Generosity

Firstly here's the September page of my calendar

Rapunzel by Heinrich Leffler and Joseph Urban

Oh for that hair!

Now I know many people have been lamenting the loss of Summer, and boy what a Summer it's been, but for me September brings a tinge of excitement. I love the subtle changes in the air, the misty mornings, crisp Autumn walks and glorious sunsets. Those who know me will understand the annual joy I feel returning to my trusty boots and cardigan format, and will recognise the sight of a gleeful woman returning from walks with an armful of sticks for the fire (no I am not an eighteenth century country woman but you get the picture). But there's something else this time of year brings.

Some clues?

The dazzling variety of colours and forms that accompany nature's harvest. Or in our case accompany our neighbours harvest. He had been down to his allotment at the crack of dawn and before we had even put the kettle on he had been digging, picking and gathering.....

THIS!

All delivered to our front door with a smile and a wave.

This has not been our only delivery. We've had friends delivering plums, damsons and blackberries. We've been foraging for apples and hazelnuts. We are currently eyeing up the rosehips and elderberries and planning their transformation into something tasty. Some latent part of our psyche tells us to hunt and gather to prepare for the long Winter ahead. And if you have friends and neighbours who help you to do that then all the better! Of course this does not go unrecognised. Much of the bounty will be returned in the form of jams, chutneys and dodgy wine.

So let's celebrate this generosity of spirit and of nature itself. 

September - you're a good 'un!

Jane

x

P.S. Any recommendations as to how to preserve the beans and beetroot would be most welcome!