I took this photograph with the sound of thunder rumbling over my shoulder, and bonfire smoke whisping through the trees in the distance. Minutes later the rain came, and has now drifted on.

It is this changeable time of year – October, when the trees in the last of their leaves, are so vivid, and the skies filled with the sounds of restless birds.

I think everything must be a little confused this year for it is still warm, far warmer than usual. I can’t remember when we last reached October in our t-shirts without the heating on, and no need of it. I do realise that just saying that marks us out as pathetic, for in the UK there are those who don’t turn their heating on all year. Some for financial reasons. Some to support Ukraine. Some to save the planet. I’ll let you know how far we get.

Meanwhile, autumn parades in front of us. It is beautiful – like a vanishing gift we can’t hold on to. And it happens at a time of each tree’s choosing. When the branches decide they are ready they begin to change out of their greens, until suddenly, there the whole stands, free to view, flourishing its colour as we hurry beneath, braced for the grey of winter.

It’s best to look up.

Copyright Georgie Knaggs & The Phraser 2023