Autumn Happiness

The Autumn season is now in full swing and I for one am skipping about with a big smile on my face.  Even the dreaded cold virus fairy could not dampen my spirits when I started to see the gorgeous chocolate brown appear on the horse chestnut trees.  Conkers scream the Autumn season to me along with the delicious apples that are falling all around us.

This little one wouldn't have been too pleased if he knew what I was collecting, after all, he has his Winter meals to hide away.

The Autumn low level sunlight cast welcome shadows on my happy walk around the Cathedral

And my favourite door enjoyed the dappled shade on its ancient wood and stone.

My smiles continued as I carried on my walk and looked up to the sun light sparkling on the windows.

The golden berries were showing off against the wonderful medieval background.

But this was to be just a short break in my work day so I headed past one of the fantastic 'Narnia' type lamp posts.  I do love these so much, especially during the snowy season and this particular one has been in my snow posts before.  I can just imagine Mr Tumnus appearing from the trunk of one of the trees with his parcels.

After my week's work, I drove home and this time, instead of getting out of my car and then quickly going inside to my happy home, I noticed the rosehips that were next to my drive.

And the additional red berries that are appearing in my side garden.

The grapes that are all over my garage - goodness apart from wine, what can I make with all of them?  There are tonnes of them!

The lacy climbing hydrangea around my front door has taken on a beautiful antique lace look.  This actually makes me get butterflies in my stomach it is so gorgeous.

Then up against the back of the house, my climbing Boston Ivy is starting to get a red blush.

And the regular hydrangea has a red and orange skeleton beginning to form.

The seed pods are forming everywhere.

The gnarled wood of the climbing plants around my pergola have taken on their own beauty in the dying and decaying certainty of the garden.

And the greenhouse has given me a final happy piece of fire to play with.  The chilies and the peppers have warmed to a hot red.

The kitchen window baskets have been emptied and re-filled with red roses and ivy.  I am so pleased with how they turned out this year.  The herbs that were originally planted were all beautifully healthy and became HUGE!  So they have been transplanted to my front garden in a new herb bed.

My mischievous Coco has been trying to get into all the shots today!  She makes me smile all the time.

Yes you! (her fur is gradually coming back after that awful grooming she had last time - the long ears may be back to normal this time next year).

Another huge smile came with this little fellow.

Mr Teenager found this house martin (or is it a swallow?) in our hedge.  It hopped into his hand and stayed there for about 10 minutes.  Once he checked there were no cats around, he took it to the front of the house and held his hand up high.  The beautiful bird then just flew down the street, picking up its parents as it went and soared high into the sky.  A nice warm, safe, rest was all he needed.

And lastly my Autumn happiness carried on today when I received my parcel from Blueberry Heart's Autumn Swap.

These lovely little printed packages were full of Autumnal delights.  The heart is now hanging from my spice rack, the pot holder fits in with my kitchen perfectly, the candle smells gorgeous, the hand made pumpkin picture now lives over my front door handle...everything was just perfect and thank you so much Kerry for hosting this.  You can see what I sent Kerry by clicking here.

So, lots and lots of happiness in my house with the onset of Autumn.  Just one thing though, when will summer stop peeping in?!  Back in a T shirt today... what's that all about?

Have a wonderful, happy, Autumnal/Spring week.

Take care.

 ♥ Chel ♥