I saw an article in the paper yesterday that listed the things some of its writers associated with Autumn. I thought I'd give it a go:-

- the smoothness of glossy brown chestnuts contrasting with their spiky lime-green case;

- the crunch of acorns and the crackle of dried leaves underfoot;

- cosy evenings cuddled up on the sofa in front of a log fire;

- comfort food - casseroles, baked potatoes, bread and butter pudding;

- the start of a new academic year - evening classes, new jotters and pens, another cupboardful of craft materials/equipment;

- the smell of bonfires and the musty dampness of woodland;

- Harvest festivals and mounds of golden pumpkins;

- the start of another Strictly Come Dancing series - and moans from the OH;

- the start of the football season - and moans from me;

- spiders' webs and butterflies and migrating arrow-formation birds;

- Halloween and Bonfire Night and sparklers;

and - less welcome -

the first cold of the winter season.