Getting out and about

It's been a lovely early autumn day today - sunshine and blue skies - so we packed a picnic and drove a few miles to the other side of the island and had ourselves a delightful riverside walk.  We certainly weren't alone, either.  There were lots of people out and about making the most of the weather; walkers like ourselves, but also many cyclists taking part in the cycling weekend being staged on the island.  We did manage to have one or two moments of complete peace and quiet, but it was good to see so many people, all different ages, just enjoying a really great Sunday afternoon outdoors.  Signs of autumn were all around us - acorns, sloes, hips and haws, and blackberries.  We walked about 5 miles, a nice and easy stroll, and thoroughly enjoyed the day.

We had a lovely get-together with old friends/colleagues a couple of days ago and it was just so good to see so many familiar faces, and a chance to catch up on everyone's news.  There was a lot to talk about, which meant a very late night (for us, at least!) but it was such a good evening.

We went to watch the illuminated carnival last night, and it was a good turn-out to support the parade.  There's something a little magical about a night-time carnival; it was colourful, loud (!) and lively, which seems like a recipe for success.

The kitchen has seen a flurry of activity over the weekend; we've processed  tomatoes into pasta sauce for the freezer, stewed apples (a very welcome gift), and made bread and cakes.  I've managed to get the lap quilts washed and dried on the line so they'll be clean and fresh to wrap ourselves in when the evenings get cooler, although we are noticing that autumnal nip in the air already.  Everyone is commenting on the change in temperature and it makes us determined to make the most of good days when they come along.  We are making plans to keep busy and productive in the winter months with various projects but hopefully autumn will provide us with plenty of days to get out and about.