Autumn at Stanton seems to start when the clocks go back to their right time and then the light changes again to more sombre shades. It is still dark when shift workers start the 7am shift.

Stanton does not have to do the early starts anymore, it can wait for another hour. The clouds now try and do the grey linen look but Autumn is a magic time of the year at Stanton … things are changing.

There is a discreet tussle between wanting to stay indoors a little longer or choosing to venture forth to the golden hues outside. Mind and body are active now.

If Pete were here he would be keen to see the lawns limed and the orchard pruned then sprayed with Bordeaux for leafcurl. He may look askance at the Stanton vegetable patch but it is a work in progress.

As for the chook house, well it is not quite up to scratch (literally). Things have been unfolding in the field with old, dead branches cleared away from the trees showing pleasing lines of view particularly around the front dam where poplar leaves litter the ground like dull gold nuggets.

Of more use to Stanton inhabitants than gold is the apple cider coming back to the house after leaving as bulky red matter. During Autumn cider discussion here is a serious topic consuming those little grey cells until the Derwent Valley Autumn Festival takes centre stage in mid April

The light fades quickly around 5pm. There is soft rain falling making the front steps slippery underfoot but no one uses them for the moment, the worn centre of each runner collecting a little puddle from which the cat drinks.

In the adjoining paddock a group of about 14 young horses run the full length of the property fence line at speed chasing each other, learning to play. The sound of hooves on bare ground not an unpleasant diversion for the senses.

The first fire will go on tonight and the curtains will be drawn but no one at Stanton will be resting wearily during Autumn, there is too much to plan for the coming days and weeks.

Autumn in the Derwent Valley is a most wondrous experience- the best Stanton season by far.