Autumn in Sweden

Why do geese pull up one leg when they sleep?

When they pull both up, they fall over!

The autumn colours were starting and against that beautiful blue sky it was just stunning

Geese in the South of Sweden. Many more expected, either to stay for the winter or to move further South. I wonder whether Nils Holgersson was with them!

They tasted yummy. Very sweet. 

I didn't try this one. 

Natural Christmas decoration.

Photo on Sunday 2013-20

Autumn is starting to set in. Days are getting shorter. Schools will be starting in earnest tomorrow. And the first geese are making their way south!

Autumn

He finds his comfort anywhwere: like the linen cupboard!

Well, it's official, it's autumn. Last week we had our first autumn storm of the year, today is a day of rain, rain and more rain. I managed to cycle between the raindrops more or less while going home from work this morning, but I doubt if I will be so lucky this afternoon. I think the Tweety suit is needed then!

But, for all its rain and strong winds, I don't mind the autumn. As a matter of fact, I think it is actually my favourite season. The unbearable heat of the summer has gone and Christmas is fast approaching. Now admittedly, this summer wasn't too hot or even too good, but still, putting on an extra pair of socks to lounge around in at home, makes me feel happy. I enjoy life's simple pleasures...

Funny feeling

Sunset in Hörsten, Germany

That's what I have. A funny feeling. A funny feeling that summer is over. I should have known with the sniffles a few weeks ago. And of course the amount of rain causing soppy socks last week was also a big omen. Yesterday I put my sweater on for the first time in months and last night I put an extra blanket on my bed.

I like the autumn. Really I do. It means a stop to the unbearable heat of summer, beautiful autumn colours and fresh winds. It means thick socks (dry if you please), sweaters, extra blankets, hot chocolate with marshmellows and Christmas around the corner. But it also means rain, wind, cold and difficulty to get up in the morning.

*Sigh*

Shiver!

Okay, forget not putting the heating on (it's been on for nigh on two weeks now), forget about still wearing summer clothes (it's autumn) and forget about having ice-cream after dinner (although a nice cinnamon ice-cream with whipped cream...).

Last night it was freezing in the Netherlands. Literally! Temperatures dropped below zero (Celsius, not a clue about Fahrenheit) as far back as minus five! But I was still wearing my summer coat, even though my gloves were already in my pockets. And my duvet was only the autumn one, albeit with an extra blanket.

I can tell you that as of today: it's the winter duvet, the winter coat (including gloves and blue scarf) and an extra pair of socks and a cardigan when I'm home alone. Now I'm just waiting for the proper frost and snow and don't worry: I've got plenty more blankets to keep warm...

Autumn

I saw the first batch of sugarbeets today and that means it's autumn. Living in the country like I do, means the year is defined by nature as well as farmers. In the spring the tulips are in bloom, in the summer the wheat is golden and during the autumn all potatoes, sugarbeets, carrots and onions come out of the ground.

Everything coming out of the ground means another thing as well: the roads become more and more unpassable. Tractors taking the harvest to either the farm or the weighing station and lots of mud on the roads. The gazillion onions, carrots and potatoes by the side of the road, being squashed by passing cars, lorries and buses, turning the road into a bad foodfight. The smell of onions in the air (which, by the way, I love) and the general hum of activity.

And it's not only the farmers who are busy. Nature is trying to get ready for winter as well. Leaves are falling everywhere and covering the ground. So far it has been dry, but the minute it starts to rain, the leaves will get slippery, making it harder for me to cycle to work. The temperature has dropped a bit and at night I have to turn on the heating. I have already changed the duvet to the autumn duvet and, in preparation for real cold, I have put my gloves in my coat-pockets.

I love the autumn!