The nights are closing in. The season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is upon us. The swallows departed for Africa a few weeks ago. Spider webs are showing up with the low angle of the suns rays - lawns and woodlands covered by a quilt of spiderweb lace. Chestnuts are falling from their spikey green casing - bright and shiny like glowing mahogany. The squirrels and mice are gathering in nuts in every shape and form for winter reserves. Up in the woods the ground smells of damp warm earth and mushrooms.
I have been preparing for the winter. It feels like I am cleaning up my nest. Throwing out the old stuff that can go now the summer is over. Dusting and clearing away the clutter that gathers as a natural part of being alive. Books and clothes and shoes. I keep mentioning the angle of light but it really does help reveal the dusty dirty corners and helps me prepare my home for the approaching winter months. I've been cleaning spider and fly excrement which shows up as tiny dark spots on light bulbs & skirting boards. My little buddies, the lady birds have been returning in their droves and lining up to naturally insulate my home, hiding themselves in all the nooks and crevices around my window frames and lining my curtains. The grape harvest has begun to be ready for harvest. 2021 will not go down as a good vintage for British wine. A year of low sunlight levels and late frosts. A wet summer leading to loss from mould for Albury's organic vineyard.
I had to leave my place for a few nights at the beginning of the month because there was filming going on at Loseley. I went over to stay at Wotton House and learnt more about the Evelyn family. Another spectacular country house situated high up in the Surrey Hills with miles and miles of woodland to explore. The family that owned the house made their money selling gunpowder. As we approach November 5th and Bonfire night I wonder if they were part of the gunpowder plot? A Catholic family protesting the forced Protestant regulations.
I enjoyed being in a different place but the best thing was coming home to sunshine and a Mercedes Pagoda parked in the garage - part of the filming.
The year is turning and the angle of sunlight makes the courtyard a very attractive place to be. It is bright and warm at this time of year. The studio of my flat is flooded with light. I feel inspired to paint and create.
I am seeing Bronwyn the Barn Owl hunting at dawn and dusk and enjoying her white floating presence hovering over the pasture looking for mice.
I sit and watch the sun lowering through the arch, outlining the great big cedar tree as it falls below the horizon.
Thankful for Autumn and another year in this beautiful place.
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