Happily Ever After

Life in The Rural Retreat with a beautiful wife, three cats, garden wildlife, a camera, a computer – and increasing amounts about running

Earlier posts can be found on Adventures of a Lone Bass Player, where this blog began life. Recent entries can be found here.

A Taste Of Autumn

by Russell Turner - 20:38 on 15 October 2017

When Chainsaw Bob set about our apple tree a few years ago Matchgirl was convinced it wouldn’t survive.

But after a few seasons’ regrowth, and some disappointing crops, this year our arboreal ancient produced enough fruit to make a fuss about.

None has been picked – we allowed the breeze to decide when any apples were ripe for release so a daily job during the last couple of weeks has been to check for windfalls. Today’s gusty conditions brought down most of the rest apart from five tenacious singletons which cling to high branches.

I’ve no idea what variety they are. The flesh is crisp, very firm and tart with a hint of sweetness – much better than anything on offer at Tesco.

The wild wind was less welcome at Aviemore where Matchgirl battled around the half marathon course this morning, hampered by those less fleet of foot who blocked the narrow trail through the shrub-lined wilderness. She prefers to keep times to herself, but I can reveal that despite the slowcoaches she ran a personal best. What a star. And she’s offered to be my pacesetter on a future training run to help me find the ideal speed for my long legs and limited abilities.

With her behind me I’m certain to reach the London Marathon start line in April.

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