Autumnal splendour.

Well, dear friends, are we not quite the most fortunate of people? The countryside has been transformed in to the most beguiling of paintings on our very own doorstep. The dazzling array of colours that greets one as we pull back the drapes these last last few mornings has been most becoming. The fields have been ploughed and the Autumn rain this very morn has turned the fields into sections of piped and glistening chocolate as the warm sun caresses them. Each field is bordered by country hedges that present a spectrum of colours through deepest glistening green of the holly leaf, and yellows, orange, gold and red of beech, field maple and more, with accents of red, black and burgundy from holly berries, sloes and the finest of blackberries.  If one is lucky, one can still squirrel out the odd filbert. Huge tree tunnels present frames for breathtaking countryside vistas that are peaceful and calming. Autumn winds blow and the somnambulant summer is chased further away. Pheasants abound along country lanes and great care is required when outward bound in the carriage.

My lady guardian, with her sister, did take the carriage this very morning, bound for a most delightful small town on Exmoor; small but perfectly formed with quite the right balance of artisan and necessary establishments to make it thus self sufficient. A most enjoyable morning was had with the journey outward and homeward bound admired by each sister, country dwellers both. My lady guardian finds the English country side beauteous and calming, sanctuary from the hurly burly of every day life.

As we write this missive, the sun is disappearing behind the landscape, chasing shadows across the fields; the air begins to cool and we are preparing for the freshness of the night to creep in as the shadows lengthen. The end of British summer time and the clocks fall back one hour this night. The joy of an extra hour's rest ensconced in a warm and comfortable bed, the breeze through the window redolent of log fires and Autumn. We are blessed indeed with these simple pleasures.