Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness

The garden is sporting the last of the roses.... though the peace roses may continue to bloom through September and October.



As the nights are drawing in, the last few butterflies are drifting lazily past the lavender;I cut and dry the seed heads in the airing cupboard; later I usually place the heavily scented seeds in tiny bags - eg those given at hen parties or weddings- so I return them lavender-filled back to the bride or her mum.



Autumn bears fruit in terms of exciting celebrations as wedding invitations have arrived!



























I have bookcrossed 'Telling Tales' by Ann Cleeves (I couldn't put it down) and I have dug right into Alan Titchmarch's 'The Knave of Spades'; I have never really read a gardening book before.....

My friend C is extolling the virtues of her Kindle but I like the weight of a book- this one is a hardback! I enjoy the feel of turning the leaves of a book; the crispness of a new volume as you unstick the page edges; it is solid and holds so much promise as you pick it up from your bedside table and look for your bookmark lurking in the chapters. I can read it even on a sandy beach or where there is no WiFi; I can take it on a holiday and leave it where ever in the world I am; I can give it to a friend or I can Bookcross it leaving it to run wild.



The Ladies were supposed to walk the length of Druridge Bay but exchanged the exercise for relaxation- a picnic amid the sand castles!



Autumn is certainly arriving; the trees are turning yellow; the horse chestnuts are withering copper;there are loads of conkers. Are we in for a hard winter as the trees are laden with berries and fruit; apples glow rosy even on our little tree.



Yet I am surprised at the number of cereal fields still not combined- are farmers trying to give drying out time but keep getting caught out by heavy showers?



D3 and I have brought in OUR harvest though the tomatoes remain on the vines to redden up.

Cliches

Some months ago we attended the Northern Film and Media showing on the big screen of the first of the Vera series starring Brenda Blethyn; the Tyneside Cinema is a favourite haunt especially with a silver screen card! There was, of course, a Q&A (pretentious!? but a very 'in' expression) with a panel of Ann Cleeves (author and dyed in the wool Northumbrian), Brenda Blethyn, the actor who played Joe, the producer and the president of Northern Films and Media; we all enjoyed the film (played spot the location) and free books were given out; I have just finished and bookcrossed 'The Crow Trap'.. Now to start on 'Telling Tales' by the same author.

It's raining
It's pouring
The old man is snoring.......

A week of stotting rain....so a place to visit indoors is the free Norman Cornish exhibition at the Gallery of Northumbria University. Aged 93 and an ex-miner, Norman Cornish captures 1950s and 1960s North East pit villages with terraces of houses, Silver Cross push-chairs,pubs, headscarves and men with whippets and pints..... and he can draw/paint; we all loved his work - being shown till early October.

I am surprised by the people who read my blog; statistics show it is read all over the world; Hi! I am flattered but can I say that if you think I am writing about something you don't like then bear in mind I don't mean to offend anyone but I suppose I could say if the cap fits, wear it; but maybe if you can't stand the heat then don't go into the kitchen so use your mouse to click the weblog off; my blog is my kind of journal and maybe presents my perception of things and reflects emotions such as hurt, anger, pleasure,relaxation and my observations on my surroundings; it is my voice offering my take on things. Everyone is human and therefore not always right in the eyes of others.

I never ever thought I would see in England what I have seen on television this week; as D said to me, " Is this what our parents fought for?" Pointless riots and looting- stealing and thuggery.