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".

14 comments:

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

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    1. 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. So glad you re-posted!
    Lovely writing!

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    1. 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. Just lovely -- definitely worth re-posting.

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

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  7. 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. 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. 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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