Good morning! Okay, so I realise that autumn is only two weeks away now, but I'm not quite ready for pumpkins and crunching leaves just yet. Instead, I'm clinging on to what is left of our summer. And what a fantastic summer it has been, this year.
Over the last few weeks we've been relishing the sunny days. A visit to the sunflower field, pony trecking on the fellside and swimming in the lakes. I never take for granted the beautiful area which I get to call home.
As we move towards autumn the weather has become much more changeable. We've had plenty of rain, but it has still been pleasantly warm. Yesterday, I cut the grass and began tidying the garden in preparation for the colder months. When I did this last year, it made a huge difference when spring arrived, as I had much less work to do in order to get it looking nice for the summer. I've also bought some bulbs - tulips and alliums - which I will plant some time during the next few days.
This time of year often takes on a rhythm of its own. Mid August is when the shortening daylight hours become more noticeable. Then it's shopping for new shoes, ironing uniforms, and getting bags ready in anticipation of the new school year. Blackberries have been gathered, beetroot is pickled, and our weeks become structured and routine, once more.
So far, work is going well for me. I'm enjoying my new role, and I'm sure that I'll find my feet more as time progresses. And although Lily was a little anxious about returning to school, she has realised it is much the same as last year, only in different classrooms :)
I apologise for being absent from this space and for not being able to leave comments on your blog posts, either. My laptop decided it was all a bit too much, so I had to order a new one. Two weeks after the promised delivery date, I was still waiting, and with no indication of another date, I gave up and cancelled my order. The store has yet to refund me, but in the meantime, I've reset my ancient laptop again - fingers crossed. It is working for the time being, but you never know.
Back soon.
J. X
I am holding on to Summer, it was lovely here yesterday, colourful blooms in the garden, laundry dried on our lines. I have the last of our beetroot to pickle for the cooler months.
ReplyDeleteIt's turned much cooler here, Marlene, so it's almost time for me to sort out the garden properly. I've cut off the sunflower head to dry it out and give the seeds to my friend. X
DeleteI'm always sad when summer comes to an end so I'm still clinging on too. It sounds like you've packed so much into your summer this year, it's always nice to get out when the weather's good. I love that photo of all the sunflowers.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm just like you, Jo. I'm often mournful at summer's end. Still, I'm looking forward to autumn, but the colder months can be dark and long here. Xx
DeleteIt can be a slightly melancholy time of year but you have found joy in late summer. The sunflowers and blackberries look wonderful. I hope your laptop keeps working for you:)
ReplyDeleteYes, the darkening evenings have that affect. Hopefully we can expect some bright autumn days during the coming months. Xx
DeleteI hope Lily's return to school was okay in the end! I hate the end of Summer and am counting the days till I'm swimming in the Aegean in 30 degree heat!
ReplyDeleteThose sunflowers are gorgeous and our freezer is crammed with raspberries and blackberries! xxx
I didn''t pick as many blackberries this year, as I don't have a large enough freezer.
DeleteLily's doing great. Thanks, Vix.
Xx
Oh look at those sunflowers.So vibrant. Hope your laptop rights itself. Mine is very old so I use my phone to blog these days. X
ReplyDeleteI remember when you went to the sunflowers. Have you been back since?
DeleteI can just about manage to post using my phone, but I prefer to read and comment on my laptop. It's 15 years old, so is doing okay, considering :)
We have had a fantastic Summer this year. The sunflowers and blackberries look amazing. We have started some tidying in the garden but no bulbs planted yet and they may have to wait awhile. Best wishes to Lily. I hope it is a good year for her.
ReplyDeleteIt has been lovely, hasn't it. It felt good to have a long spell of sunshine, especially after last year had been rather rainy.
DeleteThank you, Beverley. Lily seems to have settled in well. Xx
Summer is not one of my favourite seasons, I much prefer Spring and Autumn.
ReplyDeleteYou have shared beautiful photographs ... especially the sunflowers and delicious looking blackberries.
Pleased that back to school went well for Lily.
The grandchildren are back at school now with two of them starting sixth form!
Goodness they are growing up so quickly.
It's always a pleasure to spend time with them and hear their news.
Wishing you a happy month of September.
My good wishes.
All the best Jan
I am looking forward to autumn. But I'm already missing the long, freedom filled days of summer, which is why I try to make the most of them while they're here :)
DeleteSixth Form! Wow! That went quickly.
Happy September, Jan. Xx
OK. You know my love of fall is never ending, however, your photos make me want to hang on to summer a bit more! Your sunflower photos are stunning, and freshly picked blackberries are one of my very favorite things. Prayers for a happy and healthy school year. Have a cozy week ahead, my friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Billie Jo. And my very best wishes to you and Flynn as you start Sophomore Year. X
DeleteLovely pictures of your late summer days. It's still definitely summer over here! I'm glad, though, because I don't like the weather turning cold. I'm glad that Lily has adjusted well to being back at school. I hope your computer keeps working for you. Have a lovely week.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bless. It's been a wonderful summer, but as I type this, the heating has just turned on. The mornings are turning much cooler now. Xx
DeleteI'm enjoying the transition from summer to autumn now. Leaves are starting to pool in golden swathes here and the trees are taking on their autumn colours.
ReplyDeleteI know, I really shouldn't complain. Summer hs been lovely this year, and the scenery here is just beautiful in the autumn. Xx
DeleteWhat gorgeous pics Jules! That sunflower literally brings joy to my heart. It's my special flower since our wedding last year, and that field is stunning! Yes, I am still clinging to the parts of summer I may get time yet to enjoy. But I'm also treasuring all that Fall will bring as it's my very favorite. :) I pray for a safe and fun school year ahead....for continued goodness with your work position...and that your frustrating computer issues are resolved soon!! 🙏🏻💗
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carrie. Sunflowers are such beautiful and cheery flowers. I'm saving my sunflower's seeds for a teacher friend, who will use them in her class next year.
DeleteThe issue with my lap top is that it's just soooo old :) Fingers crossed I'll manage to get a new one very soon. Xx
It's the best summer I have ever known Jules.
ReplyDeleteIt has definitely been a good one, Dave. X
DeleteBeautiful scenery! Your summer sounds wonderful :) Those pesky laptops! Mine started to die and I just stuck in a drawer, where it still sits. I guess I should do something with that :) Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debbie. Yes, technology is great when it works properly :)
DeleteI always enjoy your blog and your photos. The blackberries look delicious. I am trying to spend as much time as possible outside as the season starts to shift here too. We haven’t had a great summer here. So many forest fires with smoke from the fires putting our air quality at a risk level. Having said that though many had a far worse time being evacuated from their homes. I am starting to think of moving sweaters from drawers into my wardrobe and making soups. My sympathies with the laptop, my ipad was giving trouble but I had it checked out and fortunately it’s hanging in there. Jean in Winnipeg
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jean. That's very kind of you to say. I'm sorry you've not had the best summer where you are. There have been quite a few forest fires here, as well. But nothing quite like on the scale of yours.
DeleteWe've been very fortunate to enjoy some lovely sunny days, this year. I like to make the most of them, as the colder months can be incredibly wet and gloomy here. And I find the weather really begins to take it's toll by the time January comes around.
I'm keeping my fingers firmly crossed we get some bright, fresh autumn days. Xx
Good to have your post. Computers are fickle things. All the good things about late summer in your post. B x
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara. This laptop is simply too old now :(
DeleteHow beautiful these pictures are. Just makes me want to be right there having a picnic at those spots.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Chrissy. We've enjoyed many picnics, this summer. Xx
DeleteYour photos are absolutely gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. Xx
DeleteFantastic photos... I love summer and always want to capture it.
ReplyDeleteBut I have to say, winter with its snow and sun is also one of my favorites.
A hug for you and thank you for your great photos.
Viola
Thank you, Viola. I do love winter when we get the snow. It's just that it's often wet and gloomy here. Xx
DeleteThe sunflowers are so cheery, and those blackberries look delicious - they’re my absolute favorite! It sounds like you’ve had a wonderful summer, which is a blessing in these up-and-down days. We haven’t had rain for several weeks, I don’t think we’ll have a beautiful Fall. It seems like everything is simply turning brown - but there is a prediction for lots of cold and heavy snow this winter - I’m ready to be snowed in away from the heat! Enjoy your weekend it’s always terrific to see what you’ve been up to!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely comment, Mary. I've been really busy at work lately, so blogging has, unfortunately, taken a back seat. I'm hoping to catch up over the weekend.
DeleteThis last week, it's done nothing but rain here. It's been constant, with lots of localised flooding at times, but I read somewhere that we are predicted a beautiful autumn. Fingers crossed. I love when we get to enjoy the seasons exactly how they are meant to be. X
There’s nothing quite so cheerful as a field full of sunflowers. I saw some on my train journey to work last week and it instantly brought a smile to my face. I totally understand how this time of year falls into a routine and a rhythm. I quite like it, an antidote to the chaos of summer. Thank you for stopping by my blog. Xx
ReplyDeleteOh Autumn has well and truly arrived here, though the past two days have been glorious most of the month was pretty horrendous and we appreciated just how angry the great Atlantic Ocean can get! X
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had a wonderful summer, Jules. Sorry about your laptop. I just bought some plump, juicy blackberries at Vons. They look like the fresh ones in your photo.
ReplyDelete