I am sitting in front of the television contemplating life, cats and other things, or rather how cold my toes are and the need to go and unearth a pair of socks. Temperatures have taken a rapid downward slide, and the forecast mentioned freezing rain in parts of Scotland.
The early air is chilly now, and the car was covered with a blanket of condensation when I went out to feed a cat. This morning was dank and grey and the sort that makes me want to dive back under my duvet. Finally the trees have gilded cloaks, and the leaves have started to drop like sequins and crinkle underfoot.
I have a yearning for rich, savoury stews packed with tasty vegetables and served with a chunk of bread slathered with butter and for milky, nursery puddings, lightly spiced. Autumn is the time for comfort food and hunkering down to prepare for the cold, dark days of winter.
Bracken is coping better now the temperatures have dropped. Everything is easier for her, and she is being naughty, so is clearly feeling quite well. The regularity of her cough has lessened and she has had only one faint since the warm week in September, albeit a nasty one lasting longer than previously. Hopefully, the medication will keep her well for some time to come.