The Flip Flops Have Gone Away...

Well, I think we can officially say that summer is over.

And what a summer it's been.

We've had some absolutely glorious weather over the last few months and, as someone who loves sunshine, warmth and being outside, I've thoroughly enjoyed it.

I've worn my flip flops virtually everywhere.

Beach? Flip flops.

Dog walk? Flip flops.

Coffee? Flip flops.

Probably inappropriate for quite a few occasions, but frankly, once they're on my feet in the summer, I very rarely take them off. 😂

Sadly, though, there comes a point when you have to admit defeat.

The mornings are cooler, the evenings are drawing in and I've finally had to put the flip flops away.

They're now back in the cupboard.

And the trainers are out.

Which can only mean one thing...

It's ‘proper’ dog-walking weather again.

Not that the dogs care particularly what I wear.

They've got absolutely no concept of seasons, weather forecasts or whether I happen to fancy staying in bed for another half an hour.

They know one thing.

It's time for their walk.

And that's that.

As many of you will know, Rob and I take the dogs out every morning and, during the summer, it's one of my favourite parts of the day.

There's something lovely about getting out early when the sun is shining, the sea is blue and everyone seems to be in a good mood.

Even the dogs.

Well... most of the time.

But now that autumn is creeping in, those early morning walks are taking on a slightly different feel.

There's a definite chill in the air, and I'm Starting to bring in the layers…by the time it gets to Christmas I’ll resemble the michelin man!

Still, I can't really complain.

We've had such a lovely summer, and I think there's something rather nice about the seasons changing.

I'm not one of those people who wants it to be summer all year round.

Well...

Actually, that's a lie.

I’m definitely a hot house flower.

But I do enjoy those first few weeks when you realise that autumn is arriving.

The evenings become darker, there's a little nip in the air and suddenly staying in feels rather appealing.

And I'm quite looking forward to that.

There's something very comforting about a cosy night at home when it's dark outside.

A nice meal, the television on, the dogs lying all over us while we watch our favourite programs, then bed with a book.

Although, given what I do for a living, perhaps I should say someone else's book.

Because despite spending an alarming amount of my life writing, I still love reading.

There's nothing better than having a good book when the weather outside is doing its worst.

Still I’ve said all that and we'll probably get another heatwave next week and I'll have to dig the flip flops back out again. 😉

The photograph above was taken during one of our recent trips out, and I couldn't resist using it.

Look at them.

Four dogs sitting there looking as though butter wouldn’t melt.

Don't be fooled.

They’re anything but well behaved half the time.

But they do make me smile every single day.

And I suppose that's what I like about this time of year.

Summer is all about getting out and making the most of the sunshine, whereas autumn feels a little more like an invitation to slow down.

To spend more time at home.

To catch up on things.

To write.

And, hopefully, to get a little more sleep after all those early morning dog walks. 😂

So, goodbye summer.

You've been lovely.

The flip flops are packed away, the trainers are back on and I'm looking forward to a few cosy evenings ahead.

Although I reserve the right to complain bitterly the first time the temperature drops below 10 degrees.

After all, I'm still British.

We have to have something to complain about. 😉

Much love,

Bev xx