
Autumn
Hello Autumn and Hello Everyone. I hope you are all well and healthy. It certainly has been a strange year. Most of us have never experienced anything like it. We stayed home much of the time in order to protect ourselves and others. And even though it seems like we lost several months, time marches on. The seasons continue to change, and autumn has sneaked up on us.
In England, our lockdown eased up at the beginning of July, so we did get to enjoy a bit of summer. As far as weather goes, it was a good summer. Since there was a lot less international travel, many people spent their holidays visiting places closer to home.

We took the opportunity to see more of the southwest of England around our new home in Bath. We didn’t have a car in London (city dwellers don’t need one). But now that we’re “country folk,” we have a vehicle, and we’re enjoying discovering nearby towns. So, you’ll probably be reading about some of them here on my blog. We’re also enjoying all the nice parks here in Bath, and I’m hoping to see some lovely autumn colors, as there are lots of deciduous trees around.
New Beginnings
Autumn always feels like a time of new beginnings to me. In France, there’s a word for this time of year, it’s called la rentrée which simply means “the return.” It’s the time (in normal years) when people return from their summer holidays and go back to work and children go back to school. In September the French set goals and plan for the things they want to accomplish in the coming year – similar to the New Year’s resolutions we all make in January.
New Book in October
Just like the French, I always get inspired to plan something new at the end of summer. This year, I have a new book coming out. Bowlers, Brollies, and More: Curious Histories of England should be out by the end of October. It’s my seventh book, and this one is a collection of my stories about England from my blog. It might make a nice Christmas gift for someone who likes England. Or see my other books for more gift ideas.

NaNoWriMo: Writing in November
Every year, November is National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo. It’s an annual online creative writing project. And it’s free – anyone can join in the fun. But it’s not all fun and games: Participants put their heads down and attempt to write 50,000 words on their manuscript during the month of November. You aren’t expected to have a completed novel by the end, but if you meet your word count, you should end up with a nice first draft.
NaNoWriMo began in 1999 and has grown year by year. The participants (called Wrimos) are provided with inspiration, forums, pep talks and support from other writers. There’s a lot of creative writing energy buzzing around in November, and if you want to get plugged in to it, have a look at the website: NaNoWriMo.org
In the past, I haven’t officially participated in NaNoWriMo, I’ve just made an extra writing effort in November. This year, however, I’ve officially signed up. I’ve already received a lot of good information, such as preparation tools and ideas. So, we’ll see how I fare. Please feel free to join me in this writing adventure. NaNoWriMo.org

Jeff’s Book
In other news… My husband, Jeff, recently published his memoir. He was orphaned as a child, and his is a rags-to-riches story that will tug at your heartstrings. The book has been really well received and has inspired lots of people. Check out Jeff’s book here. (paid link)
Thank You
I want to say a big THANK YOU to you, my readers. Thank you to everyone who has read my posts, bought one of my books, left a book review, bought me a tea, or just sent nice thoughts my way. I appreciate each and every one of you, and I hope my stories bring you a little bit of enjoyment and give you ideas for places to visit when we can all travel more freely again – hopefully next year.
Wishing you all the best,

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Good luck with your new writing challenge, Margo.
Still in ‘lockdown’ here in Melbourne – used to the online life now – I was thinking you really made the right decision to leave London for Bath when you did! I am so pleased to hear you are enjoying a part of England I know and love.
Best wishes, Paula
Thanks, Paula.
Sorry to hear you are still in lockdown. UK is in it’s second wave now, but seems to be more localized this time – mainly in the North.
I’m glad to be out of London too. It’s an amazing wonderful place when things are open, but with everything closed down, it felt pretty oppressive to me. We are really enjoying the Southwest. Did you live here before?
All the best, Margo
Hi Margo
I lived just to the west of Oxford and in the Cotswolds. The south west of England is really beautiful and can be enjoyed all year with its mild climate. Bath is a charming town as the base for your explorations. Enjoy it all. Paula
Hi Margo. What a wonderful post. I hope you take to country life. Writing from Yorkshire, I can definitely recommend it.
I love your comments about autumn, which echo my own views, especially regarding new beginnings, though I hadn’t heard the French version before. I hope I am not being presumptuous by pointing you to my post (https://shrtm.nu/NCUF) on this seasonal subject .
Fantastic that you have managed a new book. Congratulations, and can’t wait to read it.
With kind regards, Jeremy
Hi Jeremy, Happy Autumn!
I see that you love this season of new beginnings as much as I do.
Thank you for making me aware of your interesting post on the subject: https://shrtm.nu/NCUF. I really liked the analogy of the swifts flying high above the distractions to get a different perspective on things and to reorient themselves. It’s a good tactic for all of us.
Thank you and all the best, -Margo
Hi Margo,
I am trilled you are coming out with a new book. Best of luck!!!
I can not wait to read it. I love and enjoy all your writting, I always learn something new. it is very nice that you and Jeff went traveling by car during this time.
There is lots too see and explore.
Here is Northern New Jersey, the autumm is gorgeous, this year has been expectacular. The weather fantastic. One of my favorite seasons.
We are slowly being able to get out and go to stores and some business with only 25% capacity. Restaurants first opened with outdoors sitting only. A month ago or so,
they can have patrons only at 25% indoor capacity.
Many people are leaving New York City and other boroughs to live here in New Jersey, willing to pay even above asking price on houses located with proximity to the City.
Wearing mask has become second nature to me, I do not leave home without it. I see it as a new accesory. I have at least 10, all different colors and designs. I keep disposable ones in my car just in case I forget.
I am optimistic, we will have a vaccine soon.
My husband who travels a lot for business has been home since March. Thank GOD his company is doing well, he is very busy working from home.
My mom is visting us from Oklahoma and we are loving her company. She will eventually go back. My family is all well. Thank GOD.
Much love to you and Jeff stay safe.
Happy Autumm!!!!
Hi Patricia,
Thanks for your good wishes for my book. It’s all coming together.
I’m jealous of your fall color. I’m still hopeful here, but I don’t see very many maples which are the ones with the gorgeous color. The leaves are just beginning to turn so there’s still time.
in the UK, we are in our second wave of covid cases. We just try and be careful and take all the precautions we can. Not much else we can do.
I’m glad you are able to get out a bit and enjoy this lovely season. Happy Autumn to you!
Take care and all the best, -Margo