All things Autumnal or should that be Late Summer

Late summer or early autumn ~ I know I prefer to think that there is still a hint of summer about because this glorious weather is too nice to be thinking of autumn yet, despite the fact that we are coming near the end of September the days are bright and sunny and people are still walking about in shorts and t-shirts and tourists are still meandering around the town... it's still nice enough to enjoy a Mango sundae....

                                                    Mango sundae on a sunshine Monday

There is still plenty of colour about and the flowers are blooming and showing off their pretty colours

The window boxes and flower pots are not ready to say goodbye to summer yet and even though the nights are much cooler the dew is watering the flowers so no need to get the hose out.  

I think the mums are appearing a bit early but maybe they will have a second flowering again later.

The window boxes are bursting with colour

The Sunflowers are ready to open...even if it's a bit late and just look at that blue sky for late September.

So there is still evidence of a late summer but I have to admit and I do hate to admit it there is a 

definite chill in the evenings..... But even worse than that it's getting dark a lot earlier than I would like, you see I love the long summer evenings and here on the west coast of Ireland it sometimes has been bright right up to 11pm...... I love the light, always did and while I have a certain love for winter and especially the frost and snow and the foggy mornings I wish it would stay bright until about 8pm in the wintertime....now that would make me very happy :)

ONTHE OTHER HAND..... 

There is of course a beauty to autumn too, the beautiful leaves changing colour, the cozy fires in the evening and snuggling up with your favourite book or piece of knitting or crochet or whatever hobby you take pleasure in.  Maybe the night class in painting or creative writing, learning a new language, yes I guess I have to admit all the seasons have their own special beauty and charm.

The long shadows cast on an autumn day

    

  A place in the sun on an Autumn day

Yes there is a lot to be said for a nice day in Autumn when you can sit and plan your colour scheme for your next project and at the same watch the world go by outside....... 

                                 Carrying Summer into Autumn with a basket of colour

And of course the fruits of summer are harvested in Autumn so maybe saying goodbye to Summer and welcoming Autumn isn't so bad after all when you reap the rewards of those long hot summer days with a joy in your heart for the beauty of this planet we live on......the place we call HOME.

                                         Apple and Fig Chutney....... Where's the cheese :)

Until next time, enjoy the late summer or early autumn whichever you choose to call it .... It's a blessing either way xxxx