Free food!
Ah – the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is upon us once more! And for those lucky enough to live amidst country lanes, that means free food…
I was driving down the lanes near the house this morning, with the leaves beginning to turn, the gunshot-crack of acorns pelting the car and the distinct chill in the air that can only mean that autumn is with us, and I noticed my favourite signs of autumn.
I don’t mean the “leaves turning’ or “chill in the air” sort of signs. I mean ACTUAL signs.
The signs that say “Free food”.
Free apples.
Free pears.
Free marrows, squashes and pumpkins.
Every year, people are happy to share the bounty that they’ve grown in excess, or that has fallen, ripe from the trees. And, of course, that’s in addition to the fruits which adorn wild trees and hedgerows – the blackberries, quince, plums, crab apples and more.
Mother nature always seems so generous, and along the lanes of rural Britain, there’s a spirit of sharing the harvest which brings warmth to the heart even as the days get cooler.
