Crossing the road, nuthatch and scone.

1. The van driver who flashes his lights and slows his approach so I can cross the road.

2. A nuthatch, in grey jacket and scarlet cap, comes round the the trunk of the next lime tree.

3. There are warm scones with jam and cream for tea.

Getting on with it, clear sky and going to be early.

1. I am out so early that I'm passing families on their way to school.

2. A day without rain -- a few bright stars and a huge moon tonight.

3. We go to bed well before we are ready and read until we want to sleep.

Wardrobe management, on offer and parsnips.

1. The knot of sleeves and legs in the bottom of Bettany's wardrobe is much less intimidating once it's pulled out and sorted into piles of tops and bottoms and dresses to keep or pass on. 

2. The satisfaction of finding exactly what you want on offer.

3. From somewhere unholy Nick has found a recipe for Mexican parsnips to help shift the backlog in our fridge without straying much from the cuisine he has planned for tonight.

Underfoot, teatime and evening plans.

1. Treading fallen red berries underfoot.

2. At teatime we have scones with cream and Granny's blackcurrant jam -- just because.

3. To our surprise, Bettany asks to watch the colourised Dr Who 60th anniversary special with us.

Dawn, flock and winter coat.

1. 'Salmon-coloured sky,' says Nick as he opens the shutters. 

2. Watching the pigeon flock circling the bowl of our town.

3. Drawing Alec's winter coat out the storage bag, I feel my hands warming up.

Loaf, supper and evening TV.

1. There is a loaf of banana bread in the tin for tea.

2. There is re-heated macaroni cheese for supper, hot and crisp from the oven.

3. Lying across me, Bettany laughs tss-ss-ss at The Simpsons. 

Autumn colours, practice practice practice and modeller.

1. Now the drizzle has stopped smattering and the sun has come out, the oaks on the common glow in their autumn colours.

2. It's grand when your children get great results that you can show off; but I value far more Alec's daily piano practice, and the way he rehearses every food tech lesson at home beforehand. 

3. There are streaks of paint in the bathroom sink and on the towels, but also a tiny wizard on Bettany's desk that is no longer grey.