It is one of my favourite times of the year! I love the invitation to dig out woolly jumpers, light the woodburner, hunker down during storms as much enjoying the more elemental weather.

Over on Substack, I have re-begun again with my Sunday Journal Prompts, and of course towards the end of each month I encourage people to consider what they are looking forward to in the next month. And it occurred to me that perhaps I should share what I am looking forward to too.

Weather! I love weather which makes its presence known

Quiet weather: I also love those days where it feels like the world is holding its breath between the seasons and the storms. It’s warm. There’s no wind. There’s blue sky.

Turning leaves and the re-emergence of naked trees: years ago I used to almost fear the leaf loss and dread the plunge into deep winter, but then someone pointed out that it is only in winter that we get to see the true structure of our majestic friends. I particularly enjoy viewing them with a sunset or dawn behind. And of course, kicking through the leaves.

Later dawns: gives me a chance to see the display without needing to get up at an unholy hour

A client’s annual conference: It’s for all the volunteers that run gliding clubs in the UK and I organise it every year. I don’t love the intense, diligent admin that goes with it, but I do love the mix of sessions and the variety of people who attend. I love the way they share ideas between them, and I love how noisy the chatter at lunch is. Very fulfilling.

The first fire up of my woodburner: yes, it will smell a bit, but oh how I love it. I have yet to do it, but I know it is coming soon.

Fetching the wood: involves a drive to a great wood merchant’s yard, perched high on the Cotswold edge, where the wood has been properly seasoned. I stack it up in the boot of my trusty old Volvo, take it home and stack it in my wood store. There is something deeply fulfilling about looking at well stacked firewood.

Stews: I throw everything in raw and put it in a slow oven. For a variation, if it’s a day for the woodburner, I stand the pot on top of the it to bubble away for the day.

Improv: I have recently begun to take classes and I am loving it. I love the supportive people and I love the playtime with them.

These are just a few of the things I am looking forward to in October…