How many more balmy evenings will we spend sipping wine on the terrace. How much longer will the thermometer show temperatures over 25C, or even over 20C. How many more courgettes, peppers, or aubergines will we pick from Haddock's before they are all struck down by frost.
It's almost October already, and for some reason (age, probably) I'm feeling the advance of winter more than in previous years. I dread the approaching cold weather, and have even been drawing up a list for 'winter siege provisions'.
The lower temperatures also announce pool closure time, which we've been putting-off, hoping for that illusive Indian Summer. Next week I quite expect we'll be installing the winter cover; never a good moment.
On the plus side, I'm rather looking forward to taking my painting kit out into the leafless woods. It's been a while since I dirtied some canvas, and the urge is back .
I just wish I had a solution to my oncoming annual winter blues. I suppose the only real answer is a beach house in Bali, or somewhere similar. But until that time, I shall dream of thermal underwear, and April 2013.
The lower temperatures also announce pool closure time, which we've been putting-off, hoping for that illusive Indian Summer. Next week I quite expect we'll be installing the winter cover; never a good moment.
On the plus side, I'm rather looking forward to taking my painting kit out into the leafless woods. It's been a while since I dirtied some canvas, and the urge is back .
I just wish I had a solution to my oncoming annual winter blues. I suppose the only real answer is a beach house in Bali, or somewhere similar. But until that time, I shall dream of thermal underwear, and April 2013.
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ReplyDeletePerhaps it's time to visit Oz ?( anytime ... but Jan and Feb are too hot to be nice ).
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the 1001 posts. Well done. I get to be Number 1 to comment on 1001! Thrilled !!!
It's usually about that time that Lady Magnon visits Queensland for a spell of babysitting... I stay at home with the animals!
DeleteAt least spring and summer are just around the corner here. Not that we had much summer last year.
ReplyDeleteWinter drawers on indeed. My own cold nose is starting to wake me up before the alarm clock has a chance; a sure sign of autumn. Still, I'm peculiar enough to love (most aspects of) winter and dislike (most aspects of) summer!
ReplyDeleteI shall be interested to kow what is on your list of seige provisions Cro. This puts me in mind of the old settlers, who sewed themselves into their long johns until spring :-D
ReplyDeleteIs this the time shorts are replaced with long trousers?
ReplyDeleteNot yet, Libby. I'll hold out as long as possible.
DeleteHad the first frost on the car windscreen yesterday morning - woe and thrice woe - have begun battening down the hatches in the garden and bringing containers into the greenhouse for protection. Because we haven't had much of a summer here I feel like I am doing this all too soon.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very pretty scene, and quite a nice bottle of Grand Sud too! (We usually clear the shelves when we see it in the Spring.)
ReplyDeleteSo do we, Sue. This one was actually filled with some St Martin du Redon wine.
DeleteTime to chop the wood Cro! I remember every Autumn in France as we chopped tonnes of wood for the Winter. They would always quote the old saying about the wood warming you twice; once whilst chopping and again whilst burning. It had to be cut at the right Moon though, of course x
ReplyDeleteI've been putting it off, but I HAVE sharpened the chain saw.
DeleteRe the winter retreat - I can see you as a Gaugin figure, chatting up topless and garlanded girls in grass-skirts, but I'm not sure how Lady Magnon would take it.
ReplyDeleteHmmmmmm.
DeleteI can empathize Cro. It is the lack of sunlight that gets me down in the winter which I help remedy with cheerful blazes in the fireplace and more bright full spectrum bulbs! Mulled wine helps too. ;)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your 1000th post! As a newcomer I have felt very welcome;thank you ( even though you now have me pickling green toms). Looking forward to the next 1000.
Very much like your thoughts on the impending winter, and yes, although our summer temperatures are much lower than yours I dread the onset of the season. Our winter fuel is already stored, the chimneys are swept clean and the winter clothing is close to hand. We shall survive the long cold dark nights and doubly celebrate the Rebirth of the Light at Winter Solstice
ReplyDeleteI suspect that our winter temperatures are lower than yours. Minus 13/15 C is quite common here; but not for long. Yes, the lighter days will be very welcome.
DeleteYes,Congratulations on your 1000th Blogiversary. It's something I hadn't thought before but,yes, the old we get the more we sense winter.But,equally, we appreciate the following Summer even more.
ReplyDeleteHave just added a comment on your previous post, case you missed it. It was perishing here this morning - it feels like Winter come early here too.
ReplyDeleteFirst I must tell you how delightful your terrace is and I can see why your sad about the winter coming on. Second, I'd love to see your list! Since not many of us live on a tropical island ....or none of us ? We all struggle with the winter blues to some extent.
ReplyDeleteGetting outside really helps me but you already do that walking the dogs....hobbies are a big help, being creative, cooking..which you also do...I'd say your doing well.....
I have felt a bit melancholy about summer's leaving this year. I love autumn, but i don't feel ready for it. I wanted three more weeks of summer before i enteratined thoughts of the sun setting earlier and chilly nights.
ReplyDeletetime and tide...
I brought in my squash, pumpkins, tomatoes, potatoes and peppers today, as we may get a real frost tonight. We've had two light ones already, sigh. The leaves are changing and winter is nigh!
ReplyDeleteI woke yesterday with a horrible streaming cold, and this morning it's raining. C'est la vie!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful photo - how I miss sitting on our little terrace late into the evening, the candles going, the bats coming out to play.......
ReplyDeleteHere in Derbyshire today it has been raining constantly since I woke at 6am. It was dark then and it's not much better now. It's 10°C and I have put the winter duvets on and retimed the central heating. There are mountains of tins of chocolate and Christmas cards in the supermarkets. Is it too early to say "roll on Spring"?
Sounds rather like here (except for the cards). And my cold's getting worse!
DeleteCheers and smiles and yippees (!)
ReplyDeleteOops...that was supposed to go under your 1000th post...your terrace is breathtakingly beautiful...
ReplyDeleteI will look forward to seeing your paintings. Glad the urge is back. I love when that happens.
ReplyDelete