Full Tilt Autumn

We are full tilt into the autumn season now and there is so much to love about it. This past week the weather has been cold and still, and the stillness was the biggest surprise after the high winds we experienced the week before. At first I couldn't quite place what felt different, but gradually I realised it was simply that there was no wind whipping the trees and mussing up my hair. It felt like a quiet sort of relief, the kind you don't know you need until it happens.

As is usual for me at this time of year, I find myself enchanted by the colours in nature and every day there are moments when I can't quite believe how beautiful it all is. It's an intense feeling and very distracting - J often says that I rudely interrupt our conversations because my attention is suddenly caught by some fallen leaves or the way a cloud looks as if it is lit up from the inside (I wish I'd been able to capture the cloud-light in a photograph, it was magnificent, and really did stop me in my tracks and bring a halt to the conversation).

We haven't been anywhere this week, so all my photos come from my walks around the town, either on my way to do something or meet someone, or sometimes just walking around for the pure pleasure of it.

 I know I'm very lucky to have some pretty scenic places to stroll within a few minutes of my front door, and I appreciate it very much. Mind you, even when I lived in very un-inspiring urban environments I still used to walk for pleasure - for most of my adult life, heading out for a walk has been my go-to solution when I need to clear my head, think things through, unwind, or just feel grounded in the moment. I think a simple walk around the local neighbourhood is a highly underrated pastime for pleasure, but also for mental health benefits.

The tourist season is beginning to slow down now that half term is over, although we do get visitors all year round here. In summer the canal is very busy with holiday rental boats coming and going, but now in early November there are mainly day-trip boats on the move.

Along certain parts of the canal the boats don't move at all as they are permanent moorings. Some of them are lived on all year round, and others like the one above are used like summer holiday cottages and get put to rest in the colder weather.

These photos were taken in the mid afternoon one day last week, Thursday I think it was. The weather was bright and clear and like I mentioned earlier there wasn't a wisp of wind in the air.

The still air and bright skies made for the most beautiful reflections in the water, I was absolutely enthralled by them. I've no idea why I find reflections in water so pleasing to look at, but I could honestly stand and stare for ages getting lost in the visual perfection of them.

J and I are still doing our early morning walks and on Friday we had the first frost of the season. It was certainly "crisp" out there at 6.45am, and I was glad I'd put on an extra fleece layer. It was very beautiful though, especially in the park where the grass was frosted to a pale minty green....

....and the fallen leaves were edged with delicate ice crystals.

Our woodland walks are now a weekend treat because it's too dark to walk amongst the trees during the week when we head out so early. 

With only walking this way once a week the seasonal changes are really noticeable, and it's a lovely feeling to observe nature doing her magnificent thing. I am very in tune with the seasonal rhythms of the year and always feel a sense of comfort when I see that all is on track and as it should be. Early November, Autumn is in full swing and all is well.

These woodland photos are from yesterday, J and I walked reasonably early for a Saturday (it was about 8.30am I think) so it was blissfully quiet along the leafy pathways. Strolling in the woods before pootling into town to buy groceries from the butcher, bakery and the market is such a wonderfully weekendish thing and I can't tell you how much I love it. Every single Saturday I get a little jolt of happiness when I realise that this is my life, and I get to do this every single weekend. I just can't seem to get over the happy surprise of it somehow. I think this must be a true definition of contentment, when you keep getting surprised by the routines of life and feeling delighted that they belong to you.

⇈ OK, I'm documenting this as an Autumn-in-full-tilt moment, because honestly it's just too good not to share. Some of you may recall that J and I recently started enjoying a coffee together a couple mornings a week in the teensy little coffee shop at the bottom of our street, it's the one with the William Morris wallpaper. Well, alongside the most yummy coffee they also sell a modest selection of sweet treats, and have recently introduced these traditional Portuguese tarts - "pastel de nata". I've eaten them in Portugal before but never here in England, and J had never tried them so I felt it was my duty to introduce him to the delight of them. Have you ever eaten one? Oh. My. Word. They are utterly delicious in every way, the perfect amount of sweetness and flaky pastryness, and they go ridiculously well with a cup of strong coffee. We are addicted, honestly.

I seem to be all about routine at the moment, and I'm really enjoying all the ordinary, repeating, familiar comforts that make up my weeks. And pastel de nata is a very, very welcome addition.

The little posy of geraniums is just about still going on my table, but they are well past their best and I'll need to think about buying in some fresh seasonal flowers this week. Last year I fell a bit in love with some tiny little yellow button chrysanths, do you remember them? I might see if I can find something similar tomorrow when I'm out and about.

I made a batch of fresh soup on Saturday, again this has become another of my weekly routines which grounds me and feeds my sense of domestic contentment. This week I made carrot and coriander and it was sooooo good. I toasted some pumpkin seeds to add to the top because I've been trying to add seeds into my diet every day for the healthy fats. They added a perfect little crunch and I'll definitely do them again as a soup topper.

In creative news, I've been thoroughly enjoying having woolly socks on my feet every day this week as it's been so cold and it inspired me to knit some more of my Cool Kaffe socks. I can't wait to actually have these beautiful stripes on my feet, so I'll try and get the heels turned this week if I can.

Thanks as always for the lovely, lovely comments you wrote about my Harbour blanket, thank you! I'm really enjoying crocheting this blanket ahead of my CAL, it has a very special rhythm to it which makes for some of the most relaxing crochet I've ever done. I can't wait to share more with you, especially more of the photos from my coastal jaunt earlier in the year. Such happy memories.

Well, I think that's about all my seasonal banter for now, I hope you're enjoying the autumn if you're on this side of the globe, and if you're down under, then I truly hope that Spring is bringing you joy.

Right now it's already starting to get dark (it's 4.30pm) and I'm going to go and light the fire and get on with making the dinner. We're having a roast today, for the first time in a long while and I'm really excited for it - we've got a stuffed pheasant parcel wrapped in bacon which we bought from the local game man who comes to the market. It's very Autumnal fodder I think you'll agree - can't wait!

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Comments

[Sanela]

Greetings from Israel. Beautiful photos gorgeous colours.
Loved reading your blogs.

[Lisa Smith]

Portuguese tarts are so good!My husband used to work with a Portuguese guy and his wife made them...oh, they were so good!

[Jane Bishop]

Thanks for your Autumn blog, Lucy… it lifts the spirits and reminds me to be thankful for the little things in my life.
Lidl sell the Pastel de Nata tartlets which I discovered a couple of years ago and now have to avert my eyes sometimes when I enter the shop to stop me over-dosing on them!
Your socks look fabulous and I would love the details i.e. pattern, yarn etc - I have wanted to Knit socks for a while now but not sure where to start.
Can’t wait for the Harbour pattern release….

[Marylin Ollivier]

Hi Lucy Such calming photos and relaxing blog...much needed in my hectic crazy life at the moment. Thank you from my heart! Those socks are gorgeous! We are having rain storm after storm here...could use a pair of nice wooly socks in my wellies. I have never tried fine knitting like that, but I do have a pattern for crochet socks I might give a try this winter. Blessings to you and your family, hugs MO

[Andrea]

I can hardly wait till for the Harbour blanket cal to start
meanwhile i am working on my socks to get them ready for christmas presents cause everybody loves those socks and i enjoy making them

[Paula]

Pastéis de Nata, freshly done, still warm and flaky, are one of the best things in the whole world and someone who has tasted it already is a very fortunate person. Only someone who did never had the luck of tasting a proper Pastel de Nata can say otherwise. I can see that you are a connoisseur. Good that you found a place where you can have them in England.

[Helen]

I've got two socks on the needles also, but they are two different yarns. I got kind of bored. When the second one gets to the heel I'll do both the heels at the same time and then onto the toes! Love your pictures and the newest blanket is just summer cheery bright.

[Beverley]

The little peek at your new harbour blanket looks like another winner Lucy. Perfect colours to cheer us through the winter.
Glad you are able to get out and about and are enjoying your walks and the simple pleasures of everyday life. Thank you for sharing.

[Gillian Edwards]

Loved reading your blogs. They give me a 'feel good factor' X

[Jo]

I am very envious of your rhythms and routines, mine is totally up the spout at the moment due to a new puppy, spouse between jobs and decorator in the house for three weeks. I'm going a bit spare at the chaos and mess and unpredictability! I am always inspired by your ability to find joy all over the place and I aim to emulate you a little. I am taking more photos and looking for patterns and small moments of joy.

Thank you for your words.

[Kate Buckley]

I'm so impressed that you knit 2 socks at the same time!

[Annalisa]

I am vegan. Don't eat animals, they have a soul.. they are our brothers

[Monica]

Hello from Lisboa! You should also try Queijadas de Sintra. They are diabolic :)

[Christine]

Very sorry but those Portugese tarts don't hold a candle to plain old egg custards for me.
Love all the autumn colours. Sometimes I just want to print your photos and fill my wall with them (I live in the second city), especially the bridge over the canal by that old building..... just love your Views!
I love your new socks.
X

[Kristine S]

Thanks heaps, lovely Lucy❣
Love your pix, going into autumn/winter, while I'm loving spring/summer approaching...
Hope your health is going well & the changes are settling down.
So looking forward to next year's crochet retreat... ❤🥰👌

[Tammy]

So enjoy reading your posts and I know exactly what you mean about the colors of the seasons with the flowers and trees, etc! I often will remark to my husband too, about how pretty something is :) Thank you for sharing with us in your posts!

[ChrisG]

Lovely to have a peek into your week and enjoy the stillness by proxy! I see you’re knitting 2 at a time socks …. I think I need to try that, one minute I’m fine with a colour change heel and the next I can’t remember and have to go watching videos at slow speed again. Looking forward to more Harbour CAL details, it’s super colourful xx

[Diane]

I love your writing and your town! You are wonderful at finding the holy in the everyday - and then sharing it with us. Thank you!

[Becki]

Beautiful photos as always Lucy and loving such gorgeous colours that come with the Autumn season. I had to give up gluten and dairy a few years ago so can’t eat any of the usual yummy cakes/pastries that I used to be able to. I was really intrigued to hear about the G/D free ones from Portugal, I’m sure they’d be delicious! We’ve been lighting our log burner fire too and I love the warmth and cosiness it brings to the earlier darker evenings. Enjoy your week and take care, love and hugs Becki xxx 🔥☺️🥰

[CJ]

What a truly lovely post Lucy, I adore what you say about realising how much you love the routine of the life you have, it's something I feel quite a bit too, a sort of warm happiness on an ordinary day. Those Portuguese custard tarts are really good aren't they. I like to get some seeds in as well, I have a spoonful of ground linseed/flaxseed on my breakfast. And I'm a big fan of pumpkin seed butter, it's absolutely delicious. Hope you have a good week, CJ xx

[Deb]

Greetings from California! I just discovered your blog while looking for a pattern for crocheting ripple stitch - your directions are the clearest I think I've ever read. I second the commenter who said they loved the vibe of your blog. Yesterday I didn't know about you; today I've bookmarked Attic24. Thank you for making the world a bit kinder, happier and cozier!

[CraftyCath]

Lovely photos. Skipton is a beautiful place. I always feel cosy reading your blog. I'm determined to finish my moorland blanket before Christmas! Thank you for sharing your life. I understand your concerns about your Dad. I have the same issue. Take care and enjoy your walks and pastries :)

[Mandy chenery]

Loved reading your blog xx such a lovely happy vibe to a your posts xxxx

[Tineke]

Oi, those treats from Portugal. There is this little bakery that sells gluten-free-vegan ones in Portugal. I was addicted, so expensive but delicious. Since they sell gluten-free pastries lately I think of trying to make them for a long time. I probably eat them all in one day, as that is best with fresh Pastel de Nata, so I keep it off. It will add a couple of kilo's XD One can be so happy with daily normal life, eh?

[Jacqui]

This time of year I love my fire, candles and fairy lights! We have had some hard frosts already.
I have snuggled up finishing off some xmas wreaths and some charity projects.
Definately looking fwd to your new blanket.
Stuffed pheasant never had but sounds lush!
It is definately the season of comfort food.