For some people, Autumn is a sad time, the beginning of the end of the year, when things begin to die.

I have never felt like this, but this year does feel different somehow, and I’m not sure why.

Maybe it’s because of everything that has been happening this year.

All the talk of virus, illness and dying and the futility of it all. 

When I was plunged into the world of caring and checking heart rates and medication, the rest of the world and its problems seemed to fade away.

Watching someone you care for struggle to escape the clutches of the grim reaper is a bit of a wakeup call.

Then we had to wave goodbye to our faithful companion, Merlin, as he staggered over the rainbow bridge. We knew it was coming but it hurt just the same.

I have always had the mindset that I would live forever, as no amount of close calls and prompting has had any effect on me, up until now. I am beginning to feel differently these days as I’m certainly not as invincible as I thought I was.

And yet…

Every time I step outside into my garden – I still call it that even though it looks like a jungle. Life out there is the same as always. Reassuring, in a way, that nothing has stopped nature in her tracks, at least not in my garden.

At the moment, my jungle is busy appreciating the heavy rain of the last two days. Soaking it all up and revelling in the freshness.

Some of the leaves are changing colour but whether that is the result of the long dry summer, or the beginnings of Autumn, only nature knows…