Autumn is here in this part of the world. The days noticeably shorten as we head to the autumn equinox and every living thing begins their preparations for winter.
We have had some really unusual and severe weather this week, across the Adriatic from Italy to the Balkans. This is yet more evidence of climate breakdown.
A fire close to Stari Grad this week has destroyed 8 hectares of trees and shrubland. It was caused by someone on a yacht letting of flares!
With forest fires in many areas of the Mediterranean basin, I have been thinking of the preparations I need in case fire breaks on in the forest at the back of my home.
Autumn is fast approaching. Leaves are changing colour and dropping, accelerated by the abnormally high temperatures. Even the vibrant Bougainvillaea is starting to look a little faded.;
While almost everything else wilts with the heat, just one or two local plants seem to thrive in the parched orchards.
The Golden Oriole, one of our brightly coloured summer migrants have left for their winter home. It is always a sign of the advancing seasons when our summer visitors start to depart.
My fruit harvest is in full swing. This week it has been plums. Next on the list will be Passionfruit.
An early morning saunter along the lanes and tracks around my home is, at this time of year, one of the best experiences you can have. It is cool, there is usually a light breeze and the sun is warm, but not yet hot.
The lack of rainfall this year is really starting to show. The olive trees which a dew months ago were covered in flowers, are now dropping their young fruit because of the drought. There is no sign of any rainfall on the horizon either!