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Sunday 31 October 2010

Thoughts on Autumn

Dear Blog, Well, here I am finding myself feeling all inspired again this morning.  I know, I know, this was supposed to be a day off, but at my age, you have to get these things down before you forget them.  Perhaps I'll have tomorrow off instead.
Well, the clocks went back here last night, and I have a feeling that this is going to be a very long day, as I was up at 7 a.m. this morning (8 a.m. really, if you see what I mean!).  This means that, this evening, it's going to be getting dark pretty early, especially as it's quite a dreary day out there at the moment. 
I never used to like Autumn, but, as I've gotten (is that a word?!) older, I find that I really do appreciate the beauty of it all, with all the wonderful colours all around us.  I intend to make the most of it before "the autumn leaves start to fall" (now there must be a song there somewhere!!).  I was out in my dressing gown this morning taking some photoes of the garden, which I thought I would share with you.  It obviously looks at its best during May/June/July time, but thought you might like to see it anyway.

You will see that I am trying to keep some colour, by planting up winter flowering pansies in the tubs and hanging baskets.  There is a large country house nearby and, every year, in their stunning garden, they hold an exhibition of work by local artists.  I bought the cockerell last summer for my husband's birthday.  It looks stunning when the sun is shining on it.

Anyway, going back to autumn, I love to make the house all warm and cosy, with the table lamps on and lots of candles glowing.  In a while, when it starts to get really cold, we will light the log fire (I love the smell!) and will be in our own little cocoon. 
Another reason why I'm liking this autumn in particular is that, last year, I lost a very close friend through cancer.  We always spent a lot of time together, going on our coastal walks and hitting the shops whenever the new season's clothes arrived.  We also had lots of lovely holidays together, and I miss her very much.  I guess, Doreen, that I should dedicate this blog to you.  There, now I'm typing this with tears in my eyes.  Anyway, I'm sure you will realize that I am just feeling lucky to be alive and to be here to appreciate this new season.
Well dear Blog, I think that's about it for today.  Wonder if we will find any new friends?
in memory of my dear friend Doreen - may light perpetual shine upon you


22 comments:

Gawgus things... said...

Have tears in my eyes now too... x

SkippyMom said...

What a sweet tribute to Doreen. She sounds like a lovely lady. Hugs my friend.

Southhamsdarling said...

Wait til you read tomorrow's Blog, Gawgus things....! x

Southhamsdarling said...

Thank you SkippyMom - appreciate that.

LindyLouMac said...

You are right blog when the mood takes you, this post was absolutely at the right time for you. I empathise completely with you, as losing close friends to cancer is something we have also experienced. I love the collage and the cockerel, I want him :)

BB said...

This...what gorgeous pictures. I love to admire gardens because I have a black thumb and don't even attempt anything anymore. Although I can grow my annual amaryllis. just stick bulb in water in a winder and watch it grow. my kind of garden!!!

Sorry to hear about your friend. Great way to remember loved ones is to write about them.

And I see you've gained a couple more new followers! I'm so glad for you. You write beautifully!

Southhamsdarling said...

Appreciate your comments LindyLou, and that is what I shall do in future - blog when the mood takes me! I'm doing it for pleasure, so no point in making it a chore after all! Losing friends is not nice - makes you realize just how fragile life is. The cockerel IS rather lovely. The photo doesn't really do him justice!

Southhamsdarling said...

Bouncin'Barb, you're just too good to me! LOL! Nice to hear from you, as always. Your sort of gardening sounds good to me! Ours does take an awful lot of hard work.

colenic said...

This a wonderful tribute to a friend. I am glad you decided to blog this today!! Hugs..

Southhamsdarling said...

Thank you for your comment colenic - it's funny how, when you are writing, things just come upon you, isn't it? I really didn't start the Blog with my friend in mind, but it just suddenly came to me. (Perhaps she was guiding my writing!).

Joanne Sher said...

I enjoyed reading this very much. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I really like autumn, mostly, I think, because I grew up in Los Angeles, which doesn't have much of one. Now that I'm in Michigan, it's beautiful.

Southhamsdarling said...

Hi Joanne. That's the lovely thing about blogging. You get to hear about things from all round the world!

Becky said...

Your garden is beautiful!! I love the "cockerel"! That's a new word for me. :) Here in Georgia, USA... we would call him a "rooster"! I am enjoying your blog VERY much! I have recently learned that my father's side of the family (Last name - "Coker") comes from the Somerset part of England. Are you anywhere near there?

Southhamsdarling said...

Thanks Becky. So pleased you are enjoying my Blog. (No pressure then!!!). This is my first week, so I am still finding my way around really. It's funny how words are different in England & America, isn't it (lift for elevator, trunk for boot, etc. etc.). Well, you will never guess, but Somerset is the very next County to Devon, which is where I live, so not very far away at all!

Olive said...

Hello! Your garden is very pretty and that was a touching tribute to your friend. Thanks bunches for visiting me. I see you a new this wonderful blogging world. I am terribly slow to learn tech stuff and it took me six months to get my groove but I am still learning from these fabulous bloggers. I have not been to England yet but have been to Italy. I will follow you also. hugs♥olive

PaulaMJ said...

This is my favorite time of year, garden looks
lovely as well. Beautiful words for dear Doreen xx

Natasha in Oz said...

I am so glad to find your lovely blog! Thank you for visiting me today. It is lovely to meet you.

Take care at this sad time.

Best wishes,
Natasha (a new bloggy friend from Down Under!)

Southhamsdarling said...

Hi Natasha. Lovely to hear from you, and thanks so much for dropping by. Hey! My first bloggy friend from Down Under - wonderful!

Daydream Living said...

Hi!
Welcome to Blogland! You will meet more and more nice people so be careful, it can be addictive! I read that you wanted to know when people blog, well for me, with two daughters, 13 and 3, I blog mostly in the evenings, or during naptime or when I have a half hour to spare. You can also make your posts at a time when it suits you and then post it later. I hope you will enjoy yourself and I will be back to visit soon! All the best from cold Switzerland,
Maureen xx

Southhamsdarling said...

Hi Maureen. Really good that you dropped by. Now that I have a bloggy friend from Switzerland, my world is really expanding! Thank you for telling me when you blog. I have just found out about being able to post when it suits you - that's really clever! I know what you mean about it being addictive - already I'm totally hooked. Should have gone to bed half an hour ago! Take care.

Southhamsdarling said...

Thank you for your lovely comments Paula. Hope all is well with you xx

Becky said...

From the photos that I have seen on the internet... Somerset is BEAUTIFUL!! I'm sure that Devon is, as well. I hope to travel there someday! :)