Autumn Days


We're actually having some dry, sunny weather over here in the wilds of north Wales this week. I took my cup of tea out in the garden this afternoon and made the most of the sun for a few minutes. There is a particular quality to the light and warmth of an autumn day which distinguishes it from spring. There's a freshness in the air and a hint of colder, crisper days to come, but although I am not one  who welcomes winter, a dry, sunny autumn day gives me as much pleasure as a day in spring or early summer. It awakens memories of schooldays, a new academic year, the smell and feel of a new school satchel, sharp new pencils, the first page of a brand new exercise book, memories which were usually short-lived as I recall, but let's not spoil the moment.
Even when I was teaching, there was something of the same anticipation of a brand new year, new class and hopefully, less targets, paperwork and government interference. Oh dear, that element of cynicism will creep in, try as I might.
So for today, I relish the moment. No more do I live my life around the acedemic year. Hey! I've even managed to remain in ignorance of the dates of the half-term holiday. These mid-afternoon moments before the sun disappears behind the next trail of cloud, are mine to appreciate, to daydream in and to savour.

7 comments:

Yorkshire Pudding said...

A nice piece of writing Jenny...and then lowering the tone somewhat - ever considered naturism?

Jennytc said...

You first, YP! ;)

Flighty said...

I really like this time if year! xx

WendyCarole said...

I love this time of year all those gorgeous colours. And no hay fever! Except I think I coaught a cold at the school I have been at for the last three afternoons

menopausaloldbag (MOB) said...

Crisp sunny days, albeit shorter in autumn and then practically non existent in winter are my favourite days to walk. But catching that unexpectedly warm sunny day just before the cold sets in is a gem of a day. You sounded more rested if for just a moment.

Daphne said...

I still think of the year as compartmentalised by school terms and holidays! I enjoyed your evocative autumnal writing.

Rosie said...

Enjoyed this post Jenny but how I I long for the time I can do the same. x

Plaster board and dust

So, we're still no further forward on the British Gas smart meter front and I've given up making non-existent appointments with them...