There’s something really smashing about running through the countryside on a cool, slightly damp autumnal day. When we know that summer has definitely passed and we are hurtling towards the winter and Christmas. It doesn’t seem possible that only a few short weeks ago we were heralding spring and summer – it’s been fanastic in one way. Proper heat and sun. But too much dryness. This has made a tremendous difference to the produce in green grocery departments. There’s been far less choice in the green veg on offer. Lots of the imported stuff has been very expensive and not as juciy and tasty as we’re used to. I love shopping out in the country farm shop up the road. The staff are very knowledgeable about what’s available in their stock and everything is lusciously fresh. The store smells of pickles and candles, all sorts of country goods. Oil lamps sitting on the side dresser for power cuts – it’s so comforting!