Bonfire night

In the past few years our bonfire night celebrations have taken place at the Castor Community Fireworks Display, but this year illness, absence of friends and family and work commitments meant this didn't happen. So tonight we had a small bonfire in the garden, freshly made from wood that had been drying under cover to minimise any risks to wildlife. 

I found some leftover sparklers that have been hanging around for at least five years, perhaps even more. Surprisingly they still lit up easily and there were enough for a couple each. We all enjoyed the age-old tradition of whirling them around and trying (unsuccessfully) to write our names in the air.

When the rain got heavier we retreated indoors to a suitably autumnal meal of sausages baked with pears, red onion and squash in a marmalade and cider glaze, baked potatoes and a crunchy cabbage salad, followed by burnt-butter blondies and baked apples. We even had the first mulled wine of the year. It all felt very cosy, despite the fact that we still haven't put the heating on!