Devilish good

I've never been picking blackberries so late in October. 
True, the Devil spat or shat upon them on Old Michaelmas Day, October 10th, when he was chucked out of Heaven right into a prickly bramble patch. And although the berries by this time are a little shrivelled there are still plenty of them on the bushes, still sweet.
But where are the birds and bugs that one would expect to be taking advantage of the bonus. Nowhere to be seen...

A few days ago son Huw baked an almond cake and  decorated it with deep purple icing made with blackberry puree, and yesterday I made a blackberry and apple flaugnarde (like clafoutis but not cherries) which was delicious. See temporary extras if you wish.