Blowing in the wind

After a grey, cloudy start it was another beautiful sunny day.

Lots of downy white feathers blowing around as we walked on Wooler Common with Louie late this afternoon - this one was caught on a stalk and blowing in the wind. Lots of signs that summer is coming to an end, too - rowan trees heavy with ripe berries, the heavy scent of meadowsweet, grasses and nettles beginning to die down and golden rod in flower.

Since early childhood I've associated golden rod with the coming of autumn - it grew in my parents' garden and each year, after the flowers had withered, dad would cut down the woody stems and put them on a bonfire.

However, 'tis still summer - and we'll make the most of it while it lasts!