Thanks so much for all of the birthday wishes for Toby. I think he enjoyed his day – he certainly enjoyed the party rings that I let him eat because it was his birthday!

There has been a definite coolness in the air when I've been opening up the chicken coop in the morning and the evenings are getting shorter. Autumn is arriving here and I am happy because it is my favourite season.

All around things are changing and preparing for the harshness of winter. The garden spiders are fat and busy with their spinning,

The leaves are gradually colouring and falling from the trees

The birds have been heading south. We're in the Lea Valley and it must be a popular migration route because recently the evening skies over our house have been populated by v shaped flocks heading to warmer climes.

The sun is getting tired and going to bed noticeably earlier each day.

My thoughts are now definitely focused on indoor activities and it's time to put the paddling pool and summer garden cushions away for another year.

The wood store is stocked and I have a feeling it may not be long before I'm thinking of lighting the fire of an evening and curling up with my knitting – I feel the urge to make yet another pair of mittens coming on! But first I'll finish off the batch of autumny animals and hedgehogs that I'm currently working on.