Seasons - Autumn

It's autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. The days are getting shorter, there's a nip in the air. People are thinking about turning the central heating on, about finding their warmer duvets and winter woollies . Where did I put my gloves?

The trees are showing off their autumn colours, and as long as they continue to display their red, orange and tan hues, people will be happy. They will try not to think about winter yet. How can they think of bare, stark, cold winter when there is still so much beauty around?

Children love to run in the woods carpeted with the multi-coloured leaves, kicking them up as they go. They make such a satisfying rustling sound. If they are lucky enough to find a horse chestnut tree, they can pick up the spiny husks and take out the "conkers" inside. After a few days drying and then threading on string, they are ready for the conker challenges and battles between friends - if such games are still allowed.

But it won't be long before we see scenes like this. Autumn and winter will embrace - and then autumn will be just a colourful memory.

Rant - Royal Mail strikes

I am so angry about the proposed Royal Mail strike. Already it is claimed that millions of letters will never be delivered as a result of the random strikes, because the backlog is too great.

If they are not delivered what will happen to them? Will they just be destroyed? Does Royal Mail have the right to destroy mailed items that have been entrusted to their care?

Millions of people will be affected by the existing backlog and the proposed new strike. Not just by losing their Christmas cards. Even in these days of email and texting, people do still rely on the good, old fashioned mail. Because of the internet and email, online and mail order businesses are flourishing and growing. Customers won't bother to order if they know they won't get their goods. Alternative carriers won't carry small items (except at a sky-high cost) - so more small businesses are likely to go to the wall.

The strikers say this is nothing to do with them. The Government says this is nothing to do with them either, even though Royal Mail is owned by them. So the CWU (Communication Workers Union) and the strikers can happily hold the whole country to ransom, damage and destroy small businesses, and say it's not their fault. Our MPs will leave the house for the Christmas holidays knowing they are not leaving a pile of unanswered mail in their offices, the union bosses will rub their hands with glee at the chaos they are causing, and the postmen and their families will count the cost to them personally and say it's worth it.

NO, ITS NOT! You are paid to do a job - so do it. At least you have a job, unlike all those people that YOU are going to put out of work.

Ruins - kiln

An old kiln, once warmed by fire, now warmed by the sun.
Still at the old mine complex at Aqua Amarga, a place of peace and fascination, a place to contemplate some of the relics of pre-technological achievement.

Ruins

Ruins at Aqua Amarga, in Almeria Province, Spain. Just a few of many buildings left from the old mining complex.
Right along the top of a moutain ridge, there are magnificent views all round. There is little shade from the sun, and no relief from the wind. But it is eerily quiet, and very peaceful. Sitting up here, with your back against the old stones, just looking at the sky, sea and scenery, one feels relaxed and at peace with the world.