It has been all change since last month. The Atlantic storms have been barrelling in bringing high winds and lots of rain on most days. The sky and sea have been a constant gloomy grey and the light has been very low, even at midday. The soundscape has changed too as the ships and fishing boats, shrouded in sea fog on some days, blast their warning horns or ring their bells to alert all to their presence. From the garden, you can watch the sea fogs known as the haar come rolling in and then you find you are surrounded by it. As fast as it arrives, it is gone as it rolls up and over the cliff and then all is clear again.  

And the resurgent virus has taken its toll. We are locked down again so we have been unable to travel to the seaside garden. I do miss it, fog and all. And there has been much sadness with a death in the family. My mother-in-law was one of my long-standing followers. She was known as Ancient Briton and she was always so interested and encouraging right up to the end. She loved visiting and walking around the garden, and strolling along the beach when she could manage it.

This picture, which I took on a beach walk on a rare fine autumnal day, was sent to her on the day of her stroke. It was one of the last things she saw. She replied with a witty comment, as ever, before nature took its course.

Time will move on and there is work to be done both on the book and in the garden when we can travel again. I will update you next month with plans for next year. In the meantime, have a safe and happy Christmas.