Monthly Archives: September 2011

The sky to the west is a light roseate gold. A day of perfect weather is near its close. I quote the Book of Common Prayer Collect for the Feast of St Michael and All Angels, which this day is: ‘O everlasting … Continue reading →

The Jewish New Year begins at sundown tonight. Tomorrow is Michaelmas Day. I wrote last year (September 3) how this season brings to mind our 30 years in North London, our Jewish friends and neighbours, and the quiet streets in … Continue reading →

I had a friend who lost most of her sight in her seventies. She was an eminent member of the Church of England and the Mothers’ Union. She was High Church and a traditionalist. She was a ferocious observer of … Continue reading →

Ley Lines and Blackberries From the BFMS Forum, May 20, 2009 May 20, 2009: Ley Lines and Blackberries That old man standing by the roadside, what’s he doing? He hasn’t even got a dog with him. What’s he looking at?  … Continue reading →

A fruit fly drowned in the fermentation lock of my bubbling crab apple wine today. I had tried to rescue it but only succeeded in causing it to fall into the gadget’s watery air trap.  Mrs Llew was worried about … Continue reading →

For my 76th birthday my family gave me four fermentation jars and various gadgets to help me brew country wines. I love the smell of fermenting fruit – and a very murky jar in our kitchen is giving off a … Continue reading →

In the gathering dusk, two tractors worked the great field, harrowing the ploughed furrows into tilth, and with it the new growth which had sprung up since the harvest. The warm west wind which had blown all day threw up … Continue reading →

Two thoughts hold my attention at the moment. One is ‘give thanks’ and the other is ‘it’s Autumn’. I’m not giving thanks for Autumn, though that would be good to do. I’m giving thanks for my life now, as it … Continue reading →

A child’s kite dipped and soared, perhaps 100 feet in the air at the limit of its slender cord. A small girl, seated on the sand, nursed the handle of the cord. She was relaxed, even meditative, as the delicate … Continue reading →

Those who know me will testify to my obstinacy. Sometimes this characteristic may have its worth but I would be happy to be less totally resistant to painkillers which,  the notes say, cause drowsiness, especially if there has been drink … Continue reading →