Autumn waning . . .

  

The trees at this season are the very best example to us of the science of composting.  Although the falling leaves to all intents and purposes appear to be dead, they are not to go to waste . . .  nature's economic system wastes nothing . . .

The leaves, rotting down into the earth, will change their structure, form and substance, becoming a rich mould, nourishing soil around the parent tree and forming a fertile bed for the coming seed to germinate in.  What seems like decay is really only a phase in the eternal round of transmutation and renewal.

Can you smell it happening?  I can . . . this late October smell of decaying leaf and damp . . . it is the smell of dormant renewal . . .



The dry leaves flutter from the branches, but the roots remain  . . .  the living roots from which one day in the not too far future, sap will rise again in an act of resurrection, an awakening.  There will be an Easter morning when the birds will sing . . .   a rhapsody of Spring up in the blossomed branches overhead, and daffodils will push their heads up where now the leaves lay dead and rotting . . . the eternal round beginning once more  . . .

Drifting mist and burning bush along the garden path.   Blue smoke rising from chimney through soft and silvery haze . . .

 

Webs sparkle and dance with autumn rain upon the spangled hedges, with wisps of gauze upon the lawn.  Dying roses wan and lovely in the grey dawn.  A white birch weeps with sighing, dancing leaf, whilst small birds sweetly flute, heedless of the tree's quiet grief . . .

"Now stir the fire and close the shutters fast,
Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa round,
And while the bubbling and loud-hissing urn
Throws up a steamy column, and the cups,
That cheer but not inebriate, wait on each,
So let us welcome peaceful evening in."
~Wm Cowper, from The Winter Evening

  

Don't forget to put your clocks back one hour tonight. (If you live in the UK that is.)   I don't think anyone objects to an extra hours sleep do they?  I am not overly fond of these time changes.   They mess with my sleep patterns and it takes me a while to adjust.  I wish they would just leave it the same all year round, instead of playing with our time . . .

Have you got your treats in for all of your trick or treaters?   I have.  I want to buy a pumpkin however and carve it to put out front.   Todd is in opposition, but I miss having the carved pumpkin.  My sister's partner does several and makes it all spooky outside the house for Halloween.   He sits out there in a chair at the side of the lawn with his bowl of candy waiting for the trick or treaters.  He is a fun guy.    There is the same difference in age between myself and him as there is between Todd and I, except in the opposite direction.  In truth he is not much older than my oldest son.   Yes, he is my sister's toy boy, more power to her and so very good to both her and my mother.   We have never met, but I love him anyways because of the care he gives to them both.

 

I am not sure I could stand sitting outside with a bowl of candy this time of year.   Brrr . . . I know for sure Todd couldn't.  We will wait hopefully inside the lounge with the lights down low and bowl of candy ready.   Last year we had about 10 children.  Perhaps if I have a pumpkin lit this year we will get more.

And with that I will leave you with a thought for today  . . .



 The Tree 

I am your friend, your needs I meet,
I am the floor beneath your feet,
I am the beam that takes the strain,
I am the door against the rain.

I am the peg, the post, the tub,
I am the oar, the bat, the club,
I am the stick for summer days,
I am the log for winter's blaze.

I am the altar of the Lord,
I am the sacramental board,
And at last on earth's brown breast
I hold you in your place of rest.
~Unknown 

 

Cooking in The English Kitchen today  . . .  French Toast Crumble.  Delicious!

Have a great Saturday and weekend, whatever you get up to! Be safe and don't forget . . .


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And I do too!!