Tuesday 22 September 2020

The perfect last day of summer

 



Yesterday was utterly glorious. Not in any spectacular day-off, amazing trip sort of way, but just in the end-of-season perfection sort of way. All dreamy golden light and warm evening sun and a spectacular fiery orange ball sinking into the horizon.

It would have been good to sit in the afternoon sun with a book for a while, and I did think about it, but there was work to be done so I didn't. Which felt satisfying in a way, because the work got done, but I did feel the tiniest bit wistful that it was the very last afternoon of summer out there. 

It ended neatly, coinciding with the astrological end of summer. Today was still warm enough, but halfway through the day the sun went in and the washing felt the slightest bit damp and I thought, 'That's it, the season has turned.'

This evening, in a burst of gardening activity, I cut the grass before the rain sets it, pulled out the tomatoes, filled the kitchen window sill with all the green and orange ones, planted out some foxgloves I grew from seed, planted the elephant garlic and put some spare wood into the garage out of the way of the damp weather.

I have loved summer this year despite you-know-what. And maybe because of it. So many warm, sunny days, more time than usual spent in the garden, which has been lovely, and the garden has looked the better for it, and simple pleasures enjoyed. Walks with the boys and the dog, messing around in lakes, ice-creams and picnics, seeing friends outside and just a bit more thinking about the good things in life and really appreciating them.

And now it is autumn, and doubtless good things are ahead too. Let's not think about other stuff right now. I hope it was a good enough summer with you too. Onwards. CJ xx

14 comments:

  1. I typed this epic comment and my finger hit a wrong button and it all disappeared.. argh. But I'm glad you had a good summer despite "it". I won't retype all the whining I typed before just suffice it to say my summer sucked. And our political situation here is so horrific I feel like jumping off a cliff. I won't. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  2. So cold in the North of England (what summer?) Got my hot water bottle here and had a good few of them this 'summer'.

    Best wishes to Teresa, I know things have been especially tough for her recently.

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  3. A beautiful, wistful post. It was a glorious last day wasn't it. We had the same yesterday - warm in the morning and then chilly enough after lunch to make me regret the shorts. I usually love autumn but this year I am slightly wary about shortening days and that thing that we're not talking about! Maybe I'll just turn off the news for a while and focus on the colours, mists and comforting things. Take care. xx

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  4. They have been perfect last days of summer haven't they and yes Autumn is well an truly here now. Like anonymous said it has been cold in the North this summer, the sunshine this last week has been a lovely blessing. I am looking forward to the hibernation and resting that autumn and winter brings with it. I am ready for some rest now.

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  5. I agree a perfect summer that many of us certainly made the most of. Woken to heavy rain this morning, the first in a long time. There may be a burst of golden October sunshine yet. I’m a great fan of Indian summers. B x

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  7. In some ways i to have been a very long Summer as spring came so early and we all slowed right down.Autumn arrived at pretty much the same time here in Wiltshire- one minte it was Summer, and the garden was a blaze of sunshine, next moment, the sky was grey and the temperature dropped. I rescued the garden furniture cushions and got them indoors, and over night it ha rained and the air smells of autumn dampness and there a yellow leaves on the ground- the season has turned.

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  8. Lovely post and pictures. In many ways I prefer spring and autumn to summer, especially if it's hot and humid. xx

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  9. The summer seems to have come and gone in a flash but I’m trying to think of all the lovely autumnal walks we can have and cosy days in with a fire whilst ignoring you know what.

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  10. I think you're right, on all counts. This year has been like no other, but if it has left us feeling newly aware of things we all took for granted, maybe something good has come out of it, after all. And I am ready for the change of seasons, although the passing of this summer has felt especially poignant for some reason. I'm feeling the need to check my hatches are good for battening, to let the garden sink into sleep, (with some relief, if I'm honest), thinking about thick velvety door curtains to keep out the draughts, and the making of vast pans of broth, (and crusty topped, fluffy inside, dumplings). Oh yes ! While the outside world is doing its best to go totally nuts, and largely succeeding, its centered my attention on my own little one, and I'm treasuring it in a way I maybe haven't done before. Now that shopping is becoming something to be thought about, rather than just done on a whim, or out of habit, I've been buying less - especially of those things I didn't know I needed til I saw them - and that's been good too. My dogs and me, we have each other, and if we're all alright, I can be comfortable with that, and not ask for much more.
    Not just Autumn, but Winter is coming too, and both have their own special natures, to enchant, and to challenge. I'm reading my old Brambly Hedge books when the news is on, and watching re-runs of The Repair Shop before bed. So far, its working. All that arises, passes away, and even the hard times lose their power over us. As you say, onwards. Its the only way to go, while remembering to capture every bit of goodness, beauty, and fun, as you do it ! Bring it on !

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  11. Let's hope that there are one or two snatches of good weather to come - but that isn't today. I've ordered a coat for Ruby. Measuring a wriggly puppy is not easy and in the end she was a smidgeon under the top size for a small coat and a smidgeon under the bottom size for a medium coat, Why are things so complicated? I may be easier if we could go somewhere to try coats on but we can't. I ordered medium so fingers crossed.

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  12. It was a beautiful last day of summer here too in the Fens. And the weather has been ( mostly) on our side this year, hasn't it - definitely helping to ease the otherwise difficult times. Here's to all the lovely simple pleasures autumn holds :)

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  13. We've had an absolutely glorious day here in Glasgow, warm, autumnal, wonderful. It reminded me of your post so I came back to comment (I didn't have time when I first read it). I have been enjoying summer, too. I feel sad it is coming to an end, the darker days are not for me. Ah well, it will be all good in the end. Have a lovely weekend xx

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  14. We have felt the season turn here too. We sowed our new lawn before it turned into a big mud pit so we feel pretty lucky. Have a great weekend. Jo xx

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