Tuesday, 17 September 2013

Autumn Blues (again)

I make no apology for re-posting this piece - it is one of my favourite blog posts and one I feel proud to have written.  Another time, another place, another life but still the essence of an English Autumn for me. I miss my orchard so much it hurts!



"Leaves and fallen apples litter the grass in the orchard now. It has an air of faint neglect and spentness, the hammock stashed away, no more time for lazy afternoons. The bonfire has burnt itself out and the charred remains smoulder gently in the light breeze. A lazy wasp investigates the fallen fruit as I wander through the trees, wondering when I will find the time to cook the apples to a fragrant pulp and mix them with the blackberries that grow so abundantly in the hedgerows as I walk through the quiet lanes.

Jars of plum jam are stored in kitchen cupboards or have been given to friends and family. Pears have been pickled with cinnamon, cloves, juniper berries and peppercorns and glow palely as they marinate in their spicy vinegar, waiting to be opened when winter bites. Logs are stacked in the woodshed and the year begins to unravel slowly towards it's busy end".
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14 comments:

  1. Poppy17 September 2013 at 19:17

    Hi Marianne,

    So nice to meet you! My first visit here today and have been acquainting myself with your lovely home and surroundings. How charming your Georgian cottage is, and your garden, magical! Looking forward to exploring it further.

    Your 'Autumn blues' are music to MY ears! Your account of a typical day in your neck of the woods is more than enticing from where I sit. I've always been enchanted by cooler climates, born in Toronto, I welcome the change of the seasons and all that they encompass, from lighting the stove and cooking with apples, to crisp mornings and foggy fields. Cherish the change! It's so refreshing!

    Poppy

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    1. Catherine18 September 2013 at 11:31

      Good to meet you too, Poppy! Your life is a complete contrast to mine and all the more welcome for that! I wrote this piece in Kent 5 years ago, when my life was very different and it is so evocative for me. I do agree about the seasons and the womderful change of pace they bring, every one welcome in its own way, although winter sometimes lingers too long! Enjoy your Greek idyll x

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  2. Molly17 September 2013 at 20:36

    Marianne, I've not read that blog post before and it's lovely. You have every right to be proud of what you've written.

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    1. Catherine18 September 2013 at 11:33

      That is kind Molly and glad you enjoyed it. I wrote this 5 years ago when I lived in Kent, in a house I particularly loved. I know my readers have changed since then, so hopefully it is fresh to you now.

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  3. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe17 September 2013 at 22:15

    Your post made me feel all warm and cozy inside. You painted a lovely picture with your words.

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    1. Catherine18 September 2013 at 11:34

      There is something about an English autumn - and a New England fall too. I like the idea of making pictures with words. Lovely to see you again x

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  4. Margie18 September 2013 at 03:11

    So glad you re-posted!
    Lovely writing!

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    1. Catherine18 September 2013 at 11:35

      I just love that piece - somehow the words just flowed. I have new readers now, so it's sometimes good to dip back into my blog and see what is still relevant now. Thanks for visiting Margie x

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  5. materfamilias24 September 2013 at 14:33

    Just lovely -- definitely worth re-posting.

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  6. Cait O'Connor4 October 2013 at 17:41

    Not a vast number of words but you say so much.

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  7. Catherine7 October 2013 at 10:47

    I just find that most of the words turn out not to be necessary. In the end. Thanks for coming by Cait

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  8. Jane the Booklady4 November 2013 at 15:57

    I have a plan to try to plant a tiny orchard in my very ordinary terrace garden. I have always longed to own an orchard but as yet it is only a dream.

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  9. Catherine4 November 2013 at 17:19

    What would we do without our dreams, Jane. Even a couple of apple trees in your small garden will be a start. Who knows, your dream may come true one day x

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