I am enjoying autumn at the moment.  I know it has been a bit of a mixed bag weather-wise, but whilst the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness have been, well, misty the upsides have been stupendous.

We have had some days so warm it has only needed a T shirt, the countryside is ablaze with turning leaves and huge amounts of berries everywhere.  The low tea time evening sun (about the only benefit to be gained from the clocks changing) is golden, highlighting the textures of the fields and at night the air has been cold and crisp with skies so clear it looks like someone has been up there polishing all the stars to set them on a freshly dusted velvet background.  We have also had a brilliant full moon - no torches needed when I lock the hens in and check the animals before bed.  It is a magical transformation of my world and Ozzie looks like a glossy, liquid, piece of black moving around in the light.

We also have two most welcome new additions.  The first is Gaynor who has replaced Sharon.  I know those who have met Sharon will be sad to see her go - I most certainly was - but she needed to move back to the North East to support her family.  This is a decision we understand but it did leave us in with a problem.  And then we met Gaynor who is settling in really well and doing a great job.  I consider myself lucky to have found another great person to work alongside us and I hope we have the benefit of Gaynor's contribution for a long time.

The other new addition is a horse, called Bentley, who arrived here yesterday.  He is here for the winter, basically to graze, but there is no way I am not going to be bothering him with a brush, some apple and cuddle.  I know he is a very well loved horse and I am proud his owner thinks I am up to taking care of him for the time being and pleased to be able to help her out over the winter.

When he arrived his owner said that he is a very inquisitive and intelligent horse.  I tend to take this comment when made about horses/dogs/children with a pinch of salt, but I think Bentley is the real deal.  When I went into the field this morning he had dismantled the sender unit for the electric fence and disconnected it.  When I went to have a look he came over and as I bent to examine his work he blew hot breath on the small of my back and chewed on the waistband of my jeans.  I stood up, looked him in the eye and it was there - a gleaming look of intelligence and interest in what I was doing.  Was there a touch of humour there too?  I am not sure, but I will keep you updated as winter progresses.