autumn harvest

This morning, it's looking distinctly wintry outside. It might be 9.20am, but it's dark and very grey. I'm sure it's probably rather cold, too, but I'd rather not venture out just yet to check.

These past few days have brought a mix of sunshine and dull days - the first signs, perhaps, that autumn is passing, and that winter isn't too far away.

No wonder, then, that there have been busy scenes out on the common. Long gone are the heady al fresco parties and barbecues of summer. Now, the only people to be seen are dog owners and joggers.

But the common is still alive with activity. Squirrels are everywhere - darting around trying to find food for their winter stores, and then burying their finds as quickly as they can. It's an all-day task, and no leaf is left unturned.

furry friends

Working at home has its upsides and downsides. For me, the former far outweigh the latter. But there's no denying that, just occasionally, I have moments of feeling a little isolated.

Not for long, though. I'm fortunate enough to have the company of two adorable cats, both of whom have a canny knack of putting a smile on my face the moment they walk into the study. Both very different in their temperament and character, they make for a happy combination, and the fact that they seem to muddle along together reasonably well is an added bonus.

There was a time when I didn't have any pets, and I couldn't imagine having any. Now I have two, it's true to say I can't imagine being without them. Their quirks, their playfulness, their unwavering attentiveness just before mealtimes - it would certainly be a duller life without them. It would also be a good deal easier to get up and down the stairs...

And so it's only right that they get their 15 minutes of fame. So, first, I bring you Norman, a la Warhol.

The other one's waiting in the wings - not so very patiently - for her turn...

fading glory

Well, my lovely lilies are about to be no more. Having lasted over a week, they are finally beyond resuscitation.

But even as they fade, they remain beautiful to the last. Here's one decaying petal. Stripped of its colour and markings now, but with an ethereal, fragile appeal all of its own.

colours of autumn

I must confess to being a fan of summer. The onset of winter, and those cold, dark nights, makes me shiver just thinking about it.

But inbetween the two seasons is autumn, the season of mists and fruitfulness. It's the time when nature produces some of its most spectacular wares and most beautiful sights.

While out walking on the common near me at the weekend, I happened upon a magnificent, flaming tree with leaves as colourful as any artist's palette.


Simply stunning.

oh, lily love

Over the past few days, I and four of my associates have been working hard to finish a project that was first started way back at the end of last year.

With the pressure on to meet our final deadlines, it's all been a bit intense, to say the least. Wednesday was a particularly difficult day, and it's fair to say that we were all feeling a little frayed around the edges by the end of it.

So you can imagine my surprise - and utter delight - when on Thursday I opened the front door to be greeted by a huge bunch of lilies.


One of our number had very thoughtfully sent me these beauties in recognition of all the effort put into the project thus far, and as encouragement to keep going to the finish line.

Needless to say, subsequent days have passed rather more easily. I am soothed at night by the wonderful heady fragrance of these fantastic flowers...

...and during the day, I have them to look at. How could I not be inspired?

I love the shape and structure of lilies. I'm always particularly drawn to their stamens - so prominent and 'out there', but yet so fragile at the same time.

A triumph of botanic engineering!

to brighten a dull day

It's been rather dull here today. Well, for the last three days, actually. Grey, dark, and dull, dull, dull. And a little bit on the nippy side, in the way that autumn signals it's here to stay.

On days like this, I sometimes find myself being thankful for a cosy study, and for being able to stay inside, rather than having to be outside.

But it's also good to inject some brightness into a day like this. Some colour, warmth, and energy.

Oranges do it for me every time. I don't need to eat them - their vibrant colour and zingy citrus smell are enough to bring thoughts of summer rushing back.


And suddenly, the day looks rather sunnier again.

a joyous gerbera

It was my birthday at the weekend.

I'm a big kid when it comes to birthdays. I love them - not just mine, but those of friends and family. All the anticipation, the rustling of wrapping paper, the surprises, the happy faces...

My memories are filled with recollections of very happy birthdays. Luckily for me, despite being well out of my childhood, I find them no less special even now.

This particular birthday was another lovely day, summed up best, perhaps, by these gerberas.

Gerberas have always struck me as 'true' flowers. They have a simple structure, and come in the most glorious, bold and cheerful colours.

How very appropriate then, that on another very happy and sunny birthday, I should be given a bunch of these endearingly exuberant yellow blooms.