October, you beauty!

You know Autumn has arrived when the apple trays appear outside people's houses. Never go for a walk at this time of year without a bag or tub because you're bound to come across something to take home; apples, blackberries, grapes, rosehips. Free food is the best kind!

We helped ourselves to some of these cooking apples a couple of weekends ago. Cut off the bad bits and they are perfectly good apples. I had carefully balanced handfuls and our friend stuffed them in her handbag. Ours were cooked up with sugar, cinnamon and blackberries, dished into ramekins and put in the freezer for 'lazy crumbles'.

Talking of apples brings me to blackberries. I was a bit late to the party this year but surprisingly there are still lots around. And because it's late in the season, the ones that are left are all plump and juicy. This is the first time in five years I haven't made any blackberry jam. I think I must be ill.

Did you know you can make coffee from acorns? Some say it's nice, others say it's horribly bitter. I've never tried it so I can't tell you either way but it's interesting it can be done.

Along one of the paths I like to walk is some bunting. I have no idea why it's there as it doesn't appear to mark anything.


These beautiful sugar maple leaves were scattered all over the grass. Most of the ones on the ground are brown and crusty but there were piles and piles of these brightly coloured leaves. I couldn't resist collecting a few - although I'm not sure what I'm going to do with them yet. They're currently pressing under the weight of our printer, hopefully the colour will be preserved.


I love this season! Some people are made for hot, Summery weather. I'm made for cool weather, blustery days and fruit crumble.