BS: Signs of Autumn

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 16 Sep 22 - 12:57 PM

Fairy Nuff, Sen. Lots of schools may have banned the playing of conkers on the premises but that is not a law in general. Smoking has been banned in public. Dog fights are outlawed, although they still go on. I cannot wave my Willie about in public without being arrested :-) These are real bans brought about by the "snowflakes". Why is the Mail not winding up its readers about these?!?!

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Donuel
Date: 16 Sep 22 - 12:50 PM

In America there are edible acorns on some Indian reservations but the trees are almost gone. https://www.npr.org/2022/09/11/1122250624/apache-tribes-in-arizona-are-leading-the-way-in-saving-emory-oak-trees

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Senoufou
Date: 16 Sep 22 - 12:44 PM

When I said 'banned' I meant that our village school has banned them. And from what I've heard, so have many other local schools.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 16 Sep 22 - 08:41 AM

9C here in Very South (as far as possible from the centre of) Croydon. Wore a long sleeved shirt for the first time since end of May when walking greyhound!

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 16 Sep 22 - 07:28 AM

The point is, Sen, it has not been 'banned'. It is misinformation like that, often reported in the Daily Mail just to wind people up, that leads to the type of mass hysteria we see following headlines like "EU bans bent bananas", "Council cancels Christmas" or "Conkers are outlawed". I thought you, as an ex-teacher, would know better than to repeat media distortions.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Senoufou
Date: 16 Sep 22 - 05:40 AM

Well in all my years as a school pupil, I never saw anyone injured. Nor as a teacher (but I retired many years ago). And the side table in every classroom was loaded with the pupils conkers-on-strings until playtime arrived. I often did 'playground duty' and even 'lunchtime duty' as a teacher, and quite enjoyed watching the conker challenges.
I suppose I must adapt to all these changes in the world today.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 16 Sep 22 - 03:22 AM

They are not banned, Sen. It is just schools and other organisations don't want to be held responsible for any injuries that occur. Sensibly, they have said that such games should not be played on their premises. Conkers, climbing trees, playing war (or doctors and nurses!) and many such activities are still played by many children in their own time and out of school premises.

Does it make me a snowflake for supporting the schools that try to mitigate risk? Well, if doing so saves the life or sight of one child or prevents teachers being attacked by angry parents, then, yes, I am.

Back to autumn. 4 degrees C here this morning and a hint of overnight frost. I got my cardie out last night!

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Manitas_at_home
Date: 16 Sep 22 - 03:15 AM

Is that really true? Or is it just that schools don't allow them during school hours? Or have you seen policemen arresting people for having chestnuts about their persons?

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Senoufou
Date: 16 Sep 22 - 02:39 AM

I'm a bit worried about two little house-martins who are still zooming about above our houses. They should have joined the other twenty or so on their long journey back to tropical parts. They must leave or they will die, because the little flying insects are dwindling fast, and there will be nothing for them to eat.
On my journey out to Fakenham (supermarket run) I noticed that all the horse-chestnut trees along the route were in their autumn colours, with conkers dropping onto the road. (They can damage ones windscreen, but luckily this didn't happen).
As children we used to go mad for conkers, and pierce them, thread them onto an old shoelace then play 'Conkers' for ages in the playground. Some of the boys would harden their conker with vinegar, or a short spell in the oven at home. The aim was to have the conker that had smashed the most opponents' ones. (eg a 'tenner')
Nowadays they're banned, because the Snowflake Generation might hurt themselves!

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Donuel
Date: 15 Sep 22 - 05:33 PM

Our Japanese Maple leaves are starting to turn bright red.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Donuel
Date: 15 Sep 22 - 04:31 AM

Every day is losing 2.5 minutes of sun and is losing light faster as October approaches. Then like a pendulum slows until the shortest day in December.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Neil D
Date: 14 Sep 22 - 10:06 PM

Autumn set in suddenly about a week ago here in NE Ohio. We had a high of 88 one day to a low of 51 the next. We still get highs in the low seventies and overnight lows in the fifties, weather more typical of a month from now. On the other hand, my wife spotted a woolly bear with no stripe at all which means a very mild winter.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: gillymor
Date: 14 Sep 22 - 02:19 PM

It's hard to discern the coming of fall here in SW Florida, mid-September seems a lot like mid-August. It's still just as hot and the monsoon is still here with heavy afternoon thunderstorms occurring almost daily but there are some indicators- the days are getting shorter, pumpkin lattes are showing up at Starbucks along with pumpkin muffins with cream cheese filling (drool) and at Total Wine there are displays of various pumpkin ales and Oktoberfest beers. In the estuaries and back bays redfish are starting to school up and the snook are in the midst of their spawn with lots of slot-sized pre-spawn males hanging around so a saltwater fisherman kind of knows when autumn nears.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Sep 22 - 12:24 PM

It is more fall-like because of the length of day and angle of the sun; the temperatures are still up to about 90^o every day, but that is so much better than the low 100s.

I should get a nice fall crop of peppers. The really do prefer the cooler temperatures; I struggled just to keep the plants alive this year for this final result. Peppers until November when we typically get our first frost.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: keberoxu
Date: 14 Sep 22 - 12:11 PM

. . . and the squirrels are busy, busy, busy,
so busy foraging for acorns and nuts
that they pay no mind to humans walking past the trees on the sidewalks.
They don't so much as look up or run away.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Donuel
Date: 05 Sep 22 - 08:28 AM

The backyard is full of Chinese lantern

and these https://www.google.com/search?q=small++blue+purple+berry+vine&sxsrf=ALiCzsbkRb1ffDfFQlbgMQfaukPJF34RzA%3A1662380142209&ei=bugVY4

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: keberoxu
Date: 05 Sep 22 - 08:27 AM

Mature brown acorns are now joining the green acorns under the oak tree.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Senoufou
Date: 05 Sep 22 - 03:30 AM

The house-martins which have chattered and zoomed around our street have now disappeared - presumably heading back to tropical climes (a long journey). I hope they make it. I always miss them and wish them well. I heard that some 'sportsmen' in France enjoy taking pot shots at them as they fly overhead. Charming.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 03 Sep 22 - 04:26 PM

And there are many red berries on local bushes which English folklore suggests will mean a hard winter!!

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Donuel
Date: 03 Sep 22 - 02:59 PM

low flying geese are flocking and honking in prep for migration.
Leaves lightly cover the lawn until I mow.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: MaJoC the Filk
Date: 03 Sep 22 - 01:52 PM

> the acorns are falling, green as they are

Sounds like false autumn: heat stress causing trees to shed leaves or die. There's also a massive crop here of elderberries all of a sudden, too, presumably while they can still propagate themselves.

.... Did I say this before? I can't tell if I dropped the msg before sending, or if the 'Cat's eaten my homework again.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: keberoxu
Date: 02 Sep 22 - 05:17 PM

. . . and the leaves on some maple trees are starting to change colo[u]r.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: keberoxu
Date: 01 Sep 22 - 07:10 PM

An enormous old oak tree, where I am staying, is loaded with green acorns,
so much so that the acorns are falling, green as they are.
One of them dropped smack on the top of my head as I was walking under the branches.
They drop every time one turns around, and they land everywhere.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Donuel
Date: 05 Nov 21 - 02:55 PM

A hard freeze has ended our growing season but the greenery is still a healthy green.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Senoufou
Date: 05 Nov 21 - 09:38 AM

Ha Mrrzy! We have a lovely goose-down duvet. It's deliciously warm in winter (our central heating goes off at 9pm) and yet in summer it seems to keep us quite cool. I suppose it insulates us at the temperature of our bodies. It cost £150 many years ago (from John Lewis - a posh shop!) All our bedding is pure cotton.
My husband anoints himself all over with oil (!) after his shower. He's a bit sticky in bed (I don't mind of course, it's necessary for his skin)
I'm rather bemused today - the sun is shining, no wind, and it's lovely and warm. I've been sitting on The Bench in my T-shirt, getting a bit of a tan (and yapping to passing villagers and their dogs)
This is NOT a sign of Autumn is it?

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 04 Nov 21 - 12:42 PM

I love skin touching skin in bed. Preferably when it's somebody else's.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Mrrzy
Date: 04 Nov 21 - 10:33 AM

I don't like skin touching skin in bed so I sleep clothed. The number and weight of blankets change, though. Haven't gotten out the big duvet yet!

What I can no longer wear are turtlenecks. Used to love'm, now, they strangle. I sense scarves becoming a thing...

And do note my use of the word Duvet. Unamerican, that, forvall y'all across the water.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Senoufou
Date: 04 Nov 21 - 07:14 AM

Pwaaaghaaaagh!!! That will be a sight to behold!! :)

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 04 Nov 21 - 06:19 AM

"I never wear any night clothes, just sleep in the buff winter and summer."

Snap!

It's been a bit too wet to wield my chopper. The forecast from today on is better so you never know, I just might be seen waving it in the air...

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Senoufou
Date: 04 Nov 21 - 04:19 AM

I seem to be very like you Steve. All my T shirts are cheerful and brightly-patterned. And (here comes TMI) I never wear any night clothes, just sleep in the buff winter and summer. My very Norfolk neighbour-across-the-road was shocked when I told her this. "Thass roit rewd! Yew orter ware a noit dress, yew brazen hussy!" They've started their wood-burner off, using all the chopped-up wood from their farmland. Stinky smoke belching out into the village air.
By the way Steve, how are you getting on with your chopper and your new technique? (This post is beginning to sound like the script from a Carry On film!)

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Bill D
Date: 03 Nov 21 - 07:37 PM

Several VERY chilly nights so far... and the county leaf collection brigade just posted the signs warning it begin "in a few days, weather permitting". The signs say nothing about "mortal sin". I MUST get rid of the majority of mine or I'd have no grass next year. If I collected them and composted, I'd have no place to use it. I never get them all... there are plenty to decay and go back to making now soil.

   Had to light the furnace... and then had to call a service company because it wouldn't stay lit. Had visions of the heat pump motor dying... but a very clever guy figured out that my boiler system had air bubbles.. and had it cleared in an hour. (I have radiant heat in the floor, with hot water pumped thru it.)
   So.. house is warm enough, and I can put away all the electric heaters.
We had 'almost' no snow last year, and they don't think there will be much this year.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 03 Nov 21 - 04:56 PM

I simply must have fresh air about my person. Force me to wear a woolly jumper and you'd end up on a murder rap.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Senoufou
Date: 03 Nov 21 - 02:35 PM

I wear open sandals all year round, never any socks, and my feet are in perfect shape. No corns, bunions, ingrown toenails etc. I too wear a T shirt and light trousers all year, with a gilet popped on for going out. I really hate being trussed up.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 03 Nov 21 - 02:26 PM

Shorts and a short-sleeve shirt all winter for me. Sandals, no socks. Exceptions for funerals and weddings only. I do have a thin cotton gilet for those breezy December days. I don't wear ties. All my shirts are cheerfully-patterned or positively floral. They go well with my incredibly sunny personality. ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Mrrzy
Date: 03 Nov 21 - 09:26 AM

First frost last night.

Fall Back is this coming weekend. I miss it being on Halloween.

Switched out my summer for winter clothes and discovered that what with losing 50lbs *nothing* fits. Needed flannel shirts, warm vests, long johns, all too floatingly large to be *warm* - yeah, yeah, complain, complain.

We lost the governor's race, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 03 Nov 21 - 05:40 AM

(Gosh, "stomata" is already plural, Stephen! Oh reading specs, where art thou...)

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 02 Nov 21 - 09:38 PM

All pines, spruces, firs, cypresses, cedars and sequoias are evergreen, but that doesn't mean they never drop leaves. They do, all the year round, though there may be some seasonality involved in the amounts they drop and when (I don't know...). A few types of coniferous trees are deciduous, such as larches and the swamp cypress (Taxodium, separate from the true cypresses). Coniferous woodland always has a carpet of leaves (needles) on the ground. When the ground freezes in winter, trees can't take up water and ordinary-type leaves would just dehydrate and die, but needle-type leaves have a tough outer layer and have their stomata enclosed on the inside curve of the needle, which greatly reduces water loss by transpiration. Evergreen broad-leaf trees have various strategies to get them through the winter, such as thick, leathery leaves, sunken stomatas or a covering of dense hairs.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: keberoxu
Date: 02 Nov 21 - 08:29 PM

And all of a sudden, the clusters of pine trees in the neighborhood,
while staying green,
have decided to shed quantities of dead pine needles.
All at once, BOOM, we come outdoors one morning
and the sidewalks and parking lots,
AND parked cars,
have got these dried up pine needles all over them!
And, as I say,
the tree branches are still well covered with good living green pine needles.
Something going on there that I don't understand.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Donuel
Date: 01 Nov 21 - 09:21 AM

campfires are better

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Donuel
Date: 30 Oct 21 - 08:35 AM

This is the month for low budget new horror movies like;
I Know What You Tweeted Last Summer
Rosemary's Anchor Baby
The Tory at the End Of The Street
pResident Evil
Night Of The Living Wage
The Man In The Ironic Mask
Heather Has Two Mummies
Husband Of Chucky
House Of Vax
Friday The Juneteenth
Jews...da dum, da dum, da dum da dum da dum da dum

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Senoufou
Date: 30 Oct 21 - 03:43 AM

Bloomin' clocks go back late this evening. It will get dark an hour earlier, but at least it will get light an hour earlier too. Trouble is, we have about seven clocks around the house, and it takes ages fiddling about putting them back. Fortunately, the 'puter etc do it by themselves.
I hate wrestling with the oven and the car clocks.
Also, our oil is going down rather fast, so I shall have to order 500 litres quite soon from Boilerjuice. I'm dreading finding out the price - bet it's gone up horrifyingly. Ah well. Better than shivering eh?
And we got a letter saying our Winter Fuel Payment will be £200. Very pleasing, until I read further down "It should arrive by January 25th".
I jolly well hope it arrives well before then - we have three months of heating to finance if that date is correct!

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: keberoxu
Date: 29 Oct 21 - 08:22 AM

Frost at long last.
No more mosquitoes or biting flies.
The first unequivocal hard freeze cannot be far away.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 28 Oct 21 - 05:45 AM

It's a mortal sin to dispose of your fallen leaves. I collect huge stacks of them from my garden and the surrounds. You can keep them piled up or bagged up for several years, but I've found that I can make "accelerated leaf mould" by next spring by mixing the leaves with grass clippings. I've got lots of them too.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: keberoxu
Date: 27 Oct 21 - 11:04 PM

leaves, leaves, leaves
off of the trees and all over below,
and the professionals or the homeowners,
working overtime to get the leaves collected and carried away.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Sol
Date: 27 Oct 21 - 06:43 PM

Giving the grass it's last cut.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 27 Oct 21 - 01:18 PM

I was very tempted just to post that I I now have an impressive new chopper and that I'm working on my technique, and leave it at that...

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Senoufou
Date: 27 Oct 21 - 01:16 PM

Oh Steve, please be careful! Those things can be a bit dangerous.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 27 Oct 21 - 12:21 PM

I need more practice and a better technique... :-(

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 27 Oct 21 - 08:35 AM

It's been a very warm October, my garden is still in full, slightly-bedraggled bloom and I've just bought an impressive-looking wood maul in a clearance sale. I have a stack of logs that the tree surgeon cut into decent-length rounds but which are too wide for my stoves. So this afternoon I'm going to see what a good wielding of the maul can achieve. A quick google first...

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of Autumn
From: Senoufou
Date: 27 Oct 21 - 06:38 AM

Lots of little log-vans trundling up and down our village streets. All the wood-burner owners have ordered their supply. Then one hears 'chop chop chop' as they use their axes to cut the logs into kindling-size pieces.
Also, our Sheep Sanctuary friends are trundling odd bits of pumpkins over to give their sheep a treat.
Algy's Farm up the road is thronged with families choosing their pumpkins (all colours, white, orange, green, and all sizes, from tiny to gigantic!)
And our beautiful Norfolk oaks (all the fields have lots of oaks along their boundaries, many over three hundred years old) are turning orange at last. Very late this year.