Autumn's warm smile

I've been enjoying the Autumn sunshine today.  I forgot to put suntan lotion on, and now I have a face like a strawberry.  I didn't realise the sun would be so strong at this time of year. 

I spent some time tidying the sunflowers.  The frost is sending them to sleep, but they still have their petals on.  I gave some of them smiley faces. 

There are still strawberries ripening.  I have to share some of them with slugs, but if I'm quick they're mine, all mine.


A friendly robin has appeared.  He seems to have a connection with the new allotment. I've seen him perched on the apex of the greenhouse roof, and by the composting bins.  Perhaps I'll get some meal worms for him. 

There is a lot of birdsong at the moment.  I wonder if the birds are confused by the rapid changes in weather, and think it's spring.  Yesterday there was rain, a rainbow, hail and sunshine in the space of about half an hour.  All my primroses are in full bloom.  It's like adolescent weather - all mixed up. 

I've been enjoying the autumn colours lately.  In the low golden light everything glows, especially when there is a blue sky.  There are a lot of yellows and chartreuse greens.  Then there is a kind of rainbow theme going on with all the strong flower colours - cosmos, dahlias, nasturtiums.  It would make a lovely painting.

I've just discovered my squash crush on the internet - it's a mushroom squash, and I can buy the seeds from Amazon!