The Extraordinary in the Ordinary #4 - Looking Through the Window

The ripples of the ancient glass wash over the view beyond the window.

              

Autumn Smiles

As I type this post, I have butterflies in my stomach and shivers down my spine.  Not in a bad way you understand, but in a very happy, skippity heart beat, content way.  My love for Autumn has never been a secret and I live for this all too short season.  The warm richness of colour, the fresh air and the peek a boo of the sun through the canopy.

It has been a mild November until this point, and a joy to see the dragonfly wings against the yellow and brown forest floor.

The sycamore wings droop from the tree tops in groups, waiting for the strong winds to ask them to dance.

The crispy leaves wait for passing boots to compose a symphony as they walk by.

Amongst the yellow and browns, the luscious red shines through with the beckoning berries.  Ready for the wildlife to fill their bellies.

With the strong winds, the leaves have now fallen and joined the now soggy ones on the forest floor.  I was so glad that we took this walk before the short season's colourful beauty was lost again.

I apologise in advance as my camera is full of autumn splendour and I just have to share more posts before I get to the inevitable Christmas sparkle shots!

Thank you so much for your visits and comments.  Life is a bit manic at the moment with trying to get through lists before my surgery, and as many trips as I can before I am housebound.  I really appreciate your good wishes.

              

The Extraordinary in the Ordinary #3 - Autumn Beckons Winter

The last autumn leaves hang on like copper pennies and beckon over the bare dark fingers of winter to carry them away.

              

Snippets to Come

With an impending operation on its way to deal with my hobbit feet, I have been very busy snapping away capturing as many trips and things so that I can busy myself for six weeks writing and editing posts as I won't be able to walk any great distance for a while.  I'm excited at the prospect of looking down at my feet and not thinking I am the twin of Bilbo Baggins! But at the same time, nervous of the aftermath of the surgery on both feet and how walking on crutches will affect my shoulder.  I'm afraid it is totally my fault through thinking that my feet could fit into tight stilettos in the 1980's!!  And so, the last couple of weeks it has been a blur of camera and phone shots and ones that I will eventually share with you over the next few weeks, especially when I am laid up in a month's time.

So where have we been on our journeys? ... We have visited Chatsworth House...

... with their stunning Christmas decorations...

We've popped by Burghley House...

and captured the stunning colours of autumn...

Of course I have been capturing the beauty both in and around Peterborough Cathedral along with anything else that catches my eye (the link takes you to their new 2016 calendar, guess who took the photo for November?).

But for now, and especially after last night's horrific attack on Paris, I feel that this weekend's post needs to be short while I collect my thoughts for the poor families and emergency personnel who are dealing with this aftermath.

              

The Extraordinary in the Ordinary #2 - The Remnants of a Dutiful Fence

Just like a castle in ruins, a fence still trying to stand tall and be noticed.  It’s twisted timber may no longer be a barrier but the beauty of it’s aged life can be appreciated and reflected upon.  What tales could it tell?