Now it is berries that add dashes of colour to the greens and browns of the forest.

The little Japanese garden outside my bedroom window also takes on Autumn colours.

Japanese maple

Whenever I clear some brambles and saplings to extend the garden, there is more burning to do.

Putting up a good supply of firewood for the winter becomes a priority, although it is work that continues all year round. I try to bring in as much firewood as possible. There are always fallen trees in the forest to be carried up to the chalet, cut up and stored under the eaves or in the woodsheds.

Bringing up a fallen tree from the forest

Pilling firewood under the eaves

Colourful carpet of fallen leaves

 

As the days turn cool, it is time for the first fires in the fireplace, adding the occasional odour of wood smoke.

This is the season for planting trees and shrubs. Each year I try to extend the garden and add some fruit trees.

Watering a new Rhododendron
 

Planting another plum tree

The early fall is often dry, so it is a good time to do outside maintenance. I finished plastering and painting the outside of the chalet in 2005 after adding a layer of insulation in 2004.

Finishing the last layer of cement

Painting

When I gain weight with too much travelling, I can always work it off around the chalet. I did lose some time in 2007 making repairs after a burgler tried to break in by cutting through the shutters with a chain saw (he failed to get in). Finally I was able to get everything ready for the winter.