Harvest is over

All should be safely gathered in -- but the maize on the Wattlebury Estate was planted late and when the time came to gather it in, the ground had become so wet that many acres were left unharvested. The tractors may be able to return and cut the crop when the frosts come - but it will have to dry out a lot before that can happen. As a result we have heavy tyre ruts through the fields, now filled with water and a good many interesting visitors to meet up with!  Even King Canewt arrived on the doorstep of Wattlebury Cottage one evening last week, waving his arms in a jaunty fashion. But we will surely get birds of many and varied types. There is the corn too - some is starting to look weary and blackened, but it will provide sound meals for hungry creatures if the winter is severe.
In 1827 The Shepherd of Banbury's Rules stated: 'If the latter End of October and beginning of November be for the most Part warm and rainy, then January and February are likely to be frosty and cold, except after a very dry summer.' which is probably suitably fitting for our year so far. That corn on the cob may come in handy!
And the Harvest Suppers are eaten and packed away for another year now, too. A feast of great merriment, enjoyed traditionally by farmers and fellow villagers. Mum recalls such evenings when she was a young pullet as being filled with laughter, wine, splendiferous food and excellent company. The wine of course may have quite a lot to do with it.

Then comes the harvest supper night
Which rustics welcome with delight
When merry game and tiresome tale
And songs increasing with the ale
Their mingled uproar, interpose
To crown the harvest's happy close
While rural mirth that there abides
Laughs till she almost cracks her sides.
John Clare, 'The Shepherd's Calendar'

Gordon xxx