it could well be me! The image in my mind is one of cosy warmth and happiness. Oh and some mulled cider wouldn't be wasted either. x
ReplyDeleteYou'd be more than welcome to a space on the sofa here, Jackie. I'll just get the cider...and perhaps some chocolates. X
DeleteOh yes...mustn't forget the chocolate! x
Delete:)
DeleteDefinitely candle time and fairy lights and wood fires. Your photos are so evocative of the season. I can almost smell the earthy goodness from here. Bet you’re looking forward to that trip away. Planning haphazard here too although the family were discussing Christmas last night. Something to look forward to. B x
ReplyDeleteI think we are all in need of a more traditional Christmas this year. X
DeleteSuch glorious scenery even though those winderfully rich Autumna colours are starting to fade.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited about your upcoming trip, you deserve a break after the sadness you've had to endure lately.
As neither of us like Xmas we tend to avoid it as much as possible but, in a state of inembriated magnamity, I only went and invited a friend and his mum over for Xmas dinner when I was in Spoons last weekend - god help us! xxx
Thank you, Vix. Your new dresses are such lovely autumnal shades, I'm rather envious.
DeleteOh my! I never thought I would see the day. Get the sprouts on now :)
Yes, the leaves seem to have dropped all at once and the trees are just about bare now. Although it's been rather gloomy, it's been quite mild for the time of year, but we're forecast much cooler temperatures from tomorrow onwards. I still haven't done much in the way of preparations for Christmas, I really need to get my act together as I don't want to be at the last minute.
ReplyDeleteI don't like last minute preparations and the feeling of being rushed. I'm sure most of it is down to the uneccessary pressure we put on ourselves to make sure everyone has a wonderful time. X
DeleteWhat I find difficult is trying to negotiate this gloomy weather whilst trying to think ahead regarding gifts etc - I would love to say 'I made them' but I know I won't have the time or energy.
ReplyDeleteThat would be wonderful, but it certainly won't be happening here either :)
DeleteI loved the leaf and I just lost myself in the last photo for a while. I'm afraid our days are damp and gloomy too although the sun shone here for a while today until I'd finished my last two cakes and was ready to do a bit in the garden when it started to rain. C'est la vie.
ReplyDeleteI posted the last photograph to my Instagram account, when I realised I had captured the exact same image just twelve months earlier, while walking the exact same route. I am a creature of habit. X
DeleteYes, the leaves are falling and fading fast now and December will soon be here! EEK!
ReplyDeleteBut your photographs are always a joy to see.
Your trip sounds good, enjoy it.
All the best Jan
Thank you, Jan. The days are flying by just now. X
DeleteYes, that's what I'm doing. I've got the beeswax candles lit, a roaring fire going, and made a cup of hot tea. Your photos are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds wonderful. X
DeleteHi Jules. It seems that most of the leaves have faded away here where we are. This past Thursday was an extremely windy day and that took care of a lot of them. Now, it seems they are piled up along the sidewalks and need to be cleaned up. That's so exciting to hear that you have a trip away planned - something fun to look forward to. We've mostly done day trips only over the past year and half, but it would be nice to pull our suitcases out for a getaway - hopefully soon. I've hung two strands of fairy lights this weekend and they are making me very happy. Hope you are having a very nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteThere are piles of leaf drifts at the sides of the lanes here but they are beginning to break down now.
DeleteI love your idea of just a few fairy lights. I might just hang some myself this next week. X
It's good to have the time to do nothing much, how nice it is to just have a day to yourself and nothing pressing to do. Yes the tree's are almost bare here now I'm not looking forward to the colder months. It's great that you have a trip planned something to look forward to. Have a lovely Sunday. xx
ReplyDeleteI always think this time of year lends itself rather well to days of doing nothing much. X
DeleteLately, I find myself wishing autumn and winter didn't include the frenzy of Christmas preparations. I'd love to just hunker down and get all cosy without the interruption of having to think about things and write lists. It's definitely a quieter affair than it used to be though, which I'm grateful for in one way, yet not in another. xx
ReplyDeleteI try my hardest to avoid the frenzy. I purposefully attempt to seek out a simpler, more cosy way of celebrating and yet, somehow, I still finish up by putting too much pressure on myself :) X
DeleteIt is fairy light time of year, isn't it? My solar ones on the apple tree are recharging again now that the tall meadow grass around it has been cut down. I'd like another string or two for the pear and plum tree, maybe something for my own wish list. I often struggle with the gloom in November. Once used to it, I find it easier. Very exciting to go on a trip soon!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! And I need to do something about it this week. X
DeleteHello Jules, beautiful autumnal photos. Oh dear, I too have a cupboard stash luring me into a false sense of security. It is usually a bit more full by this point though :0 I always say I'll make more presents, but then don't get time, and have a last minute panic, spending more than I'd intended to! Here here for cider, snuggly blankets and fairy lights. All super ideas xXx
ReplyDeleteI need a moment or two to take a look through my 'stash', well away from prying eyes. X
DeleteHi.I have been so busy with dog walking and cat sitting I'v hardly been home at all these last few weeks.Something always crops up when I think I'v got a day or half to myself.Today I do acually have the whole day to myself.I am making cards to help me relax.we have had all weather lately too.Love your tranquil photos they always make me feel better.Take care thinking of you.xx Hugs xx
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a wonderful way to relax. I've never tried making my own cards before. Yours always look so beautiful. Xx
DeleteHi Jules, your autumnal photos and descriptions are beautiful. Summer is on its way here in New Zealand and it is already getting hot and humid. I envy you your cooler weather. Christmas lights and decorations in winter are so pretty, whereas here they get lost in the bright sunlight. Oh to have some snow! :o) Hugs, Rose x
ReplyDeleteDecorations do appear rather more magical against a wintry backdrop. I do hope we get some snow this winter, I would love to be able to send some your way. X
Delete