What the Fran

Autumnal

In June I wrote about summer plans and I definitely got a lot out of the summer - I did everything in that post and had lots more enjoyment besides. Even now there's still some occasional nice sunshine, the garden is still growing, it's all good.

However. Autumn encroacheth. I know a lot of people love autumn. My wife included. Good for you all, I am genuinely thrilled for you. I wish I did but I do not. All I feel about autumn (September and October - don't try to tell me November is autumn, it's winter) is that it's The Death of Summer and Nearly Winter. And winter is the worst! Winter is an ordeal to be survived.

Two things that help. First, plans. Plans that try to make the most of it. Play to autumn's strengths, which I'm assured it has. Secondly, I've found that really experiencing it helps with the descent. Not hiding away but staying out, as much as possible. Feeling the changing weather, watching the changing trees, noticing the changing darkness. Experiencing the change to accept the change. Rather than railing against it and being in denial.

Some of my plans for autumn...

Autumn cleaning. We all know spring cleaning but I also like a good autumn clean. The doors and windows have been open for months. The lights have barely been on. The living room needs rearranging for the fire. It can be nice.

DIY. Our porch needs some fixes to make it a bit more watertight. Ideally before winter.

Games. I've been having fun working on a game jam that finishes at the end of the month. So I will want to find something else. Also, playing more games, working on more games, working on my game education.

Fun things. Despite my dislike of autumn it contains fun stuff. Several birthdays. I'll browse for films, gigs, concerts, shows, and so on.

Gardening. Growing stuff through autumn and winter is great. The squashes and beans are still going strong, the tomatoes appear to be never ending. As well as all the usual autumn / winter stuff like turnips, leeks, Brussels, broccoli, kalettes. Then there's planting to do - the onion sets and broad beans. But also lettuces, spinach, chard, radishes, and herbs in the greenhouse.

Outdoors. Related, I'm going to put a tarp over the patio as a covering, a roof. So I can sit outside in the drizzle, maybe keep cooking outside too.

Stargazing. A big advantage of the darker evenings is getting the telescope out.

Days out. Still days out. Get to some woods to see the trees changing colour. Stamp about on moors in bracing winds and drizzle. As well as indoors. Museums, events.

Winter prep. Muster forces for the upcoming battle! Stocks of woolly socks, gloves, pasta sauce, and cookie dough. Repair shoes. Clean raincoats.

September and October things

(Will add to this list. Also working on a Calendar of Fun Web Things.)