The smell of Autumn Colours

The fascination of kicking freshly gathered autumn leaves into the air, when the park keeper was not looking, was a brilliant pastime as youngsters, the colours seeming to sparkle as they tumbled in the air before forming amazing patterns on the dew covered grass, bloody hell that old groundsman could run fast for an oldun!

We knew it was safe to return when we could smell the smoke from the fire lit for the mid morning brew, the crackle and smell are so familiar it still draws me through the woods to forestry controlled burn, but no more the chance of a cup of tea from the embers, in that old burnt and stained kettle, with the old groundsman.

He is no more, but the the memories evoked by the falling leaves and wood smoke are as strong now as they ever were.

And of course the first finding of Fungi in the damp early mornings was a thrill ,as grandfather would be coming home with a basket full of all sorts of strange looking delights, along with Chestnuts and Hazelnuts, which were soon in the pan with a couple of squabs (pigeons) and added to the menu along with the freshly made blackberry pie, which had been picked that very morning, and of course fresh cream. A swig of Granfers beer when he was not looking, topped it of before flaking in front of the open log fire to burn your legs for the afternoon, as Gran screamed at the television for Jackie Pallow, the wrestler to "rip it of", what ever "it" was? try offering all that to kids now!

A real overnight success.

Stinkhorn eggs!

Pubescent Stinkhorn

Early morning emergence.

I was wondering, if children really comprehend what they are missing out on? or if they really care,,,, Yeah whateva.

ps. try Richard Mabey's Food for free its brilliant.

Paul