Bizarrely this year, many of the leaves are still on the trees at the end of October – much to my annoyance, as I have just invested in a new leaf sucker. It’s that man-and-machines-against-nature thing. It’s very satisfying to chop, suck, burn and generally master mother nature’s wilder endeavours. Come on leaves, do your worst. I’m ready for you – me and my leaf sucker!
Anyway, it’s started to finally turn a little cooler this week. And it seems that parents thoughts have turned to winter attire. I know this because every time I enter a nursery or preschool I am presented with a fashion show of jumpers, shoes and coats. Generally, boys shoes flash or have Ben 10 imprinted on them somewhere, or a dinosaur. Little girls shoes are often pink with maybe flowers, butterflies and sparkle.
One girl was so excited she ran into the room on arrival, announcing very excitedly – “I have a new coat. Mummy bought it.” She ran back to the coat peg to get it and brought it in to show me. It was the brightest pink, with flowers on. “We mustn’t jump in muddy puddles in case we dirty it.” she whispered to me conspiratorially. Like I’m the sort of person to entice anyone into jumping in muddy puddles!
We are coming to the end of the apple crop. We have been submerged in an avalanche of fruit this year. Apple crumble has been a staple of home and nursery menus for some time. We have had a constantly full fruit bowl as well.
It is turning into a season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.
