Autumn has certainly arrived in Cumbria with the cold morning air and the multicoloured trees.
As the seasons change the trees in the local parks are taking on their rich golden cloaks as the leaves die back and nature readies herself for the winter sleep.
The process this year seems a little slow and you can see trees changing as if caught in the time warp of slow-motion. Green leaves give way in a rippling effect to shimmering browns as they catch the morning light.
Rustling through the fallen leaves below many of the trees I get my first sniffs of Autumn. I was not even a twinkle last year so everything is new.
Jumping into piles of leaves and scuffling through the debris makes for some great new sensations. Some leaves cling to my coat whilst others provide shelter for small animals such as mice and hedgehogs.
Hedgerow food
Blackbirds and robins can frequently be seen turning over leaves in their quest for bugs and beetles to eat.
Scampering high in the trees the occasional squirrel can be seen as he tries to gather the last of the nuts and wild foods for his larder.
Mum is also very busy stocking up our freezer and cupboards. Trays of glass jars and assorted glass bottles brim full of concoctions made from brambles, apples and elderberries litter the worktops and shelves.
At times the kitchen resembles the scene from a horror movie as deep red juice drips like blood from pipes, spoons and funnels.
Around the house the air is filled with the smell of cloves, warmed fruit, nutmeg and syrup. Charlie and I watch from our vantage point, snuggled on our kitchen rug away from mums feet, longing for our next foraging adventure.
Until next time. Licks and wags
Rufus and Charlie