Autumn colours

The light on the woodland opposite us looks beautiful this afternoon as the trees start to develop their autumn colours, helped by two frosts this week. I can't believe we've reached the end of September already.

Autumn Harvest

Despite the frost the dahlias have survived which is good news as later this afternoon I'll be using some of them to decorate our church of St Peter and St Blaise for harvest.

Drifting mist

There is mist drifting about in the field opposite us, hiding then revealing the sheep. Frost on the ground (for the second time this week).

Pink sky

We have a pretty pink sky this morning after a cold night.

Sunset

A pretty sky but the sun has set before 7 now. There are geese calling and it feels very autumnal.

North Wales

A few days away in North Wales ... the autumn colours are glorious and there is mist down in the valley. This photo would have looked better if the sheep hadn't run away as I picked up my camera!

Crab apple and chilli jelly

The wind brought down quite a few crab apples so on the spur of the moment I decided to make crab apple and chilli jelly, unfortunately I couldn't find my jelly straining bag and then I had to dash to the shops to buy some more small jars! I had some dried chillies so I thought it would look pretty to put one in each jar ... I hope this isn't a mistake!!

Autumn

Today I've been busy picking damsons to make jam and some for a friend to add to gin, it's been a poor crop after the summer drought though. I also picked flowers for a harvest inspired arrangement.

Cooking apples

Our Bramley cooking apples are starting to ripen, they are a favourite fruit and perfect for crumbles, pies and apple sauce.

Hartington Wakes

Enjoying a day out at the Hartington Wakes Country Show, there was lots to see and we ended coming home not (sadly) with sheep but with some bargain plants instead!

Vampire free

I've been plaiting our garlic, it is delicious when freshly grown and so much juicier than the bulbs you tend to find in the shops, certainly it should keep Hill Farm vampire free!