French gardens are a joy. We get the weather that is perfect for growing almost everything, there is so much space and land available, and trees, trees, trees galore. The runner beans are coming to an end now, and I am leaving some on to harvest the bean seeds for next year. The tomatoes are still going strong though, and I can't pick the cherry or cerise tomatoes fast enough. I have been cutting them in half, sprinkling sea salt, olive oil and bay leaves over them and roasting them in the oven for half an hour. Once they have cooled, I spoon them into little bags & pop them in the freezer. Thay make fantastic pizza toppings for the winter suppers. I have some Pomadoro type tomatoes too, but they are still green and if they don't ripen, then I'll be checking out the web for some green tomato tips. The last grass cutting should be at the end of this month and then we have to wait for the myriad of leaves to fall before gathering them all up and taking them to the dechetterie or recycling centre. These will then go to make compost which will be sold cheaply in the local shops next year. The big yellow dahlias that have been flowering by my window since June, are now starting to brown over. One done, I will cut them down to ground level ready for them to pop up again next year. The birds are starting to look for me in the cooler mornings, ever ready for their breakfast. I spotted a robin today, so that's a sure sign that the summer is nearing the end. However, I do love the autumn... or fall, so bring it on, I can't wait.