Slowly Changing

“The leaves fall, the wind blows, and the farm country slowly changes from the summer cottons into its winter wools.”

~ Henry Beston : Northern Farm

 

 

Arley Hall and Gardens

On one of the most perfect autumnal days we visited Arley Hall and Gardens. A delightful country house situated within a few miles of my home.
If you are interested in reading more I've included a link. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arley_Hall
I can only imagine the beauty of the gardens during a mid-summer month.
Enjoy.

If you are interested in seeing photographs of the inside, here is the link to their website :
http://www.arleyhallandgardens.com

A Sunday Indulgence

What could be more special than sipping tea out of a china cup, indulging in a bowl full of raspberry trifle, and settling in to watch episodes of Downton Abbey, Season 6.
This describes my Sunday evenings for the entire month of October.
Now I have to wait until the series returns across the pond on January 3, 2016  to continue the saga, the last and final episodes of Julian Fellowes masterpiece.

*Sigh*

Wanderlust

 

Great Budworth village, Cheshire 

 

An entire month has floated by without a word written, I apologize for the silence.

My travels took me across an ocean blue, to my beloved homeland England.

Life happens, it was an unplanned visit, the kind that a child dreads facing one day... saying goodbye to a much-loved parent.

It was a time to reflect, and connect with long lost relatives, and despite many tears, there was much laughter and merriment shared.

I was a 'local' once again, and felt as if I'd slipped back into an old pair of well-worn, comfortable shoes.

England in all of her glory, filled my heart and soul.....

This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle,
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
This other Eden, demi-paradise,
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war,
This happy breed of men, this little world,
This precious stone set in the silver sea,
Which serves it in the office of a wall
Or as a moat defensive to a house,
Against the envy of less happier lands,--
This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.

 

William Shakespeare.  "King Richard II", Act 2 scene 1

 

Sleep Over

Oliver cat has been enjoying some BFF time.

The "Nesting Days" are upon us.......

 

Changing Seasons

Be clothed within an autumn mist
Of morning’s coolest dew
Look upward to the painted sky
Of season’s rusty hue
Step lightly midst the crunching leaves
That blow ‘pon hearty breeze
Then hunker down and lay their bed
Neath winters snowy freeze.

Be crisp the night with snap of chill
And short of day be warm
The sunset mirrors the changing leaves
As stars of night do form
The fields be tanned with burdened straw
Of summer’s life fulfilled
And autumn’s flowers, days be kissed
With season’s colors willed.

~ Sherry Gail

 

 

Purr-fect

 

 

This beautiful sweet face belongs to my granddaughter's cat, Cooper.

You wouldn't know by looking at him, but he's a senior citizen, closing in on fifteen years old.

He's a spoilt kitty, but who could resist.

 

>^..^< 

 

Parson's Retreat

The Little Home

The little house is not too small
To shelter friends who come to call.
Though low the roof and small its space
It holds the Lord's abounding grace,
And every simple room may be
Endowed with happy memory.

The little house, severely plain,
A wealth of beauty may contain.
Within it those who dwell may find
High faith which makes for peace of mind,
And that sweet understanding which
Can make the poorest cottage rich.

The little house can hold all things
From which the soul's contentment springs.
'Tis not too small for love to grow,
For all the joys that mortals know,
For mirth and song and that delight
Which make the humblest dwelling bright.

Edgar A. Guest

 

 

September Cheer

"By all these lovely tokens
September days are here
With summer's best of weather
And autumn's best of cheer."

~ Helen Hunt Jackson  ( 1830 - 1885 )

 

Autumn's Calling

"September days have the warmth of summer in their briefer hours,

But in their lengthening evenings a prophetic breath of autumn.
The cricket chirps in the noontide, making the most of what remains of his brief life.
The bumblebee is busy among the clover blossoms of the aftermath,
And their shrill and dreamy hum hold the outdoor world above the voices of the song birds,
Now silent or departed."-
 

~ September Days : Rowland E. Robinson, Vermont