Frosty mornings

The cold and crisp weather of the holiday period has been a welcome break from the grey skies and muddy walks. In the orchards the Howgate Wonders have not been picked (apart from by us villagers) and the colour is spectacular when the sun hits them. They are also a welcome treat for hungry birds.

Windfalls

Bird treat

Mortimer loves the cold weather and goes straight on to the lawn for a roll.

Happy dog

Although his regular watering holes are a tad more difficult to access.

The orchard and surrounding fields take on a rich hue in the low winter sun.

A contrast to the skeleton bare Bramley apple trees in the shade.

Andrew has complained that the blog has too many photographs and not enough narrative - not like him to encourage me to witter on! Will try harder next time!

Autumn

The last few days have been very mild and damp, some days the fog hasn't lifted at all. Dusk has been eerily quiet with sounds muffled and visibility low.

Misty morning view

The mushrooms have flourished in this weather so I took the camera out to see what I could find. I just wish we had the French tradition of the pharmacies identifying them for you. I don't think my Observer Book of Funghi is up to the job.

Under the willow tree

High rise fungus

Marching mushrooms

These seem so fragile

Before Mortimer decimated them!

Surely these would be good with some garlic & butter?

The apple harvest started late this year and although most of the Bramleys have been picked there are still a lot of Howgate Wonders on the trees. Because it is that bit later the leaves have started to turn giving some gorgeous colours.

Autumn 

Mortimer loves this time of year, cooler weather and an abundance of food!

Of course I wasn't scrumping!

Until next time


Sharon