Beechwood

Since walking up to Lennel Churchyard a week ago on a balmy November afternoon we have had heavy rain, and those swirling winds that come in gusts and howl down the street at night.  Some of the sheltered beeches, and the sycamores too, still have their foliage, but elsewhere the colours have been devastated.  Where I week ago I looked down at the River Leet through patterns of long yellow willow leaves, now not a leaf remains. I shall have to start thinking about painting my Christmas card.