Autumn sunshine

brings out the best in Crocus serotinus ssp salzmanii, lifted from the frame for a closer look. Native of Spain, Portugal and North Africa, this is a crocus that does well in the open garden here, appreciating the dry, free draining soil and our warm summers

It's been an odd day. A tour of Amy's proposed High School this morning followed by a trip to the place where we bought our car eleven years ago. Time for a newer one and we were closing in on the right one when a phone call blew us off course. Ruth was having a series of 'absent moments' at college. Echoes of her funny turn in Wales this summer .... just when she finally seems to be on the up.

Just for good measure I had to cancel a lecture date for tonight at very short notice. C'est la vie!