Autumn Leaves is a piece of music about as mandatory to the jazz musician as Happy Birthday is at a birthday party. I was first introduced to the piece by a guitarist friend who now lives in London - and this photo reminded me of him.

The particular autumn leaves in today's photo can be found just outside my study, attached to the grapevine that decorates our patio. Winter is in full swing in the southern hemisphere: it's cold, it's wet and it's certainly my least favourite season of the year.

The winter solstice is almost here... and then summer will be on its way. I can't wait.