As I walked down the path to my flat the other day, I crunched through piles of curled-up dry leaves. They made a very satisfying noise! It was then that I realised that Summer was definitely over and that Autumn was here.

Usually I feel a little sad at the end of the Summer, but I truly believe we’ve had a ‘proper’ Summer this year. Too many times in the past it seemed like the second season flew by with only a few sunny days scattered about in-between mostly wet and miserable days. But this year has been different. Having recently left the teaching profession and returned to 20 days plus bank holidays for annual leave, I have had to plan my days off carefully. And yet I have so many memories of beautiful sunny days; good times spent with family and friends, as well as moments on my own.

So, it is with not too much sadness that I kiss Summer goodbye, and welcome Autumn with open arms. It’s a good time to consider what I am looking forward to in this coming season.

1. Leaves.
I may have mentioned it already, but it’s so good that it deserves a proper description. There is nothing quite like kicking through Autumn leaves. Whether they are crunchy ones scattered on the floor, or big piles of soggy rotting ones, I love reverting to being a kid again and charging through leaves, (although the adult part of me will make sure that I have suitable footwear on!).

2. Food.
A list written by me wouldn’t be complete without some mention or other of food. There are certain foods that just taste better in the chiller seasons. Baked potatoes, casseroles, soups and hot chocolate immediately spring to mind. There is nothing quite like a big bowl or mug of warming soup. I have memories of clasping polystyrene containers full of steaming curried parsnip soup on Bonfire Night. Delicious!

3.  Bonfire Night.
That was an easy link! I love this festival. What is not to love about a roaring fire, fireworks and probably a BBQ or hog roast? Admittedly I have mixed feelings about the history and origin of Guy Fawkes night and also about how the day progressed into what it is today, but I love the festival that it has turned into. Here is another example of how I become child-like, as I gain such pleasure from watching the bonfire being lit and the fireworks bursting into the sky. And of course everyone loves sparklers – no Bonfire Night would be complete without them.

4. Woolly jumpers.
Yep, that’s right – it’s time to pack away your Summer wardrobe and bring out those warm comfy clothes. Although I have to admit that my wardrobe doesn’t change much during the year – in Summer my dresses are paired with thin black or nude tights with shoes, and in Autumn the very same dresses are worn but this time with thick black tights or leggings, boots, cardigans, hoodies and knitted jumpers. I am very much a ‘dress-wearer’ these days so they just get paired up with different things! Oh and I guess it’s time that umbrellas and waterproof jackets stayed within easy reach.

5. Conkers!
In the days of childhood, conkers would be carefully selected before asking a parent to drill a hole in them, baking them in the oven for a while, before threading an old shoelace (usually Dad’s!) through the hole. Much fun was had playing games with the conkers and trying to destroy someone else’s! These days, it doesn’t seem to be part of childhood in the same way, maybe due to ‘elf and safety’ or the rise of electronic games. Who knows. But it’ll always be a great memory for me. These days I still collect conkers but for a different reason. Apparently placing them in the corners of your rooms keeps the spiders away. It’s probably a load of nonsense but I’ll try anything!

There are many lovely things about Autumn and these are just a few. I would write more but I have woolly jumpers to find, boots to pull on and hot chocolate to make.

What do you love about Autumn?