I’m falling for the ample charms of autumn

IT’S funny how officially we all love summer, what with its obvious upsides of sunshine and long days. Yet it’s almost as if we feel obliged to do so because to feel otherwise would seem somehow odd or even ungrateful. But while we complain about the cold and rain, scratch the surface of many Paddies — though preferably not after a roasting during that sweltering season — and they will admit, albeit in guilty tones, that actually they prefer autumn.

Why wouldn’t they? It’s not just our pale skin but also our disposition that means we have a low tolerance for humidity and high temperatures.

Plus our autumn weather is often mild and even warm, even when wet or windy. There are also blue skies and bright sunshine, though without the hassle of intense heat.

And while flowers are fabulous, surely they are no more spectacular than the flaming shades of red, copper and gold as the leaves turn. Speaking of which, what can match the satisfying sensation of crushing a dried out leaf underfoot?

Americans refer to autumn as “the fall”, appropriately enough, as driving down any tree-lined country road reminds you. Leaves flutter surreally to the ground in the barest breeze, making you feel as if you’re passing through a beautiful dream. Which maybe isn’t so far off the mark, given that so many religions and spiritual beliefs claim that is all this life is.

Contemplating such cosmic questions and meditating on the meaning of it all — arguably not only a good use of our limited time on Earth but possibly the point of it — is also something that autumn encourages, as the days drawing in likewise draw us towards the stove.

I’ve started lighting mine, but not till late, because I’m out and about until dusk most days. For I’ve become more than a little obsessed with blackberries — so much so that I’m unable to go for a country walk without scanning the hedgerows for easy pickings. I whip out the lunch box that I’ve taken to carrying at all times if I spot any.

Autumnal foraging is a great way to take your mind off mundane matters. It’s easy to be in the moment when you’re trying to avoid thorns — or failing to do so and paying the prickly price. Focusing on finding the best berries while birds are twittering all around you also makes the time pass, so you get your fill of fresh air.

Foraged fruit is tastier and more nutritious than the stuff selling for a small fortune in the shops.

But even nature knows that there’s no such thing as a free lunch, for my hands are covered in nettle stings and cuts, while my coat has taken a thrashing from getting caught in brambles as I struggle to secure that juicy berry just beyond my reach.

I also have to run the gauntlet of creepy crawlies, midges and dying wasps to get the goodies.

But just as sunburn goes with summer, apparently there’s no pleasure without pain. And I’ll take autumn any day — thorns and all.