Restoring Autumn order

Whilst the male guardian goes about his professional toil, I have taken the opportunity to gather up the apple harvest once again. This, my dears is not the first time since our return from the Antipodes. This collection alone resulted in some seven garden tubs and at least eight sturdy sacks; dear reader this was a small collection compared to those previously undertaken but one that allowed some produce to be left for the wildlife as the weather continues to cool, much to my delight. The harvest will be utilised by the local recycling centre in their garden compost/mulch, completing the cycle and reinforcing one's motto of "waste not want not".

Once this task had been undertaken, the boundaries of our little estate were reviewed. They required their autumn tidy and therefore this very afternoon saw me wielding a favourite piece of garden machinery to bring them back to their crisp, clean lines. Oh, I do so love a crisp, clean hedging line and one that forms uninterrupted views of the surrounding countryside in its autumn finery of fiery golds, reds, greens and oranges. Such a beautiful site to behold. In return for trimming both our own and our neighbours sides of the hedge, the resulting debris will be placed upon our neighbours bonfire to be lit at their leisure,  for which I am most grateful and indeed suitably fitting for a believer in the motto "quid pro quo", do you not agree? The added bonus, of course, dear souls, is the gloriously evocative aroma of an autumn bonfire - what is not to like one asks oneself.

What satisfyingingly tiring work this is, one that creates a rosy glow upon the cheeks and ensures a good nights sleep will be had. I am most fond of work like this for I firmly believe it to be wonderful for the constitution and a happy, healthy mind.

Thus, the autumn tidy has begun and for many a weekend ahead, weather permitting, we will continue to cut, trim, rake and more, preparing the garden once more for the eternal cycle of renewal. I have, however, dear reader, ensured that the finest selection of ivy, holly and greenery remains in situ for the festive season for what else would one use to decorate one's small country home in suitably traditional finery; a must my dears, for any country dweller.