Friday 28 October 2016

Feeling it










Autumn has been glorious so far this year hasn't it. I didn't used to be biggest fan of this season, but over time it's grown on me. I see how it fits in to the scheme of things. The huge weight of leaves falling and being absorbed back into the earth. Worms and slugs and snails and fungi all doing their bit to make the soil rich and fertile. This is the powerhouse of summer. The cycle of nutrients, building up each year, ready for the explosion of growth in the warmer months.

And so I'm happy to be outside, wandering the country lanes and wooded paths and chalky hills and noticing all the little details of autumn. Plants shrinking back, reabsorbing their energy, holding on to their berries, insects enjoying the last of the sun's warmth.

Partway along we came across ladybirds. Dozens and dozens of them. We counted 14, just on one of us. I guess it was a good ladybird year.



The littlest boy thought the design on this one looked like poppies.

I do hope autumn is being kind to you too. And that you manage to get out and enjoy it over the weekend. Have a good one. CJ xx

17 comments:

  1. Maybe the ladybirds are getting ready to gather together to hibernate.

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  2. Gorgeous pictures CJ,
    I love the way you describe Autumn too. There are things to love about all the seasons aren't there.
    Jacquie xxx

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  3. Have you read Winter World and/or Summer World? I think you would love them. Your writing about the season here - the idea of autumn being the powerhouse - reminds me a lot of the writing in those books, just the way that he discusses the cycle of things and how one process leads on from another. Lovely photos, especially those bright red berries.

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  4. Wow, your images of the countryside are fantastic! Really bright and pretty red berries. Did you know we call those Ladybugs on here in the USA? I adore them. Our Autumn is looking very beautiful here, too. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  5. Nice post and lovely pictures. It sure has been a good autumn. Lucky you seeing all those different ladybirds. thanks, and you too. Flighty xx

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  6. Great shots of the autumn landscape. The red berries are black bryony I think, and the ladybirds are harlequins, unfortunately not native and not terribly good for our own ladybirds. Hundreds have hatched out here this week too. Did you know worms, beetles etc are collectively called detritivors? Because of the important work they do returning nutrients to the ground. Good pub quiz answer :o) xx

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  7. Lovely pictures. Isn't taking a walk in the country side just one of the most enjoyable things in life when you have time to stop and look :)

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  8. Wonderful photos and autumnal landscapes. Just looking at them makes you take a big breathe and relax. The leaves have remained on the trees quite late this year with amazing colours. Love the view across the valley.

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  9. You have beautiful country paths to explore CJ - straight out of the pages of Country Living mag!

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  10. Beautiful photos, capturing the very essence of Autumn. You certainly are blessed living in a beautiful part of the country.

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  11. Your Autumn is gorgeous CJ, thank you for sharing it with those of us that don't get to experience it.

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  12. Those pictures are so beautiful CJ. I am more than a little envious of where you live. The fields and hedgerows are so picturesque.

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  13. Gorgeous leafy photos! Ours are just about past their 'peak' - some big rain and wind this past week has left most of our trees nekkid.

    I love spring because...well....it's spring [and therefore winter is over] but autumn is definitely my very best favourite season. There's a fullness and richness to it that is just as abundant as spring, i think....more so, in some ways. Perhaps it's just evidence of how truly magical the cycle of the seasons is.

    I can't remember a time when we weren't over-run with Evil Ladybugs -- which are orangey and more spotted than the others -- introduced as "natural" pest control of some kind but then they took over. :( We call them Evil because they actually bite. Which is an extra bit of cruel.

    xo

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  14. Glad you are enjoying autumn this year, the leaves are especially good aren't they!

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  15. I agree, the leaf colours this year have been outstanding. Your photos capture them so well. X

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  16. the light is so soft in your photos, CJ.
    I love autumn here in Tassie, it's such a lovely time of year with bold colours of autumn leaves and lovely weather. if only winter wasn't around the corner .. enjoy your walks and the ladybirds!

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