Settling into Autumn 🍂

 

Over the last few weeks, I've been allowing myself the time to adjust to the changing seasons, and spending as much time as I can outdoors. And apparently, feeling unsettled IS an actual thing. The change of light, temperature and routine can affect our nervous systems. Who knew? Although, it does make perfect sense, now that I think about it. 

And, of course, there has been an abundance of beautiful, 'proper' autumn weather. Bright sunshine, cool, and a little breezy. The leaves are strewn across the lanes and pathways, displaying all their glorious autumn hues. 

And golden hour hits differently at this time of year. The light is just stunning. 

It isn't yet cold enough to be wearing my gloves, but I did feel the need for my woolly hat when we visited the pumpkin patch, just the other week. We had a lovely time searching for the perfect pumpkins. And there were so many to choose from. The field was completely full! 

There were pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. We chose just three. A large one, a medium one and a small one. Unfortunately, the medium one didn't quite survive the journey home...

...so I turned it into a rather tasty pumpkin and lentil curry. I am all about embracing comfort food, this autumn.

The remaining two pumpkins have been kept cool and dry and should still be okay for carving later this week.

We enjoyed a really lovely morning at Acorn Bank, where we sampled some of the many apples that grow in the orchard there. My new favourite is the Egremont Russet, which has an intense, sweet flavour. A pleasant contrast from some of the the bland, tasteless offerings I've been buying from the supermarket lately.

I've also been fortunate to have been given a large bag of apples from my friend's orchard, which is the reason why I've probably eaten far too many crumbles recently. I also baked a really delicious apple and cinnamon cake, which didn't last very long.

During this last week, I've been able to complete a few more crochet squares for my blanket. Even though my progress is slow, crochet is a good way of keeping myself occupied, when I wake up early in the morning. That said, I really would much prefer being able to sleep later than 5am!

In other news, my job role is changing. Yes, again! I have now been asked to take on, full-time, the role which I have been covering on a part-time, temporary basis for the last six months. I've had to give it very careful consideration, as it will mean a permanent change from the position I have been working in, and loved, for many years. But things have changed, and there are certain aspects of my work which I'm no longer enjoying as much as I did previously. So, now I'm looking forward to this next chapter, and to fully embracing this new challenge. 

Back soon.

J. X