For some reason autumn has only started settling in the past couple of week or so. As reluctant as I am to reorganise my wardrobe, pack away my summer essentials and retrieve my autumn jumpers and coats from storage, the windchill, early sunsets and the fact that clocks move one hour back with effect from tomorrow means that the big chill is coming.

I am happy to say that we have made the most of this year- with trips to Wales and Budapest, romping around in gardens and parks, and me singing Mahler from memory and then Elijah with the formidable Maestro Masur, and also braaing at a good friend’s house whilst glugging down delicious red wine has been a treat!

Also the colder weather has called for more stews, roasts and comfort food- so bring on the carrots, tatties and swedes and cheap cuts of meat.

Have also invested in a red coat this year, I absolutely love it and hope it will last me as long as my other winter staples have!

Here’s to a lovely autumn- the leaves are starting to fall and it is quite a sight to behold!