In search of autumn

A few weeks ago my husband realised he had a free week at work with no meetings and asked if I fancied a few days away - just me and him. Of course I did 🤣

He asked where I wanted to go and, in the midst of horrible hot and humid weather I said I didn’t mind as long it was cold and wet.

So we are going to Scotland for a few days - and I couldn’t be more excited. Ironically we are leaving the south just as the rain arrives but I have high hopes nevertheless to actually encounter some of the wet stuff as it falls from the sky. And if I get to wear my jeans and a jumper I might actually be in heaven.

Of course there is the very real possibility that we will arrive in the midst of a midge festival - the Scottish midge being renowned at this time of year.

I was thrilled to discover though tha,t much as we have the regular weather forecast, there is also the midge forecast - showing you the hotspots for this formidable of wee beasties.

Hats and midge nets at the ready!

☀️ A homemade bird bath - with a large unused plastic tray and some pebbles. I popped it in a shady spot in our garden and I love watching how many birds it has brought in for a splash. I do need to keep an eye on Luna though who has taken to lurking about in a speculative manner.

☀️ Autumn yarn and plans. There is a particular joy that comes from shopping one’s stash. Nothing fills a knitters heart more than planning all those autumn/winter projects. This particular yarn has sat in my stash for a year now and is destined for a long wrap/stole. I’m also planning to knit another Ranunculus (Ravelry link), this time in a DK yarn held singly I think, although some maths might be required for that.

☀️ Getting ready for the September release of the new Hobonichi Cousin A5 planners. I have really loved my 2026 planner and as we are now past the halfway point of the year I can safely say it is the only planner I have consistently used and that I show a reasonable chance of finishing. Truly a game changer for me and the fact that there are weekly/monthly and daily pages means that I can change things up as I go along without feeling that I have to be constrained to a certain way of doing things.

☀️ I also bought some new yarn - in my defence it is for a very good cause. Meadow Yarn did some limited edition custom dyes to help raise money to support the restoration needed at Dunwich Heath. Just one of many habitats that have been devastated in this summer of wildfires. The first batches sold out super quickly but I set my alarm last night to make sure I snagged a skein.

☀️ If you have been stuck in the dichotomy of wanting to use your phone less but also to keep notes on your summer exploits, this article is really helpful

Have a lovely weekend - and if you have any top tips for beating the Scottish midge do please let me know.