29 Oct 2022

The London Tavern Reunion in Maidstone. Elliott met some of my old biker friends from the 80’s, and this photo was taken by Geordie, who blamed his old phone for the blurred image.

30 Oct 2022

Catching the low tide at Botany Bay before dusk fell. We’ll be back at dawn tomorrow.

A couple of the old fishing boats on Hastings Beach. The rain and high winds have kicked in, yet we plan to photograph the fleet tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed!

Our first visit in England, Hever Castle, once the home of Anne Boleyn. A beautiful structure, and gorgeous autumn weather to enjoy the gardens.

Bags are loaded, and soon we will be too. Nearly home!

Packed and ready to go home! Wheee!!

The local gas station is all geared up for Halloween!

Pulling out my suitcases ready for England, I found this tag from my last domestic flight. I’m notoriously bad for overloading my check-in case. My last trip home to England, I had to pay $100 penalty on the way back to the US, for my case stuffed full of foods and goodies. This time the fine is $300 so I’ll have to be careful.

A bit blurry because I was in a hurry to eat this. Cooked by Elliott, eggs on top of a baked potato, with fried green tomatoes and bacon. Delicious!

The seed heads from the butterfly weed. These will be left over winter as a food source for the wildlife. I often wonder if my father would’ve done the same thing, having learned that it’s so beneficial to leave seed pods and let the garden be untidy over the colder months so insects can hibernate or creatures have a natural food supply. His garden was always immaculate, with everything cut back and leaves removed. I’d like to think he would garden the ‘better way’ knowing what we know today.

Elliott and I went to a very scary haunted house in Luray this evening, DarkWood Manor. It was an excellent and scary experience, and I met this handsome chap!

The milkweed seeds are blowing all over the garden, a downy carpet on the grass. Hopefully, next spring, we’ll see a lot more young plants growing.

I always wanted to rent this house in Markham, but now it’s looking a little neglected. But I love the fact it’s on a little used railway line, and would consider buying it if it ever came on the market.

We’re getting to bear freezing tonight, so I picked the last of the tomatoes. Fried green tomatoes are now on the menu!

With most of the ivy off the fence, the Virginia creeper has nudged its way in. But it’s a pretty addition, and not as difficult to keep at bay.

Malcolm setting an example of how Sundays should be spent.

Front Royal held their Festival of Leaves today, with local vendor booths, food and music. This idea of the kids coloring in a huge placard was a great idea. I even fancied a go myself.

Hanging out with my bestie buddy on her pretty front porch tonight. Such a calming open space she has here.A great way to start the weekend.

She stood very still, hoping I hadn’t seen her, but I had. She was chowing down on a nice flower arrangement that someone must have recently left.

I’ve driven or walked past this statue of Mary, near home, many times. She’s always looked after, and left fresh flowers. And now I know the message around her neck.

A traffic jam on the way home revealed the cause. Part of a pedestrian crossing was being repainted, with 4 guys watching while 1 did the job. 

Stripes of sun and shadows in the cemetery.

After a nearly 3 hour chat with Mum on the phone, Elliott and I worked on The Bug Out. We clamped the 2 open corners and filled them with foam. These will be smoothed down then a Gorilla Ultimate caulk put over the top. All the holes on the sides were filled in. We have to strip old caulking from other corners and redo that before we go to England, then it will be waterproofed before winter sets in.

First fire pit of the season. A perfect night. No wind and not too chilly.

7 Oct 2022

Autumn has arrived. The maples are showing off their warm colors, and soon the other trees will follow suit.

Rosie Lee dancing with the sunbeams and shadows.

The little custard shop in town. I was surprised to see it open, but unfortunately, nobody was wanting a cold dessert when I passed by.

Everything in the garden is slowing down, producing seed heads with foliage dying, but this salvia is putting on a final burst of bright, vivid color, and lights up the flower bed.

This huge balloon in the cemetery was bouncing back and forth in the gusty breeze. I was waiting for it to drag the headstone out of the ground.

Strolling round the Emporium in Strasburg today, I noticed a lady, about 90 years old, stooped over a rubbish bin and rummaging inside, then looking about her. Intrigued, I walked back a few minutes later after she’d gone, and saw this. I had to chuckle.

Our local garden center likes to go all out with the Halloween decorations.