As the bean poles got put away from the vegetable garden and the last sunflower heads petals dropped it turned my mind to autumn. The shortening of days, the darkness and the rain, winds, and cold to come. Now don’t get me wrong I love a frosty morning with the leaves crunchy underfoot. But, from my childhood where Jack Frost seemed to visit from when we returned to school after the summer to now, there is a huge difference. I can only remember one really frosty morning in 2019 autumn.
Autumn Living
One of the biggest changes for us as a family as the autumn months progress will be our evening walk. Throughout the summer we try and walk on an evening once we’ve eaten. Down to the river or over the fields. But, as dinner is at 6 pm in our house this makes this just not possible instead we have to rethink our day.
We can’t skip the daily walk, a dog and working all day from home sat in the office means it’s not possible instead we have to change up our schedule.
In the morning, the dog is walked as the eldest goes on his way to the bus stop for school. An hour across the fields in solitude whilst the other adult and youngest prepare for their day at home.
The evening a walk before he gets home from school making sure that we’re back in time to help with homework and talk about the day.
Our weekends, in the garden lounging in the sun are now near impossible, but this year we’re keeping the sofa out and making sure the cushions are accessible but adding in a fire so that we can get cosy and enjoy the outdoors as well.
The coast, which is only 5 minutes drive away in our opinion is better in the autumn and winter once the tourists have left the promenade. The beach is quiet and the dog can join us wandering the pebbles and jumping the waves.
Cosy Autumn Evenings
Where in the summer we would sit in the garden until the stars came out hoping to catch a glimpse of the International Space Station or a Meteor Shower in August.
Autumn, transforms our evenings to movie nights, games nights and reading aloud to each other.
Sitting around the table playing board games, teaching the kids cards, chess and backgammon or the occasional video game battle or dance off.
A movie or TV night snuggled in the lounge, with snacks and warm drinks, cosy slippers and comfy clothes.
A book to share, not one that the kids would choose themselves, maybe a classic children’s novel, or something that caught my eye in the library or book store. From Charles Dickens to Jules Verne and Lands far away.
Autumn Food and Meals
Sitting together as a family is one of our family goals, no matter how busy we are we make time to eat.
Over our meals the we discuss our days, what’s gone on, the success we have had, what went wrong and what we could do differently in the future. We started when they were young and now with the pre-teens they will talk over what’s happened to them, what they’ve learnt and make plans and dreams for the future.
But, autumn brings a change to those meals. Instead of eating outside or grilled food from the barbeque the slow cooker graces the side, the vegetables are steamed and puddings switch from ice-cream to cobblers and crumbles.
We try and eat seasonally, where possible with food from our own garden, but as lockdown prevented a good plan for this year with garden centres and shops closed our winter greens and brassica seeds were never bought or planted on time.
Instead, this year we have subscribed to a vegetable box, delivered weekly with a selection of fruit and vegetables it means we have fresh, organic food every day with our meals.
Check out these ideas for some delicious autumn family meals to embrace the changing seasons and enjoy the time of year.
Cosy Autumn Vibes
My sandals have been put away for yet another year, instead the walking boots, wellingtons and my everyday ankle boots have been brought out for the season.
I don’t have a summer and winter wardrobe instead I have layers that I add to the summer wardrobe for winter and autumn. Sweater and knits, thicker socks, thermals for if and when it gets cold.
A warmer coat, fleece lined trousers, hats, scarves and gloves have replaced the sun screen and base ball caps in the go to basket.
Our beds have added blankets and quilts, folded up and thrown on as the days get colder.