That was October. Blink and you missed it.
I enjoy writing these monthly posts and I enjoy reading other bloggers of a similar nature, because I’m quite nosey. The end of the month seems to be coming round quicker every time…2022 before we know it!
But let’s enjoy where are for now , hey? This has been the month of pumpkin everything, darker evenings, crisp leaves and long walks. For me, it’s also been the month of…
Watching…
As always. I do love me a good Netflix show, and they delivered two autumnal, suitably seasonal series this month. Before I dive in, quick question: do you say season or series?
Kicked off the month with The Chestnut Man. This Danish procedural drama is dark and intriguing with a twist that neither I nor Mr THL saw coming, and a little song that you’ll be humming for days. The plot centres on a series of murders and the murderer’s curious calling card; a small figure made from chestnuts. This one was a slow burner for me, I was a few episodes in before I was hooked but it was worth staying the course for. If you watch it, let me know. Did you guess whodunnit?
After a full season of Scandi Noir and murder, we probably should have lightened the mood and gone for a comedy. But October being the month of Halloween, something dark and unsettling was called for. Cue, Midnight Mass.
Set within a small island community the plot centres around a charismatic new priest who arrives to deliver both hope and miracles…but at a cost. Being honest, the plot is a bit loose at times and a couple of episodes are filled with too long speeches that had me eye rolling but overall it’s a good watch. And the characters are well enough written and cast that’ll you root for some and rage against others. A good watch for the darker nights.
Walking…
I love walking. It started out as necessity- it took me four attempts to pass my driving test. In the meantime, I did a whole lot of walking. These days, walking is a genuine passion. Autumn is my favourite walking season- the heat and humidity of Summer has faded, the Winter chill is yet to set in and the changing of seasons makes for some beautiful views. And of course, I always have company in the form of my little wolfy friend.
This month I’ve wandered canal side, along the coast and explored the streets of Southampton. Different walks, but all brilliant in their own way. While walking, I’ve also been giving Audible a go. And despite resisting the audiobook for ages, I’m hooked.
And Listening…
Audible. Audio books. These are not new things. I’m a late adopter, what can I say. Now I’m into audiobooks and podcasts, I’m really into them. I appreciate being able to listen rather than read. I’ve struggled to find time to sit and read over the past year or so and Audible has rekindled my passion for a well told tale.
This month that has included Thinking on My Feet from Kate Humble, and a memoir of childhood spent in Belfast and beyond by John Chambers. Great listens, both of them.
Loving…
A bit of time travel into a war time tea time.
I’m a lover of history and all things vintage so an afternoon spent in the 1940’s is right up my street. I loved spending a cosy Sunday afternoon with The History Wardrobe and delving into the world of the Land Girls, tea time on the ration and life in the 1940’s kitchen.
I first discovered the History Wardrobe by going along to an event when we were posted up in North Yorkshire. It’s a bit of a trek now I’m down South so I’m delighted that HW has decided to carry on creating online experiences alongside live events. They celebrate women’s lives past and present through textiles and fashion, always with warmth and humour. An absolute pleasure every time.
And finally…
Pumpkins. Wouldn’t be October without them, would it?
I’m glad Halloween means pumpkins now, I’ve tried explaining to my kids that we used to carve out a swede and how much hard work that was but they’ll never know the horror. Anyway, swede or pumpkin my carving skills are slim to none so hooray for chalk paint.
It’s the having a go that counts, right?
Wishing everyone a happy month ahead,
Helen x
I love to go for long walks this time of year, everything is so beautiful and I love the cooler temperatures and crisp air. I may have to check out Chestnut Man. Thanks for sharing 😊
Do give it a watch, it’s perfect Autumnal viewing if you like things a little mysterious and dark. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, it makes my day!
Immensely cheered by your very positive and enjoyable blog as everything has been going wrong for me today. Washed garden furniture ready to cover for the winter when down came the rain again, so I can’t cover it up now untll it’s properly dried! Then I dropped some freshly boiled beetroot on the floor (with water of course) and it went everywhere. Time to give up! I’ve tried audiobooks but don’t like as I miss the chance of putting different voices to characters, so guess I have to stick to the printed word. I love plays though, so listen avidly and I try and time domestic jobs to fit in with them.
Ah no Mari, what a carry on! Funny you say about the voices, the narrator of an audio book can make it or break it for me. If I don’t think the voice fits it puts me right off. I guess that’s the beauty of reading, you give characters the voice you think best!
A lovely round up of your month Helen I love the autumn tints and walking on the sound of crisp leaves but dislike sweeping them up constantly from the garden (we have too many big old copper beech trees) and we even get leaves blown in from neighbouring trees along the avenue that aren’t even ours! Hope your weekend is going well. Marion
It’s a lovely season to look at but definitely one that brings some work. We have trees front and back so lots of raking to be done. Its a bit of exercise I suppose?
It’s definitely exercise of the back breaking kind! We have a large leaf blower but find it too heavy to use and it’s always getting clogged up so it just gathers dust in the garage whilst we use rakes, shovels and wheelbarrows! Just heard about the train collision near Salisbury. Coincidentally we were on that line this morning on our way into London, diverted from another service because a tree had blocked the line. Hope all the passengers are safe. M.
A lovely positive post. The only thing that surprised me was knowing that you listen to stories etc. while walking. For me, the pleasure of walking is in listening to the silence, or the natural world, and otherwise having time for my own thoughts. Each to their own, eh? Luckily we’re all different!
I try to mix it up, if I’m out early or late I’ll be happy listening to the birds and whatever is around me. Other times I’ll love getting lost in a different world. I’m glad I can still pull out a surprise here and there! Definitely good that we are all different, keeps things interesting.
I really enjoyed reading your post. Have been looking for something to watch and the chestnut man sounds right up my street.
Walking is a pastime I enjoy with my husband it gives us a bit of peace and quiet away from children and grandchildren and it is good exercise. We live in Tenerife so we normally walk after our evening meal when it has cooled down.
I’m not arty at all so I have never carved a pumpkin or any other veg in my life. Luckily I’m married to a chef who saves the day.
Have a great week.
Lisa 🙂
Walking in Tenerife must be a whole different experience! How brilliant to be married to a chef, so he can be both creative and useful! As much as we embrace the Halloween pumpkin tradition, none of us actually eat pumpkin so the waste makes me cringe. We do compost though so they get chucked in there. Thank you for taking the time to read and commented, greatly appreciated!
Sounds like a lovely way to spend October, getting out for a walk is so important and like the sound of listening to books on the way. We try to walk every day regardless of weather. Big Netflix watchers too so may give The Chestnut Man a go, sounds interesting.
Let me know if you watch it if either of you figures out the ending. It’s the first thing we’ve watched in ages where neither of us was on the right track. I’ll say no more for fear of a spoiler!
Your Wolfy friend is adorable. It’s good to have a four legged friend to get you out and about, I’m with you on that one. Looks like a great October. 🙂
Thanks, he keeps me on my toes that’s for sure!