October, you beauty!

Tray of free apples
Apple tray

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!

Tray of apples
'Eaters'

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'.

Blemished cooking apples
Windfall cooking apples

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.

Blackberries on branch
Blackberries

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.

Holding acorn
Perfect acorn

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.

Patterned bunting
Mushroom heads

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.

Red, yellow and green leaf
Sugar Maple leaf
Leaves on path

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

© Copyright Gemma Evans 2025. Images cannot be used without permission.