So here we are at the beginning of another month, the penultimate month of the year. When I was young, I used to love Anne of Green Gables, and there is a lovely quote in that book ....”It was November, the month of crimson sunsets, parting birds, deep, sad hymns of the sea, passionate wind-song in the pines”. To me, it is also the month to remind us to be thankful for the many positive things happening in our lives. We do not have Thanksgiving here in England, but I really wish we did. I suppose the nearest thing we have over here is the Harvest Festival, which is, of course, a celebration of the food grown on the land. We have given thanks for successful harvests since Pagan times.
In fact, although we do not celebrate Thanksgiving over here, it was the early English settlers who first brought the idea of harvest thanksgiving to North America., when the first celebration took place in 1621.
The November flower is, apparently, the chrysanthemum, which would explain why the Americans love their displays of colourful ‘mums’ at this time of the year. This past week here in heavenly Devon, the weather has been just perfect for Autumn walks. I have been out almost every day, savouring the wonderful sights and colours which surround the countryside at the moment. The golden and red leaves still hanging on the trees, and the smell of woodsmoke and bonfires in the air. We also seem to get wonderful sunsets at this time of the year. Here are a few photos taken this week ....
Oh! Did I tell you that I now have four cute little chickens in the garden ?! They are free range and having great fun exploring and pecking all round the garden! I never realised that they were such friendly little birds, as they really do seem to enjoy having company and following me around.
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So on that note, I will say cheerio again for now. Hope to see you again soon, and, as always, thank you so much for taking the time to read my ramblings.
