Saturday, August 30, 2008

And so the year turns

The cherry tree failed to produce a single fruit this year, ditto the pear which admittedly surpassed itself last year with a veritable orchard's worth on its own, and the apples have been poor. The plums - those that were not hijacked by wasps - were good, but yet again the hedgerows are where the real treasure is to be found.

I have been on my first brambling expedition of the year this evening. One bag for me, one bag for next door and ten stung and scratched fingers. The bramble and apple crumble, which I intend to smother in custard, will be worth it though.

Little gold and striped spiders have spun their webs in the bramble bushes and I felt guilty when I accidentally knocked one from his home. In the morning the webs will dazzle with dew.

The arrival of spun silk in the hedgerows adds to the whiff of autumn. The Grey Mare is readying herself for winter too and is starting to look slightly fluffy.

I remember summer. It's just a shame it hasn't
deigned to delight us with its presence for a couple of years.

10 comments:

Expat mum said...

Oh no, - fingers in ears. la-la-la-la, I can't hear you. I'm still on me hols and determined to stave off the Chicago winter for as long as humanly possible.

Gill said...

Front page headline of Westmorland Gazette- Damsons in Distress- (not joking, honest!)

I can't bear the though of not getting any damsons this year. was it the weather- or lack of bees????

Karen said...

I too have noticed the change in seasons - the air is a little fresher and less stuffy. There are also a number of 8 legged friends appearing in the house.

Gill said...

...and what happened to the jinny spinners (daddy long legs) this year? I have hardly seen any.

Karen said...

I know I was just thinking that the other day. Can't say I'm really that sad about that as I hate them.

Catherine said...

When Autumn comes, we can just relax into it and try to forget that summer was mostly autumn too.

I haven't seen a single plum in the orchard this year, whereas last year there was a glut. Just as well really as I don't have time to make jam.

Hadriana's Treasures said...

Please, please, pretty please, can we have Summer next year? I'm lighting the candles now...

Mopsa said...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7629918.stm
saw this and wondered what you'd think

Catherine said...

Where are you M&M. Missing you.

Hadriana's Treasures said...

Happy Christmas and a super 2009. Hope it is all going well for you M&M!