Tropaeolum

As October bends its head determinedly towards autumn, we are preparing to leave France for Ireland.  Not for another few weeks, but there is so much to be done that we need to start preparations early.  This morning we treated the beams in the cellar with their annual dose of pesticide protection.  A filthy job, but very necessary as our dining room floor rests on these beams and we would not like dinner to be interrupted by a sudden plunge downwards through rotted wood!  Other tasks from the list ensued this afternoon and then, with fire lit, we settled down for the evening.  These nasturtiums are burning brightly in the driveway as if to defy the onset of winter.  Long may they win!