By Reina Free
August is nearly over as I look out of the window and it is still raining. The large barley field is ready for harvesting. I think now is the time to ‘have a word’ for all our farmers.
As I observe the signs of nature, did I really see the first signs of Autumn in July – a certain atmosphere of melancholy, a kind of weariness instead of the exuberance of summer? Perhaps I may have been wrong.
But now there is no doubt that autumn has started. A week or so ago I saw an amazing display of cobwebs, very finely woven, hundreds of them, some spun around honeysuckle berries. It took my breath away.
Crows, pigeons and badgers are tucking into the ripe ears of barley. There is a rich harvest of hazelnuts which the squirrels are storing up for cold winter days – how wise these creatures are.
Along the verges clusters of orange berries on green stalks – the autumn attire of the plant called ‘Lords and Ladies’. In the spring they display a creamy oval leaf within which is a straight stalk. In days long ago country folk saw a saucy connection!
Soon it will turn cold, prematurely ahead of time. There are serious changes taking place in the world that need correction. Tragically there may be no turning round. However, I think there is a wonderful remedy – to be thankful and glad for the many small and great blessings of each and every day.