Settling in for Autumn

Summer feels a long while ago (I think it may have been a couple of weeks in June) and it's definitely feeling a bit more chilly. I for one am welcoming it with open arms, as much as I couldn't wait for Spring earlier in the year, I now feel ready to fully embrace the autumn and all that comes with it.

The school term has started and we have all slipped easily into the routine that has been part of my life for the last 25 years (that's what happens when you have a large age gap between your children). I started off with the changes on the mantelpiece.

I've put our Halloween globes out, I like to display them from September otherwise it feels like they're only around for such a short time. The dancing skeletons are musical and I do think they're rather beautiful.

The 3 little houses each have a tea light in and give a lovely glow in the evenings as the nights draw in.

Settling down in the evening to watch a bit of TV (I do like the dramas that BBC and ITV show, the second series of Doctor Foster is one of my favourites right now), it's good to have something in my hands to keep me busy. I've started crocheting a jumper for Imogen, just a bit of rib so far.

I love the colour, its a marble chunky from James C. Brett. I picked it upon Hobbycraft as it was a special offer (all the different shades were on offer). Just the right sort of colour to be using in Autumn!

While I settle in to my crochet, Mitzi was busy settling into my craft storage, it looks like she was making a nest to keep warm through Autumn too.

Take care
xxx

Late Night Visitors

We live in a residential area, not too far from town (about 10 minutes in the car) and also not far from being in the country (about 15 minutes or so, we're also lucky enough to be only about 1/2 hour from the coast too). There are houses all around, but also one of the best parks in the country.

This little bit of background is leading to me telling you about our late night, more early morning, visitors. We were laying in bed and could hear the most awful noise, it was a kind of bark, but sounded like the animal was in pain perhaps wounded. It was coming from outside, so we hopped out of bed and looked out the window, just not knowing what to expect.

It was a fox, walking straight down the middle of our suburban lit up road at around 3am. Bold as brass, making an awful barking noise every few steps. It was amazing to see and I felt truly privileged to be able to watch it from such a close position.

So, at almost 3am this morning when I heard the same noise again, I knew it would be fantastic Mr Fox visiting. It was amazing, he stood outside our house, barking intermittently down the road. It appeared that he was watching something, we couldn't see anything from our limited position at the window, but he stood there for around 10 to 15 minutes, then another one appeared, walking towards the first one. I was worried were they barking to warn each other from their territory, perhaps fight? Apparently not, as a cub soon followed.

I managed some photos, not the best, but you can make the foxes out. The first 2 are of the cub.

As this is the second fox that appeared just before the cub, I wondered if it's the mummy fox? The cub just sat and watched while the mum scavenged about looking for food I imagine?

I could barely move from the chair after sitting there for over 20 minutes watching these glorious animals, but it was definitely worth it and if I'm lucky enough to hear them again, I shall be watching again. I think it's such a shame that these poor creatures are being pushed further and further into urban areas. I know many people think of them as a nuisance, but I felt honoured to be able to watch them.

Take care
xxx