Autumn leaves and the making of humbugs......

Hortensia was walking with glee through the amber leaves as they crunched and rustled beneath her feet. 'See Archibold, see how they are all mixed together at last, oak and beech, birch and ash, all in a huge mess of shape and colour', and with that she pounced on Archibold and pulled off his hat, he of course started chasing her and before they knew it, they found themselves very out of breath and right outside Aunt Mildred's front door!

Hortensia thumped the brass button knocker hidden under the ivy, 'I recognise that' said Archibold as he tried to stuff his curls back under his hat, 'what a great find that was - one of my first triumphs!' He had found the old jacket lying forgotten under a hedge at the side of the great field, 'the buttons were a great prize and I think that Aunt Mildred used every scrap of material to make coats and blankets - we were all a lot warmer that winter because it'. Hortensia was thinking out loud, 'I can't imagine why a human would leave such a precious thing behind?' Archibold winked at her as he whispered - 'love' in her ear.

'Humph' snorted Aunt Mildred as she opened the door, she of course had heard everything. Gnomes can hear a mouse fart from fifty paces so a whisper is practically a shout. 'Love indeed, get in here and start pulling!' Hortensia and Archibold rushed into Aunt Mildred's warm and steamy kitchen 'just in time, put on your aprons and start to pull when I say it is ready.'

Uncle Humperdinck smiled a sort of queasy smile, he had been helping since early morning and the strong smell of peppermint had begun to make him feel a bit sick. He was in charge of cutting the long ropes of pulled humbug mixture into the right size to make perfect sweets, so he was standing at one end of the kitchen table wielding an enormous pair of human nail scissors.

Aunt Mildred poured the hot mixture onto her marble pastry slab, she had carefully oiled the marble with walnut oil so that the incredibly sticky mixture just oozed as she gently spread it evenly with her best bread knife. 'Now my Dears start to pull...!' Hortensia and Archibold rushed to stretch and pull the mixture into long ropes, snip, snip went Uncle Humperdinck's scissors and soon there was a pile of Aunt Mildred's luminous, alluring and utterly essential mint humbugs.

It was a great honour to be allowed to help with the humbug pulling and Hortensia and Archibold did their best to work very hard indeed. Soon Aunt Mildred pronounced that all was well, and after a short wait whilst they cooled, the humbugs were carefully stored away in the safest place in the Forest - Aunt Mildred's pantry. ' Well done my Dears, well done - now who's for a cup of tea and a biscuit?' 'As long as it is not peppermint tea' groaned Uncle Humperdinck who had collapsed in his chair by the open window!

Home at last.......

Archibold and Hortensia were sitting on a sunny bank, surrounded by golden leaves gently floating in the crisp air as they fell all around them in the clear morning light. They were out for their first morning walk together since Archibold had returned home. 'I am so glad to have you back', Hortensia was rocking Baby Harriet's basket with her foot to try to encourage her to have a little sleep, but of course Baby Harriet was having none of it and continued to stare happily at the luminous leaves glowing yellow against the clear blue morning sky. 'Such amazing adventures, imagine having to set up camp in a park, Oh Archibold, did you get all the planting done that you wanted to?'

Archibold grinned 'I more than did my bit, and quite frankly my Dear, next on Hector's list was roof, gutter and drainpipe planting - not really my cup of tea!' Hortensia laughed as Archibold explained, 'just now Hector will be leading the expedition out along the edge of a chimney or a perilous ledge, to plant a bit of ivy or a young sapling - I am better off leaving him to it!'

They set off arm and arm together with Baby Harriet snug in her basket on her mother's back, for Hortensia was eager to point out all the new things that had happened in the Forest since Archibold had been away. 'Such mushrooms Archibold, so many and such variety', Archibold unfurled a hessian sack from around his middle, and set to collecting fresh greens, some elder berries and of course, several large mushrooms. Soon the little sack on his back was bulging with delights as they set off home.

Hortensia had been very busy cleaning and polishing their winter home in the old Fir tree. All summer long they had revelled in the freedom and delights of their summer house high up in the oak tree,  but now with the chill in the air and the evenings drawing in, it was definitely time to move back inside.

'Archibold, we just need to bring down the furniture and then we are done. We can move in this very evening!' So just as soon as they were back Archibold set up the pulley, and started lowering the bed and chairs and tables to his sled at the base of the tree, and then pushed and pulled the sled all the way to the Fir tree. 'Just leave them outside Archie, I want to polish them before we take them in.' Hortensia darted about with her duster and pot of beeswax, and soon the furniture gleamed and smelt delicious. 'Ready Darling', so with more than a little huffing and puffing they pulled and pushed the furniture into their home.

'Well, I think that deserves a cup of tea and some flapjacks,' said Archibold, truth to tell he was feeling rather done in, it had been a long walk home and as we all know, furniture moving can be very tiring. As the kettle boiled and Hortensia bustled about spreading butter and jam on toast and setting out cake and flapjacks, the sound of snoring started to echo all around, poor Archibold had collapsed in the rocking chair and was fast asleep.

The truth was out.....

Hector was hanging up his socks on some handy twigs, 'a gentle drizzle the best rinse there is, makes for softer socks don't you see?' he proudly announce to a very out of breath Archibold. Archibold had to agree, soft socks meant less aggravation of tender toes, and that had to be a good thing. 'What's up Archie, you look all of a bother, fancy a cup of tea?

Archibold knew that however bothered he felt, everything would seem better after a cup of tea, so he sat down next to the little fire and watched as Hector boiled the kettle, made a pot of tea in his best red teapot and toasted two thick slices of toast. 'Fancy a bit of jam or honey?' Archibold nodded, how was he going to tell his friend that he was going to dessert him and return home?

The gnomes were hidden from sight behind some large rhododendron bushes in the park, they had taken to getting up at first light to make sure that their fire wouldn't attract attention. 'The thing is, Hector, I just can't bear all this rushing about and having to be so careful to hide all the time, and I miss Hortensia and Harriet more every day!' Well there it was the truth was out and Archibold sat waiting for his friend to reply.

'It's true' said Hector after a while, 'even with our merge and flow skills it can be a strain to keep out of sight, plus you are not used to this way of living, you have, after all lived in the Forest most of your working life. Archibold nodded, slowly a large tear began to trickle down his cheek, 'I am so sorry to let you down Hector - but I want to go home  - now.' Hector looked at his poor woebegone friend, ' it's all right Archie, off you go, all will be well here, there is plenty of us to finish all the planting and you have done more than your share of the work.'

Archibold perked up at this, he knew that he had been working hard, the truth was that the harder he worked the less likely it was that he had time to miss his home! 'Off you go now, I'll tell the others, best be on your way before the sun is up, good luck and I'll see you soon!' The two gnomes hugged and Archibold rushed to stuff all of his clothes and belongings in a terrible muddle into his rucksack and barely rolled his hammock as he slung it by his side. 'Best not forget some provisions!' Hector handed Archibold some biscuits and cheese and some wrinkled crab apples, 'give my love to everyone at home.'

Archibold smiled his most happy of smiles and was gone!

A Dream of Warm Scones and Home!

Archibold was 'busy', seriously busy to be precise, though not necessarily in the way that you or I might understand being busy to be - for Archibold was playing 'chase the leaves'  with a rather large and very friendly dog. " So many leaves and so little time to enjoy them," Archibold waggled his bottom at the dog and then swiftly raced out of reach up a tree as the dog bounced and barked below.

" Perhaps he is getting bit tired, better lead him back to his owner I suppose," Archibold sighed and darting ahead, led the panting dog back onto the forest path " there you are now, go find your owner, we can play again tomorrow," and with that he patted the dog and sent him on his way.

If we are honest about it, I don't think Archibold really thought playing with dogs was serious work, but all gnomes have a soft spot for dogs. In their hearts they know that dogs have a very hard job indeed, as Hortensia frequently remarked, " where would humans be without their dogs - lost and lonely that's what!" So cheering up an overworked dog with a lot of responsibilities, was universally known as a very good deed indeed!

" What a to do," thought Hortensia, "Autumn is such a beautiful season but there is always so much to do." Of course she was thinking about preparing their home for the winter. Both she and Archibold liked to be snug and warm and have lots and lots of useful supplies, like extra fruitcake and crabapple rings and of course firewood and wooly socks and most importantly, not forgetting the extra specially fluffy blankets for baby Harriet's basket.

"Not long now till Harvest Supper, best be out and about and gathering!" Archibold set off at a trot to meet his friend and apprentice Stephanotis. They were planning a harvesting trip and a visit to the Oldest Gnome that anyone had ever heard of, Archimedes Bonaparte. Archimedes lived on an island in the river and was known for his disgusting herbal tea and his wise and useful advice.

Archibold was carrying a basket of fresh scones and a pot of Hortensia's best cherry jam as a present. Smelling the warm scones was almost too much to bear thinking about, so carefully hiding the basket under his seat of the boat, he rolled up his sleeves and taking up his oar, he and Stephanotis set off on their adventure.

"Try not to be too long," called Hortensia " there is so much to do and I don't want to start making the pies without you."

" Pie, lovely warm mushroom pie with cheesy mash and onion gravy, mmmmm" Archibold woke up with a start, " Home, I want to go home!" Suddenly missing the Forest and his family seemed too much to bear, " I'll talk to Hector right now, perhaps I can leave this morning. " Archibold leapt out of his hammock, pulled on his trousers and set off to find Hector in such a rush he forgot to even brush his teeth!

Setting up camp and preparing for the storm......

'Well, well, well, not quite what we expected, but comfy all the same'. Archibold was investigating the possibilities for setting up camp in the branches of the old oak tree. 'Stephanotis and I will take charge of tying up the hammocks - mind you, I can definitely feel rain is on it's way - so, best to be prepared, who's up for organising the canopy?' Isabel jumped up and down with excitement, swinging around in the leaves fixing a tarpaulin (a suitable plastic bag that the gnomes had found abandoned nearby) was her idea of a dream job! 'Come on Hector and Isolde - lets go!'

Soon the gnomes had the perfect camp set up. A lovely, pink and white striped  - and soundly waterproof roof - was securely tied to the branches and overhung their neatly tied on hammocks. Provisions were hanging up inside their rucksacks and blankets were airing on some nearby branches. Archibold wondered if some of the humans realised that the unsightly plastic bag, stuck high up in the tree hid a gnome camp, but decided it was best not to think about it.

Hector was holding his head up and sniffing the air, 'don't know about rain - feels like a storm and windy at that, may have to abandon hammocks if it really blows, up here we will be in for a real roarer!'
The other gnomes glanced at the turning leaves and had to agree. Soon they were dashing about lashing down their belongings and putting on their waterproof capes and hats. 'Oh what fun, we can sing all night'. Isabel was grinning from ear to ear at the prospect, for as all gnomes know - singing, whilst sitting out a storm high up in a mighty tree, was one of the great joys of being a gnome.'

'Best have something to eat before it arrives', Hector was passing out large chunks of cheese with Hortensia's best oak cakes and extra large slices of honey cake. Isabel handed everyone a crab apple for later and emergency supplies of mint humbugs. However cold a gnome could get (which was sometimes very, very cold indeed) a mint humbug could be relied upon to cheer up even the most morose of gnomes and to bring a wiggle back into frozen toes.

'I'm off for a short kip whilst I can, might be an idea for some of you to have a snooze too'. Though Hector was being his usual bossy self, the others knew he was right. Soon, as the branches began to gently sway and a tapping of rain drops began to sweeten the air, the gnomes snuggled down for a pre-storm nap.

Rogue planting and a change of home......

Stephanotis was digging with all his might, trying desperately to finish planting before human activity began. The gnomes were spread out along the side of the railway line at strategic vantage points. They were extremely busy planting shrubs and seedlings, so as to give the humans something uplifting to look at, as they passed by in their trains going to work.

As ever Stephanotis and Archibold were planting Buddleia saplings. Archibold was deeply passionate about  any plant that encouraged butterflies and that had purple flowers. He had such a habit of saying 'Nothing like a Buddleia - can always be relied on for a good show' so frequently, that as soon as he started to say it, the other gnomes finished the sentence for him!

Soon they stopped and gathered together to watch the first of the trains pass by. 'Bit early still' said Hector 'most of this lot will be sleeping on the train'. He didn't want the others to be disappointed if non of the humans seemed to notice their handiwork. He needn't have worried, The Forest Gnomes were mesmerised at the huge noisy trains as they went by, 'very big and noisy, but what a machine!' Archibold was instantly inspired by the idea of long distance escapades. 'We could go to the sea, I mean, we could go anywhere - what fun it would be to go so fast!' All his life, Archibold had wanted to go to the sea side, mostly when he went on escapades he had to go North to see family. Now his imagination was buzzing with possibilities.

'Not just noisy, said Isabel 'but very dirty too'. Hector had raised his eyebrows at Archibold's enthusiasm at the sight of the trains and now tried to rally the others to the job at hand. 'That's it for the day then. Now - time for breakfast!' And with that, the rather hungry gnomes rushed to where they had left their extra tools and other useful items, and of course, provisions for breakfast. Soon they were under the old railway arch, of course sensibly hidden from view by some large bushes.

They all sat around a little fire with the kettle nearly at the boil, eggs frying in a frying pan with some already softened mushrooms on the side. Archibold and Stephanotis were carefully twirling long sticks, as they made toast and Isabel and Isolde spread out the tablecloths on an old stump. Hector came back looking triumphant with some dandelion leaves to add to the mushrooms. Well, what a feast, nothing tastes as good as a picnic outside when you have been hard at work since before dawn. Needless to say, after breakfast, silence descended as they all settled down for a restorative nap (silence that is, except for the occasional snore).

When they woke up, Hector brought up a subject that had been bothering him since they had arrived in the city. 'I know that is good to all stick together, but it is rather cramped on the balcony and we are having to nip about a bit to keep out of the way. What I propose is that you move to the local park, there is a splendid old oak that provides magnificent shelter. Many is the night I have sheltered and listened to the roar of leaves as the wind blew.' He made it sound so wild and appealing that the gnomes overcame their initial disappointment not to be on Jeremy's balcony, and agreed to try making their temporary home from home, in the park.

'So much less likely to be seen, and think of the bird song in the morning', Hector smiled at Isolde, for a young gnome she was showing signs of great character and positivity.






 

Jeremy and the gnomes.....

Jeremy - for such was the name of Hector's human, found that he could bear his job as a motorbike courier as long as he spent some time relaxing on his balcony when he returned home at the end of the  day. Most of us would find Jeremy quite a dashing figure as he revved about swerving through traffic in his black leathers and gleaming black helmet, the truth was that he was more than a little desperate for a change of job.

Just lately he had found the usual comfort of his balcony a little lonely. He wasn't sure why, his plants were doing well in their big pots, but nothing seemed to be blooming quite as outrageously as usual. Jeremy leaned back in his deck chair, with his boots resting on the brick balustrade and addressed his favourite gnome statue sternly. 'Now you know that I rely on you to look after the plants, this year somethings wrong - our dahlias and sweet peas will never win the Flower Show with such poor blooms.'

He had always talked to his gnome statues, he wasn't quite sure why, but he felt that in some mysterious way, the gnomes looked after his garden. Every Spring he repainted the little statues and placed them about on his balcony garden in between all the pots. He was a bit embarrassed at having gnomes at all, but over the years had become very attached them and no longer cared that other humans thought them in very bad taste.

Unbeknownst to him, real gnomes were in fact, listening. They had just woken up after their long ordeal in trying to reach his flat before daybreak, and had spent the entire day asleep in their hammocks under the leaves. 'Dear oh Dear' thought Hector 'No supper for a bit', luckily all the gnomes had secret provisions tucked into pockets and most of them were sucking on a peppermint or nibbling a biscuit.

Hector was feeling guilty about having been away for such a long time. He could see that his human had done his very best, but the garden was definitely not looking as abundant as it should. 'Dear oh Dear, we will have to leap about and make good, Dear oh Dear'. Archibold was surreptitiously trying to take off a dead leaf and after hearing Jeremy's sad confession, all of the gnomes were taking stock of what had to be done.

Jeremy sat with his mug of tea and for the first time in many months began to feel a sense of peace and companionship on the balcony, 'I expect it will pick up, perhaps a bit of seaweed in the water tonight might help.' And with that he went to fill his watering can from the kitchen tap. The visiting gnomes heard Hector's low whistle of alarm and rushed to roll up their hammocks, stow their rucksacks and leap out of harm's way, before the cascades of water soaked them and their belongings.

'Quite an adventure already' whispered Stephanotis to Isabel as they hid behind a trowel. Isabel giggled, 'what fun we are having.' Hector was relieved that they found it so, he was feeling his responsibilities and was very grateful for a moment to think and plan ahead.

The Last Camp before the City........

The little group of gnomes had stopped for a rest before the ascent into the city. The expedition had been going very well, they had had to made a few detours where new human developments had blocked the old pathways, but overall they had made very good progress indeed. As usual when nearing human settlements, they had tried to find a welcome garden in which to rest and pitch camp. Though they still found humans' perception of what they were supposed to look like more than a bit disturbing, they were cheered up by how frequently they found welcoming statues of themselves in the humans' gardens.

' Perhaps it is partially because of our decision not to be seen any more. After all no human has caught sight of one of us for a very long time, well that is, except for The  Old Lady and her son of course, so how are they supposed to know what we look like? 'Stephanotis was gazing at a brightly coloured statue of a garden gnome with a huge belly and floppy hat, 'it's the noses that are so disturbing, where did they get the idea that we are so ugly, or so badly dressed?' Archibold snorted, ''you could go mad trying to work out how a human thinks, anything they can't understand they tend to destroy or make fun of.' He had never quite recovered his sense of humour about the staues after his work experience at The Blue Bell Garden Centre, where he had found watching humans making fun and laughing at the gnome statues so distressing that he had become overwhelmingly homesick and grumpy for rather a long time.

' Well at least we know that we are welcome and that's enough for me, lets have a slice of boiled fruit cake and some peppermint tea and then we can chose a spot to make camp and put up our hammocks!' Isabel was ever practical and knew that Hector was feeling the pressure of introducing the Forest Gnomes to his city life. Of course he had made lists of topics and useful tips to discuss of an evening after their tea, but he couldn't help wondering if he had been irresponsible to bring his friends to such a strange environment. ' Right you are Isabel, what a good idea, let's finish the fruit cake.' He had an ulterior reason as he had been carrying the cake since they had left the Forest and as everyone knows, boiled fruitcake is delicious, but very, very heavy. ' This evening we will go through  

the way traffic lights work and how to avoid surveillance cameras again.' Some of the gnomes groaned inwardly, Hector was always thorough and a lecture with question and answers could make the delights of bed time seem a long way off.

Soon however, hammocks were swinging from the lower branches of bushes and the gnomes gathered around a small fire for their supper of cheese on toast and barley broth. ' Bed, oh lovely bed' thought Isabel, and with that she clambered in, tucked her blanket firmly around her and settled down for a gentle night of sweet slumbers.

The Last of the Packing and the Beginning of the Adventure...

'What a day for an adventure' said Archibold, he and Hector were checking over the supplies and making sure that they had everything that they needed for both the trip and their stay in the Big City. 'Can never have enough rope' muttered Hector 'perhaps we can carry some across our shoulders once we have the rucksacks on?' Archibold looked slightly wild at the suggestion of yet more to carry.

The rucksacks were full to bursting as it was, and they each had their rolled up hammock, plus assorted frying pans, kettles and extra boots all tied on, as well as personal items stowed in jackets and waistcoats, extra hats strung wherever possible - and then of course, there were the seedlings and even two saplings to be carried by hand - Archibold sounded very firm indeed when he replied, 'Hector, we have to stop, we have enough with us for a six month expedition, if we carry any more we won't be able to move properly!' Hector looked up from where he was busily counting seed packets, and had to agree - 'Right you are Archibold, time to go then is it?'

So that was that, well it would have been for a normal camping or fishing trip, but it took at least two hours to separate out who was carry what, before at last the six gnomes stood in a row all ready to go. Hortensia was a bit worried that if either Hector or Archibold sat down or even worse, tipped over, that they might never be able to get up again, but thought better of saying anything. They really were quite a sight, what with their flashing smiles, stripy socks and boots really being all that could be easily seen amongst all their belongings festooned around them.

Eleanora stood side by side with Hortensia, who of course had Baby Harriet in her arms, as all the Gnomes of the Forest gathered either side of the path in a long line to wave good bye. There was much hugging and waving, passing out of mint humbugs, and then suddenly they were on their way. Archibold looked back at Hortensia, winked and bowed low with his hand on his heart, 'Not long my Darling and I will be back'. Hortensia and Harriet waved back as Hortensia, who had been saying a little prayer to the Great Benevolence to look after them on their adventure, touched her heart and gave a little bow back.

Eleanora and Hortensia watched the little procession and just as they were just about to pass out of view, began to sing. They sang of gentle blessings and adventure, of kindness and of the magic of being in between and in the right place all at once. Most of all they sang of their love for their friends and family, and how they wished them a safe trip and happy times until they came home.

Soon all of the other gnomes joined in - even the trees lifted their leaves and rustled and stirred the air - so as the little band of adventurers started out on the green path through the golden field of wheat, the air all around them was full of harmony.

Packing essentials and a pre supper nap!

'Six twists of new ivy rope, extra hats, extra socks, ten large handkerchiefs, foot balm and chest rub, two weeks supply of humbugs, dried apple rings for emergencies - well, well, nearly there, just so much to pack!' Hortensia had offered to help Archibold and Stephanotis and their friends with their packing. Personal items such as trowels and the odd flute or book of sonnets, were being stowed in their waistcoats, belts and large pockets. This left the bulk of supplies still to be packed, or as Hortensia had taken to saying, 'stuffed' into six, really quite small, rucksacks.

'Quite remarkable really' thought Hortensia, ' the hammocks are the biggest items and they are the easiest to pack'. She was carefully checking the strings on each one and then rolling the brightly coloured, stripped hammocks into tight little rolls to be attached to the top of each rucksack.

The excitement was palpable everywhere, gnomes were dropping by Persimmon Heights with gifts of prize collections of seeds, even with extra hand knitted socks - for with the very common curved-big-toe-problem, sturdy socks were not just a useful gift - but downright essential. 'No more cakes please, this is the very last cake that I am going to accept, any extras will have to be carried by hand'. Hortensia for a moment looked rather cross. Stephanotis had arrived with yet another seedy cake from Aunt Mildred to take as supplies. Hortensia of course, had a great belief in the encouragement that a slice of seedy cake could bring to a difficult situation, 'but still enough is enough' she thought as she packed the sixteenth into Archibold's rucksack.

As it was, each rucksack had a bottle of emergency tonic, (a potent herbal cocktail, dark green and more than a little eye wateringly strong, that Aunt Mildred swore cured nearly everything), dried peppermint leaves and rose petals for pots of tea, a blue stone for keeping in contact and various personal items. For instance Hector had a special hair rinse to try and keep his most unruly curls in relative order, so that he could at least get a comb through them on an occasional basis.

'Nothing for it now, I shall have to tell them that all is ready'. Hortensia gathered up Baby Harriet and set off downstairs for a restorative cup of tea, before calling the others for a farewell supper of wild mushroom stew with cheesy mashed potatoes and a fresh watercress salad.

'Tomorrow is the day of departure Little One, tomorrow Papa goes on a big adventure to the City'. Harriet didn't really understand but she could sense that in her Mother's heart there were feelings of anxiety and of course, love.

For the truth was, that most unusually, Hortensia was worried about Archibold's trip away. She had a feeling that things were very different in the City and that the kindness of Archibold's heart and his unfailing courage and zest for adventure would be challenged by what he would meet on his travels. 'Humans' she thought 'are so very different and have little sense of the interconnectedness of the The Great Benevolence. I must speak to Eleanora after supper, perhaps she can help'. And with that Hortensia gathered Baby Harriet in her arms and sitting down in her rocking chair began to gently sing of the rustle of leaves and flicker of sunlight on a Spring morning, before long they were both sound asleep and enjoying a restorative pre-supper nap!

Beauty, humbugs and peace all around.....

'Dum ta dum, tiddle pom, pom, there's work to be done, fiddle pom pom!', Archibold was feeling rather breathless and tired and rather as though he needed a good sit down and rest. He was carrying, or rather dragging a large sapling of a birch tree behind him as he climbed up the hill, it was great relief that he spotted Eleanora sitting by a stately oak tree at one of his favourite look out spots. 'Oh Eleanora, how fortunate', he huffed as he sat down with a thump on the bank beside her - for as all gnomes know - it is considered very rude to pass by another gnome without stopping to pass the time of day. 'Why Archibold My Dear - you look all of a bother, perhaps a humbug might help?' Eleanora offered him a sticky mint humbug from a bag in her pocket. 'I think that perhaps poor Mildred must not be quite herself at the moment, this last batch of humbugs, though excellent to taste, are so very, very sticky'. Archibold mumbled agreement as he made loud sucking noises.  Humbugs were a staple of the gnomes diet and however sticky this one certainly was - he was already feeling much better. "I think she is still adjusting to humans being a part of her life on a daily basis, that and having to replant her mint garden so that it didn't look so obviously cultivated, well it has all taken its toll on her usual good humour.' Archibold rolled his eyes and nodded vigorously in agreement, he was rather relieved not to have to reply owing to the extreme stickiness of his humbug. Aunt Mildred had even taken to waving her stick in public and was known to be in a generally very bad mood indeed. The two gnomes sat companionably as they looked out at the fields below. Full of gently waving heads of golden wheat dotted with trees in full glorious leaf - it was indeed a most wonderful sight. 'Look My Dear, just look at how beautiful the path is, so green against the gold',  Archibold smiled with delight, for it was true - the path had been trodden into a vivid green by the feet of all the different gnomes, humans and animals as they had all walked along its welcoming way by the edge of the meadow. 'Feeling much better now' he burped (humbugs have a habit of helping with digestion), must go, have to deliver this sapling before dusk so Hector can demonstrate tree planting'. And with that, Archibold practically bounced away as he was feeling so much better. Eleanora smiled and waved him on his way. 'Perhaps I will sit just a while longer, so good to feel the great peace all around, so undervalued and yet so essential for the lifting of ones heart'.  She closed her eyes and and from her heart, began to gently hum a little song to herself and to the beauty of the golden twilight all around. Below is a story from two weeks ago that I accidentally deleted! Wild strawberries and other Delights...... Posted: 19 Jun 2012 09:56 AM PDT So happy to say that this episode, 'Wild strawberries and other delights....' of Horensia's blog, read by Alice is on YouTube: 'Hortensiagnomus9' is where I post the blogs.... 'So busy, just so busy' thought Hortensia. She was picking wild strawberries with Baby Harriet, who was helping by eating as many of the little crimson, jewel-like berries as she could safely stuff into her mouth at any one time. 'Do take care Harriet, too many can lead to a funny rash, best leave the rest for jam and dinner!' Harriet burped loudly and decided to gaze at the leaves fluttering in the breeze. 'Such amazing greens this summer' thought Hortensia, 'all that rain has been so good for the trees, I don't think that I remember the trees being so full of leaves for many a season '. She sat down next to Harriet for a good listen. The trees made different sounds in the breeze, some seemed to roar, some made a fluttering rustle, some tossed their leaves in the air with great freedom - so many rhythms and layers of sound and all in glorious, vivid greens lit up by golden sunlight - 'how very lucky we are Darling - a real treasure of a day!' Sometimes some of the humans out on their walks, saw the wild strawberries too, mostly they just took a few, but Hortensia was up early to gather a good crop just in case. 'Next stop is the elderflower bush, fritters for tea Darling - Aunt Mildred's favourite!" Early Summer was a busy time for the gnomes, such an abundance of delights and the beginnings of gathering for the Autumn and Winter ahead. Mostly though, it was the wonderful variety of greens for salads and fresh teas that was causing much excitement - that and the wild garlic! Aunt Mildred was getting ready to make her most important staple of gnome life - her mint humbugs! There is hardly a day that goes by without a gnome needing to have a little sit down and a think whilst sucking on a mint humbug, they could be relied upon in an emergency and were essential for all celebrations. The recipe was a secret of course, though in the past, some of the younger gnomes had tried crawling up the bank under her kitchen window - to catch Aunt Mildred in the act of making her very desirable sweets - and to glean the success of her recipe. Aunt Mildred however, was vigilant about the possibility of such naughtiness, and the young gnomes were always caught in the act and sent scampering away with threats of no tea and NO Humbugs! 'How I love summer' thought Hortensia, and with that she and Harriet set off home for a spot of lunch and a wee nap! She was looking foreword to when Archibold and the others returned from their escapade and training day with Archimedes on his island home - and of course - to hearing about all of their wonderful adventures!

Abseiling, cherry sponge and dreams for the future....

If you would like to hear this as a story, I have posted a clip on the website and on YouTube at, Hortensiagnomus9.....!


'Well good morning Darling', Hortensia winked at Hector as he flew past her window on one of his practice abseils. Hector, though very excited about taking his friends back to his home in the city, was rather worried about their lack of experience - hence the abseiling training.

Hortensia and Archibold were finding having unexpected faces peering into their home, especially at unexpected times - more than a little unsettling. Hortensia in particular had been more than a little perturbed at the squeals and occasional shrieks as the new skills were learnt. 'I worry for them Harriet, it is sometimes a bit risky to become too overexcited!' Harriet of course thought it all sounded great fun and wanted to join in.

'So today is the day for extreme planting skill learning,' Hector stood proudly in front of a collection of young plants. 'Each of you is to chose a plant, a small bag of soil, a flask of water, your trowel - and when you are ready - we will set off!' After a bit of scrabbling and rushing about, Hector surveyed a line of eager and excited gnomes. 'The point of the exercise is to climb to an unexpectedly high place with no recent planting having taken place, and to plant your seedling, and then come back here to report on your progress.'

Hector watched with satisfaction as the gnomes charged off. Most of them had been surveying suitable spots for several days and thinking about how to climb up without damaging their plant, and then of course how to tuck the plant in safely and come back down, within the time allowed. Hector was very busy rushing about shouting encouragement, 'very important to water your plant slowly, you want the water to settle in the roots and not drain away!' He looked with satisfaction as the gnomes returned, they faces were alight with the satisfaction of a Good Deed Done -  a favourite motto for all gnomes and an encouraging sight for the success of their trip ahead.

'Well done! Tomorrow we will practice gutter and drainpipe planting.' the gnomes looked shocked, but Hector had agreed with Aunt Mildred that their friend The Old Lady, loved plants and flowers so very much that they were sure that she wouldn't mind a few additions to her home. 'Very important in the city to find every available space to plant, so that we can encourage and help the humans to remember who they are.'

And with that they all settled done to relive their adventures and to enjoy a nice cup of peppermint tea and a slice of cherry sponge cake.

Crumpets and fighting talk.................

'It's a funny thing that humans spend so much of their talking and so little of it listening' Archimedes sucked on his pipe, 'they are a very different species as we know, but similar enough that it can sometimes seem confusing'. The younger gnomes were gathered around, eagerly taking in every word. To be sitting with Archimedes Bonaparte, discussing the future of their mission to the city - well it was a very special occasion indeed.

Horatio had been explaining about mobile phones and how humans seems to like being in constant contact via their telephones and computers. The younger gnomes had been mystified as to why they needed their little communication machines at all. Hence why Archimedes had been explaining some of the differences between humans and gnomes. Horatio, who had just returned from work experience at the Bluebell Garden Centre, was trying to describe what the world would be like without telepathy - a skill most gnomes took completely for granted.

'Most of them are quite lonely in one way or another, disconnected from something they yearn for. One of our most important jobs will be to help Hector create gardens where the humans can remember who they are and their connections to the bigger music'. This was serious talk and Hector stood up with his blue eyes flashing. He continued 'Sometimes they come out of the boxes where they work, to walk into the parks at lunchtime - and then they just sit in the light looking at the flowers and feeling the air as they eat their lunch. Imagine if in your day you only had a little time to listen to the wind in the leaves?'

The gnomes all sat in sad contemplation trying to imagine such a terrible existence.' And that is why my Dears, despite the dangers you must do your best to make every plant, tree, garden and park, a place of natural beauty and abundant growth.' Archimedes winked at Horatio who went pink and sat down with a bump. 'Must be time for tea, I distinctly heard a grumble from Archibold's tummy all of five minutes ago'.

So with much giggling they all headed back to Archimedes' tree top look-out for tea and toasted home made crumpets - sent by Hortensia of course in a basket, safely wrapped up in a tea cloth - still faintly warm and with a pot of her best creamy yellow butter.

Spring snow and the promise of adventure......

Hortensia laid baby Harriet in the soft grass at the foot of the billowing white and green cow parsley and with Harriet's eyes watching her every move, carefully climbed up the Hawthorne tree. They were at the edge of the forest where the path led to the Old Ladies cottage. The hedges were tall and deep now and the cow parsley particularly delicate against all the abundant green. Hortensia sat on a branch that leaned out above Harriet, the birds were busy feeding their young and the air was full of chirping as she gently began to shake the branch so that delicate petals of creamy white began to fall around Harriet. 'Spring snow Darling', they both laughed as Harriet gurgled with delight and held up her hands to touch the softly falling petals.

Harriet loved her adventure walks with her Mother - for there was always a new flower to see or a wonderful new scent to sniff - most of all she loved the radiance of her Mother's smile as she greeted the abundance of beauty all around.

Archibold (or Archie-The-Bold to give him his full title) was very keen on walks too, he tended to head for the stream and to walk at a much brisker pace than Hortensia. This was because he was usually very excited and about to embark in his little boat on an escapade. Today he had company, Hector, Stephanotis, Isabel and Horatio (Hortensia and Archibold's eldest son who was back home from job experience at the garden centre again) were all going with him to Archimedes' island in the middle of the river. They would be safely out of the way of any humans and Archimedes could be relied on for entertaining stories and good advice.

The gnomes were planning their trip to accompany Hector back to his city home. Hector had been full of enthusiasm, but after sleeping on the idea, felt that it would be irresponsible if he didn't prepare the others for the realities of city life. So they packed the little boat with useful ropes for practising abseiling, lots of lunch, hammocks for naps and all the usual ball games etc and of course a present of seedy cake and foot balm for Archimedes from Aunt Mildred.

So as Hortensia and Harriet dozed off for a little nap, the excited gnomes pushed off from the shore and headed out for an adventure.

Dandelion leaves and going home.......

Hortensia was up early, she had chosen a particularly sprightly looking daisy to put in the button hole of Archibold's jacket, and now found herself staring into a buttercup just to revel in the incredible shiny yellowness. 'I wonder if the humans have noticed that the daisies are particularly big this year' she thought as she started her wander back home.

After much debate the gnomes had decided not to worry about humans noticing their houses or indeed front doors. They had however persuaded Aunt Mildred to let her mint garden grow in a more random and wild manner. As Aunt Mildred's and Uncle Humperdinck's home was near one of the human's paths - rows of neatly cultivated mint of different varieties - however jungle-like. might have aroused curiosity. So now Aunt Mildred's prized collection of mint ( all of course grown for the making of her renowned mint humbugs) was beginning to grow into a very wild garden and as she frequently said, 'looked a right mess'.

Gnome homes are always very well hidden and disguised in the natural features of the trees where they are built, so as to be harmonious with their surroundings. Gnomes love a proper front door with a solid door knocker, but of course a curtain of ivy or other greenery artfully disguising the entrance, makes seeing one if you are a human, nearly impossible.

Hortensia hummed a little song as she hurried back, for it was almost time for breakfast and she was looking forward to making a tasty dandelion leaf omelette for her friends and family. Eleanora and Hector had been out for an early morning walk too and had collected some watercress from the stream. Hector was beginning to pine for his city home. He missed his human and going for motorbike rides, most of all he missed his balcony garden and checking on all the parks and gardens in his area.

Eleanora put her arm though his as they walked along, 'why don't you go home Hector, you have made a big difference here and the forest is safe now. You can always come back in a little while and check on how things are developing.' Hector looked at her in relief, 'how did you know? Would it be alright? I don't want to let the others down.' Eleanora smiled at her brother,' Of course it is, you could even take Stephanotis and Archibold on a visit to show them city life.'

For the first time in a few weeks, Hector felt a tingle of excitement in his toes, he instantly knew that it was time for him to go home. 'Oh Eleanora, what a wonderful idea!' and with that he rushed off to ask his two friends to come with him on a grand escapade to the city.

Eleanora smiled to herself, she would spend a while longer with the Forest gnomes, then she too would go back to the wild freedom of her home, in the Great Trees of the North.

Reels and Celebrations.....

They were all very tired after the long walk and had flopped on the new grass under the big oak tree. Spring was so late this year that the new leaves were still an intense, vivid green. 'Like little green hands stretching out in the light' thought Archibold. The gnomes had made the trek out of the forest and across several fields, in order to enjoy the delights of lying stretched out under the venerable tree. When they had arrived and settled down in their favourite spots, they had marvelled at the beauty of the colours as they looked up though the vibrant greens, into the radiance of Spring sunshine and blue sky.

This was an annual ritual, The Celebration Of The Opening Of The Oak Leaves And The Spring Picnic. Today there was an extra treat, for the wind had sprung up and the gnomes were smiling with joy as they listened for the first time this year, to the sound of the rustling of new leaves. The gnomes never tired of hearing the news that the breeze brought as it ruffled and stirred the leaves, for indeed half the year the tree only had bare branches to rattle and shake, so hearing the leaves talk again was the most positive of signs for the coming of Spring.

Truth to tell, the gnomes were rather enjoying being off duty and having time to spend just on their own having fun. Two of the younger gnomes, Stephanotis and Isabelle had remained as stewards of the forest, but everyone else was relishing the chance to catch up and enjoy themselves.

Aunt Mildred and Hortensia were discussing the likelihood of an early crop of wild strawberries, as the little plants had been spotted full of white posy flowers, and both of them were more than a little proud of their strawberry conserve. Uncle Humperdinck began playing his concertina and slowly the singing began. Before long, the gnomes were leaping about singing and dancing. Reels were their favourite Spring dance, and wild circles of giggling, leaping gnomes were rushing round and colliding with glee as the music went faster and faster and they became a little wild with excitement.

At last they flopped down again and turned to the assorted baskets and knapsacks of proper picnic fare. Great spotted and checked table cloths were stretched out and plates towering with piles of sandwiches and pies, carefully distributed. Flasks of peppermint tea and elderflower cordial were passed around and then the scones, carefully spread with butter and the best jam. Well. after all that had been eaten, there was the sound of the odd burp and of course, what with the warmth and the light and the rather full tummies, there was the sound of gentle snoring. Imagine the peace and happiness of all those happy gnomes  snoozing in the afternoon light, dreaming of the next dance and at peace with the world all around. Spring had indeed finally arrived and been celebrated in all it's glory!

Bluebells in the dusk and comfort nearby......

Dear Reader.

Another instalment being read for you on the youtube link below .... hope you like it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG8Q8Ip3UxE

p.s. remember there is a link on the previous instalment as well!

'Just so sad' thought Eleanora, she had been out for a stroll to enjoy the effervescent beauty of the blue bells as dusk fell, and had come across the forlorn figure of a lady crying, as she sat alone on one of the new benches in the blue bell wood. 'Poor lady, perhaps I will sit with her for a while to keep her company', and with that Eleanora wrapped her cloak around her, and tucking herself into a comfy spot under a clump of borage leaves, closed her eyes.

It was not something that the gnomes had expected - to discover that so many of the humans who came to visit were not at peace with themselves, or with their lives. Eleanora and Archimedes had been discussing how best to deal with all the feelings that the humans were bringing with them on their walks. You see gnomes are acutely aware of feelings, that's how they help all the plants and trees grow. They sort of see, hear, feel, know things as though all their senses work together.  Everything leaves an atmosphere  - and it was all well and good some of the younger gnomes giggling at the young lovers all entwined and intense, but quite another easing the burden of sorrow, despair and grief that some of the other humans left behind.

Eleanora hummed a silent song, sending out a light of sympathy and acknowledgement from her heart for the lady nearby. Now I don't think that most humans have any idea that they could be sitting in nature somewhere, somewhere desolate and remote, or even their back garden or a park, and that close nearby is most likely to be a gnome watching and listening deeply. Of course you never see them, but sometimes you know when a place or your garden seems to be especially beautiful and productive - that the gnomes are all around looking after your plants and of course - observing you.

The lady who had been feeling most unhappy, began to look up, for the first time she began to really see how the air around her was full of shimmering blue light. The blue bells seems to fill the air with their scent and radiance, and her heart began to open to the possibility of hope, for the first time in ages. 'There my Dear,' thought Eleanora,' all things pass - breathe in the light and scent and begin to trust your heart will recover'. She made a mental note for herself to check on how the lady was faring later that evening.

Eleanora walked slowly home, she was thinking about some of the unexpected consequences of sharing the forest with humans. They had all expected more work maintaining the plants and trees, some like Hortensia were enthused with new planting schemes to encourage their visitors. 'Quite an undertaking to take on, best Hector and I stay for a while to encourage the others. Besides I can keep an eye on baby Harriet for a while longer and cherish the company of my friends during such a time of change'. So she quickly hurried back to Persimmon Heights and the delight of one of Archibold and Hortensia's delectable dinners.

Serious training and a little understanding!

Dear Reader - so happy to say that there is now a Youtube version of this if you would like this latest story read to you....!

Check out this video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmvVwzlUf5I&feature=youtube_gdata_player

'What a wonderful day today is,' thought Hortensia, she was out early and even though the wind was up and the grass was very wet, she was enjoying every minute. She was collecting some small twigs of apple blossom to put by everyone's beds, 'full of happiness but not too scented and most uplifting first thing in the morning!' She was singing a little song to herself and the trees of course, thanking them for letting her take some of their twigs and blossom, when she noticed the Old Lady and her Son making their way to the forest.

They had been as good as their word and every day that passed they spent more and more time in the forest. Today was a special day because it was the start of marking out the paths for other humans to take their walks on. The Old Lady was worried that the gnomes would be overwhelmed by the size of everything. Just in case of a general Gnome Panic at having a strange group of humans walking about making plans for the future of their home, she had decided to spend the day being available. She had brought a good supply of biscuits and a warm coat and scarf and fluffy hat, so settled herself down on an old log to enjoy the bird song and have a nibble on a nice bit of shortbread.

Everyone thought that starting with paths for nature lovers and dog walkers was the best place to begin. After all, as humans and gnomes both loved picnics they were starting from a place of mutual understanding.

Hector and Archibold were holding evening classes on understanding humans and their dogs. Most gnomes found the relationships difficult to understand, why a dog would allow themselves to be kept on a lead at all was bewildering, and why humans trained dogs to exhibit such strange behaviour was just downright peculiar. Of course there was the other anxiety of dogs when off the lead liking to play with gnomes - and the gnomes having to stay hidden! Nothing a dog likes more than a good game of hide and seek with a frisky young gnome leading the chase, and truth to tell, nothing a young gnome likes much more, except perhaps mashed potatoes with melted butter.

Still Archimedes had instructed Hector and Archibold to check that everyone's Flow and Merge skills were in tip top form. The evening classes were a great focal point of an evening and providing much hilarity and fun as a by product of the serious instruction. Hector had of course taken advantage of the opportunity to update some of the younger gnomes yet again on the delights of motorbike riding and abseiling. He had become an expert at making suitable 'broom, broom' noises as they practised on imaginary motor bikes. The truth was that there was very likely to be at the very least, a mountain biking area - if not a motor bike trail as well, so getting accustomed to the imaginary sounds of a motorbike was a very useful and good idea indeed!

Plans, lists and violets......

Hortensia caught her breath in delight, for there in front of here was the first violet of the season. She bent down to the precious flower bravely holding it's head up in the morning sunlight and kissed the delicate petals, 'such a joy' she thought, 'and what a good omen so early in the year'. The gnomes were in a general state of busy excitement. Spring was truly taking hold and every day brought new developments that were to be cherished and shared. Hortensia, as you know, was in charge of The Violet Walk, but there was also the great drifts of luminous bluebells, and all the new vibrant greens that graced the branches and bushes everywhere they looked. Aunt Mildred loved the milky yellow of the first primroses and was particularly proud of her wildflower patch full of early colour.

All of this abundant growth gave Archimedes a lot to think about. Hector had been busy telling the gnomes about some of the projects he had been involved with in the city. Archimedes felt a great deal more reassured that their involvement was to be kept a secret from other humans, but still wondered how a a daily influx of humans into their forest would affect their way of life. 'I shall have to wait and see, best to stay with where we are now and not worry too much'. He knew that he was privileged because he could always retreat to his island home in the middle of the river, but he worried for the forest and gnomes in his care.

Archibold and Hortensia had been keeping an open house since Eleanora and Hectors' arrival, and most evenings after supper were now spent making Plans. Hector had told them of some of the occupations that humans most liked to do when in nature, such as mountain biking, canoeing, walking and hiking and of course picnicking. Some of the gnomes had been amazed at how similar humans were in their interests, but still had serious doubts and wondered how they could both co exist in the same forest.

So Hortensia had started making lists. On one side of the long scroll of paper (another of Uncle Hunperdinck's special skills - he loved paper making) she started listing gnome activities and on the other side, human activities. She made lists of areas out of bounds and areas that they would volunteer for human use. Well it was overwhelming at first, but slowly a shape began to emerge of a forest that would have two worlds coexisting as one.

Gnomes would have access and stewardship of everything of course, but humans would also have access and pathways so that they could visit and be restored by the special life of the forest. If worse came to worse, the gnomes were well aware that should a human blunder into an out of bounds area such as the Sacred Clearing - then the stillness of the air would overwhelm them  - they would simply fall asleep for a while and then wake up, go home and forget all about their visit.

Such a hive of activity, so much thinking and noticing and all combined with the bursting forth of Spring! Eleanora often sat in the golden light by the side of the river to be still for a while, dreaming and thinking and listening to the burble of the river as it brought news and ideas from afar. 'Soon it will all begin' she thought ' the changes are nearly upon us, we must hold steady in our hearts and listen carefully'.

Fear and cheesy potato pie.........

Archimedes was sitting on an old stump at the edge of the river. He was feeling a bit melancholic about the day's events, proud as he was of Eleanora and her guidance - and much as he knew that her pledge was the only way forward - with all his being he wished that things could have turned out differently. As one of the older Venerables and a Keeper of Time and Memory, he had been allowing himself to remember some of the old tales from times when gnomes had trusted humans and worked together for their common good. As far as he could recall, he just couldn't remember a single time when the gnomes hadn't been betrayed by humans and had had to face losing their homes and retreat into fewer and fewer of their sacred places. 'I shall have to talk with Hector, he has much to do with modern humans, perhaps he can lighten my sense of foreboding.'

So gently standing up, for he was than a little stiff after sitting so long by the water's edge, he set off back to Persimmon Heights. As he rounded Aunt Mildred's mint garden and was making his way up the hill, he was met with great enthusiasm by an excited Archibold. 'Hortensia sent me to find you, suppers ready and she has made your favourite potato and cheese pie.' As you can imagine, Archimedes' pace picked up and the two gnomes were home in no time at all and joining the others round the packed table.

Everyone tucked in and because of the momentous events of the day, had seconds and a few thirds just to steady themselves after the shock of such a turbulent meeting. As Hortensia served out the stewed plums with golden custard - one ruby plum each was more than enough as they were so full - Archibold rose to his feet. 'Hortie and I have been talking as we prepared the dinner, and we want to bring into the open everyone's big fear about our project. We know that all of us have heard the stories of how we don't have anything to do with humans directly because Things always end badly for us gnomes. Well, we want to say that if we know that, why can't we set things up so that just the Old Lady and Harold know us for now and that it will stay that way. That way we can chose which humans to relate to and when?'

Such sensibility left the gnomes silent with relief and admiration - though it was true they were also very full. Then at last Hector stood up, 'what a good idea, troubles always come from a certain type of ambitious human, they are fairly easy to spot so if we aren't going to be involved and visible to all of them, we can work out how to handle the others!' Such a satisfactory solution to such a deep anxiety was a cause for general celebration. Humperdinck pulled out his concertina and soon the gnomes were singing and waving their mugs of mint tea in their air as they celebrated a a truly momentous day.

Hortensia paused on the stairs, she was carrying baby Harriet up to bed, but had stopped to gaze through the little window. The moon was shining brightly over the forest, hugging Harriet to her she looked down at her sleepy baby, 'Oh Harriet, such times ahead Little Darling, may you always be safe in all that you do.' Baby Harriet blinked at her and gave a little smile as she snuggled in her shawl, she wasn't worried - after all she had Eleanora and the Blue Stone to guide and protect her as well as the best parents a baby gnome could ask for!

Change all around and a pledge for the future.....

Such a thing had never happened before, Hortensia could hardly believe her ears. Of course the gnomes had heard of humans who wanted to stay connected with their world from the stories that had been handed down by the Venerables. But most of them thought that history had proved time and again that such experiments were perilous in outcome, and unlikely to stand the test of time.

Yet here was a young human admitting that the gnomes way of living offered something of great value and that he wanted to protect them, and make their forest home a refuge and haven for humans and gnomes. Such a thing had never been contemplated by most of the gnomes. They mostly viewed humans as short lived and desperate to change a world with little thought of the consequences.

Archimedes stood up,' Harold you are brave and kind in your thinking,' Aunt Mildred snorted loudly, 'but I do not think you realise that such an experiment as that which you are proposing - offers much to your world and little but danger to ours. Humans have a long record of Destroying as they develop and not valuing the wisdom of nature until too late, sadly it seems they tend to destroy what they do not understand.'

The Old Lady sighed and put her hand on her son's arm, 'you see My Dears - for the time that is left to me, I will be here too and I will guide and work with Harold so that the two of us can find a way that helps us all. What perhaps you do not understand, is that the forest is in danger and that if we can find a proposal that is acceptable, than we can save it from being destroyed. If we are unable to find a way forward together, than the forest will be purchased compulsorily and all of our homes and way of life destroyed.' There was silence all around, Hortensia looked up and could see fear and confusion on her friends faces.

Archimedes stepped forward again.'Such things have long been foretold by Eleanora, we have no choice but to go forward with courage into an unknown future. If we are part of the changes, then much good is possible - even with the dangers.' he spoke loudly as many of the gnomes were muttering and talking amongst themselves.

At last Eleanora stood forward with Hector close behind her looking fierce and wild and protective of his precious sister. Eleanora walked up to Harold and The Old Lady, gazing at them with her hands outstretched. She spoke quietly ' what is coming has not been tried for many an age. We will have to take much care and we will have to trust each other even when we do not understand and learn to listen for the unknown - even when fear is in our hearts. I trust you and give you my word that I will work for the good of us all and for the peace that this forest holds for the future.' Harold and The Old Lady were held in the blue light of her eyes as the gnomes gasped in shock.

A pledge has been made and the trees began to rustle all around as the news began to travel - change was present amongst and all around, above and below in their hearts and minds and lighting the way forward for their spirits.

The music begins.............

'Hold steady' said Hector as he saw his sister Eleanora's look of shock at the sight of the humans entering the Sacred Clearing, 'Nothing we can't handle with a bit of adjustment'. 'Adjustment!' thought Eleanora, 'they're huge and so very different and in our most special of special places. Still, I have come a long way for this meeting and agreed to be here'. So she wiggled her toes to get over the shock and tried to find a welcoming smile.

Baby Harriet was waving at Harold from her Mother's arms as Hortensia walked forward and greeted the two humans with the traditional gnome greeting of, ' Peace in your heart, peace in your home and peace all the days of your life'. The Old Lady smiled warmly and following Archibold's directions to their prepared seating area, perched gently on one of the larger hummocks of moss covered by a vibrant collection of the gnomes best tablecloths.

Baby Harriet was determined not to let Harold sit down without her, and held out her arms for him to pick her up and hold her, as he sat down too. The other gnomes looked on in amazement. It has to be said that some of them had hidden behind tree trunks and bushes at first sight of the humans. But as they saw Harriet crawling up the arm of Harold's jacket and gazing out at them from her soft nest in Harold's breast pocket handkerchief, most of their anxiety began to evaporate. Harold himself had a rather silly and soppy expression on his face and kept looking down at her and smiling too.

Archimedes stepped forward,' Welcome Honoured Guests, we are much delighted by your presence here today. We have a question that we must ask before we begin and it is of much import for you both. Do you want to remember today as it is now here together, or simply as a dream that you may recall. The decisions we make today will remain with you and your wiliness to carry them through, but only you can decide if you want to carry the knowingness of our world within yours'.

Of course The Old Lady instantly knew that she wanted to remember, but Harold felt confused. He wanted so much to belong to the world he thought of as reality but found himself excited at being with the gnomes. He looked down into baby Harriet's violet blue eyes and found the answer from within his heart. 'Yes, I want to remember today as it is now'. Archimedes and some of the older gnomes sighed deeply - accepting being seen and entwining their destinies within human time was a big step to accept for them too - a matter of deep trust and not a little risk.

'Then let us begin'. Archimedes and all the Venerable gnomes stood together in the silence within the circle of the great trees. Slowly the singing began to ease open the silence, filling the air, swirling and weaving in the sunlight. Both The Old Lady and Harold found their eyes filling with tears as they listened. When the wisps of music floated away, everyone fell into the warmth of the beautiful silence, comforted and at peace from within themselves  - ready too, after all the excitement - to face the serious questions that challenged them all.

Before the changes.......

As it was, the gnomes started arriving very early for the meeting - mostly because the day was one of those radiant, shimmering with hope and the warmth of early sunshine Spring days - and also because the meeting seems an irresistible opportunity to have a picnic. Now picnics are an exceedingly special event in the lives of gnomes, you can picture the baskets and hampers, the extra cushions, etc,  but what you probably don't know about it is that gnomes also like to include a nap after enjoying their picnics, hence why they all arrived so very early.

Hortensia and Archibold had brought extra of everything just in case, the thought of someone missing out on a delicious morsel was against all the gnomes codes of hospitality and thought of as down right mean. Everyone had tried to make something in an extra large portion size for their expected visitors and large cloths were being joined together to make a seating area for the two humans. Possibly because they felt more than a little nervous, the gnomes soon settled down to enjoy their picnics and to playing Toss The Hat and all the usual races and ball games.

Soon most of the pies and rolls, cakes and buns had been eaten, and the Sacred Clearing began to resound to the gentle sound of sleepy gnomes snuffling and snoring as they drifted into a collective and restorative afternoon nap. All that was except for Eleanora, Hector and Archimedes and Aunt Mildred and Uncle Humperdinck. They sat together quietly talking through their worries and proposals for the future of the forest.

'What we need to consider is that Harold is not the confident boy that so many of us remember, he has been much diminished by his life in the city.' Aunt Mildred spoke first, 'He has brought this situation to a head by trying to prove himself in a world that cares little for what comes after their actions have caused chaos'. Archimedes smiled at her, 'which is my we are here today, nothing is an accident and we have known for long that changes are happening in the deep music. We are all speeding up and humans are at last realising that they have responsibilities for more than themselves. Harold is simply a man of his age and if we can begin to trust that the music has a part for him to play as well....then something that is good for us all may yet prevail.'

Eleanora looked at Hector and then speaking gently said 'we have to go forward my Dear Mildred, there is no way back without causing harm which will condemn us all to dispersal, let us accept where we are today and welcome with courage what is ahead'.

The five Venerable Gnomes sat in silence and waited for the others to wake up, and rather nervously it has to be said, for their most important human guests to arrive.

The Old Lady and her son were walking through the wood together for the first time in several decades. Because she walked a little more slowly than Harold would normally have walked, the two of them started pointing out some of their favourite trees and sights along the way. Neither of them felt comfortable about mentioning that they were going to a meeting to discuss the future of the forest with the gnomes. They both knew that the other had seen and befriended the gnomes, yet neither felt comfortable discussing such an unbelievable reality with each other.

 'I suppose that we are between the worlds', thought The Old Lady, 'perhaps we will have to always keep this secret'. Her son held her arm and they softly walked in companionable silence the final part of their journey. The forest seemed utterly still and suspended in anticipation as the two humans began to walk towards a future of strange possibilities and unknown outcomes.

Stillness and preparations for the Big Meeting........

'Stillness' thought Eleanora, 'I must find a moment to sit in stillness'. She had been up in the night worrying about the big meeting planned for the afternoon. The gnomes had delivered what was to them was a giant message on the lawn outside the Old Lady's patio doors. Spelled out carefully in pine cones and in modern English, were the words - MEETING IN THE GLADE AT 3PM TODAY, PLEASE COME - ALL WELCOME! The problem was that though all the Forest Gnomes knew Harold was Harold's name, no-one seemed to know the Old Lady's name.

Archibold had been waiting for the Old Lady's post to arrive for several days in a row to try and read her name on an envelope. He had even tried climbing up the front door, pushing and then propping open the flap of the letter box in order to squint at her name on the letters on the mat. Luckily he had survived a nasty squeeze, for when leaning in a bit too far, the flap had come free of the bit of wood he had made as a prop - and snapped shut around his tummy. As he sat on the front step afterwards rubbing his poor bruised tummy, he had been very grateful for the padding around his middle and the very sensible tweed jacket and waistcoat that had protected him. He had made out a Mrs and the first initial on an envelope just before his accident, but that was all. So the message on the lawn remained as planned, simple and to the point.

Eleanora had found herself wondering what the L stood for, It was in fact Letitia but as this was not a name in common usage with gnomes, she didn't think of it. She had been leaning more towards Lavender or Lilac as possibilities, mostly it has to be said as they were two of her favourite plants because they smelled so fragrant. She thought that Harold's name starting with an H was a very good omen. Gnomes are partial to names beginning with Hs - think of the ones that we know; Hortensia, Hector, Horatio, Harriet, all gnomes revere the stabilising qualities that a name beginning with an H can bring.

Eleanora continued with her walk, the wind was up and the tress were whispering and rustling with anxiety and feeling of change. She found that her feet had made their way to the Sacred Clearing, so sitting on a mossy hummock she shut her eyes and began to listen. Soon a little song was expanding in her heart and she felt the kindness of the great stillness all around. 'This is how we must begin' she thought, ' we must remember to be carry peace within us no matter what we encounter'. She knew it was a tall order when so many of the gnomes were frightened. She herself couldn't quite remember the last time that she had met a human, let alone two. However she felt reassured that both Mildred and Hortensia and little Harriet had all vouched for the character of the Old Lady and Harold.

She was so deep in her thoughts that didn't hear Archimedes arrive at the edge of the clearing. Leaning on his stick, he gazed at Eleanora. He had always thought her beautiful, but in the morning light with her long radiant hair all around he remembered how much he had longed to begin courting when they had both been young. 'Wise she was to know better, we had our destinies and to follow them was the right path'. Eleanora opened her beautiful blue eyes and gazing right at him smiled, Archimedes felt as though sunlight was shining in his heart and bowing low, doffed his hat.

Possibilites of change and mint humbugs........

There was no doubt about the matter - the gnomes of the forest were facing a turning point that could possibly affect them all. Eleanora was more grateful than ever for Hector's presence at her side - because he was a city dwelling gnome, and in many ways it has to be said, much more in touch with modern human behaviour and beliefs - his advice and humour and basic optimism was proving ever more precious by the day. After all the meetings and airings of all manner of proposals, (some very wild indeed) what it came down to was a rather stark choice. Either the gnomes of the forest moved out (possibly up to the the more un-populated North) or they faced a future of integration with humans on their home turf.

Here Hector had waxed lyrical about city humans needing access to wild nature and how the forest was in a strong position to be saved because of the Old Lady owner and her son already having a deep love and history with the trees. Archimedes had had to step in and curb some of Hector's rather more long winded descriptions of terrorist gardening and the joys of abseiling, but even some of the hot headed young gnomes were beginning to find the idea of more human interaction somewhat attractive.

The trouble was that Aunt Mildred, for all of her unorthodox behaviours, was deeply resistant to facing any possibility of change to her home. She didn't trust humans much and in her experience, though the odd human was an exception, most were only out for their own interests. As far as she was concerned humans didn't even care about what gnomes looked like, all those statues of pot bellies and ugly noses, really the idea of closer interaction was more than she could tolerate. Hortensia and Archibold were taking her for a stroll through the snowdrops, as they walked and the gentle breeze and Spring sunlight eased their sadness, they discussed some of the realities that faced them.

'The problem is, that humans like to think that they own the land and sometimes that is a great folly. We know, because we have seen them come and go and the trees continue. Still they are capable of great damage when they move to make their mark, and sometimes as Archimedes says, in the long term who knows what is for the good?' Aunt Mildred snorted at Archibold's very muddled explanation and sucked fiercely on a mint humbug. 'Either we adapt, or we disperse - and our community is changed either way, pesky people thinking they know what is right'. Hortensia and Archibold smiled, by Aunt Mildred calling humans pesky, they knew she was beginning to let her feistiness override her fears.

They walked home in the golden light, cherishing the clarity and freshness of the afternoon. Soon the leaves would be in bud and there would be much work to be done. Hortensia was thinking of a nice onion soup for tea with cheese on toast and possibly some wild berry crumble for pudding. She tucked her arm around Aunt Mildred and gave her a hug, 'it will be alright in the end, you never know we might even like being with humans more!" Aunt Mildred smiled at her, but doubted very much that she would like being around humans on a daily basis, never-the-less her kindly niece was trying to cheer her up, so she sniffed loudly and offered her a mint humbug to make amends.

The excitement of guests and the joy of hat tossing...

Hortensia felt particularly happy. firstly for it was a most radiant day - full of the clarity of Spring Sunshine, then on her early morning walk, she had found a drift of snowdrops, pure and gently smelling of honey and lastly, and most importantly of all, their beloved and venerable friends Eleanora and Hector were on their way for a visit - what more could one ask for a happy start to a day?!

She and Archibold has buffed and polished, fluffed and arranged, and their home smelled of beeswax and lavender. Hortensia had sprayed some rose essence on their guests pillow slips for sweet dreams and Archibold had been overtaken with anticipatory excitement and baked six loaves of his best seedy loaves and about twenty four buns  -  for they not only expected their esteemed visitors but all sorts of casual gnome drop-bys for cups of tea, and he liked to be prepared for sandwich making. To that end Aunt Mildred had delivered some of her foot and chest balm and six of her best cakes. 'On My' thought Hortensia 'I am never sure about her beetroot loaf, but four of her apple and spice cakes and an elderflower sponge, what a delight, what treats we shall all have!'

Because of Eleanora's keen interest in baby Harriet's future, she had dressed her in a blue smock to match her eyes of course, with a lavender bonnet edged in pink rosebuds, 'Must look your best Little Darling, a very important visitor is coming to stay'. Baby Harriet blinked and gurgled and did her best to try to keep up with all the activity in their house, she had taken to crawling at an alarming speed and Archibold had to almost run to keep up with her.

At last they felt everything was in tip top order and they set out to meet their guests. By the time they had reached the edge of the forest they had been joined by all the gnomes of Forest, all dressed up in their very best clothes and waving and cheering. For in the distance they could just make out the shapes of Eleanora and Hector making their way towards them. What excitement, what joy, such a feeling of homecoming and heart swelling that the gnomes all started to sing. Well, when gnomes sing in harmony it makes even the birds stop to listen and the air still as the the sweetest sound fills the ethers - enough to make one cry even if heard in a dream - which is mostly the only time humans ever hear them.

Truth to tell Eleanora and Hector both felt a little emotional as they heard the song of welcome. 'We have left visiting them too long, Hector, what a welcome they are giving us, we are honoured by such a song'. As they drew near Aunt Mildred, Uncle Humperdinck and Archimedes all stepped forward and bowing low saluted them with the formal gnome greeting 'Peace in your heart, peace in your home and peace all the days of your life'. After that of course there was much leaping about and embracing and mass huggings and hat tossings - well it was joy all around! For you see, they gnomes had been through very trying and fearful times and the love of their friends meant even more than every before - they knew in their hearts that it was all that really mattered.

A time of peace and preparing for change.............

Hector and Eleanora gazed down on the forest. They had climbed up a tall fir tree on the edge of the valley to catch the last of the evening's winter sunshine and also a good view of the forest before they settled down for the night. They had stopped to make camp rather then arrive at Persimmon Heights in the dark. Always a good idea to arrive in the morning if possible after a long journey, that way there was still a chance of doing something useful after all the greetings and celebratory cups of tea.

The two gnomes settled down beside their fire, their dinner of winter barley and dried herb broth and melted cheese on griddle cakes was laid out on a low stump of wood covered by a pink handkerchief. Behind them, strung between trees were their travel hammocks. Hector had collected enough wood to keep the fire going through the night as they were expecting a hard frost, and now Eleanora was gazing into her Blue Seeing Stone to check what might be happening with the all the gnomes that were in her care.

'Time to put on our cloaks Hector, even with the fire roaring I can feel the chill creeping all around.' Hector  had hung the cloaks up like curtains on a nearby bush to warm up before they put them on, so as they wrapped themselves around with their thick and very sensibly lined woollen cloaks, they felt instantly warmer. 'Oh Hector I am so very glad that you have come along too, it makes the world of difference.' Hector grinned at her and popped some flat stones near the fire to warm up before he tucked them into the bedding of their hammocks to keep their feet warm - for as we all know, gnomes hate having cold feet and have been known to succumb to grumpiness and glumness when their feet are cold.

The moon was rising in the clear sky and Hector left Eleanora to dream and think by the fire as he went to listen to the trees and the wind. There were changes coming and Hector knew that that if the gnomes were going to adapt and succeed, that they would have to be in harmony with the deeper music and the slow time of the earth all around.

He could hear Eleanora singing a gentle song of peace to all that dwelt in the forest and knew in his heart that he had done the right thing by joining her on her mission. 'She will have to tell them of the changes' he thought, 'best that I am with her to support her, besides I could do with a good escapade myself!'. Hector was looking forward to going out on the river with Archibold and Stephanotis and to an adventure or two or even three or four! After his life in the city, he felt a longing for the wildness and freedom of a bit of white water rafting.

The brother and sister settled down for the night, soon Hector was snoring and Eleanora fell into a gentle slumber as she gazed into the flickering flames of the fire, safely tucked in her snug hammock. Tomorrow was a big day and she felt grateful for the peace and time to prepare.

Decisions and careful packing....

Hector had been thinking about Eleanora and how much she was worrying about what the future might hold for the Forest Gnomes, ever since she had left on her onward journey he had felt out of sorts. Eventually he had stopped rushing about being busy, and sitting down and resting under a holly bush, he had begun to seriously consider a new possibility. 'Perhaps some company might be of assistance, perhaps I could help with negotiations....' The more he thought about it, the more he realised that he wanted to be with Eleanora on her visit south. 'Well, the moment has come - I must set out at once!'

Hector very carefully set about packing, having spent many years living with his human, he had copied many of his particularly useful ways of doing things. Of course Hector didn't have to travel on a motorbike, but he still packed as though everything might have to fit into a small space. He was wearing his favourite black leather outfit with a jaunty black cap with red leather piping. 'Want to maintain standards, been years since I've given Aunt Mildred a shock!' He thought with fondness of Aunt Mildred's valiant efforts to persuade him to wear a pointy felt hat. 'No reason to conform to humans expectations' he had told her the last time she had presented him with a green felt floppy 'normal' hat.

Of course it is true that all gnomes love a good hat, in fact they find them an essential item of clothing. Humans seem to have an expectation that all gnomes wear pointy hats - this is of course ridiculous. Much as they love a pointy hat, gnomes wear hats of all shapes and sizes and materials. Hat making is a favourite winter activity and can lead to more than a bit of competitive planning and construction. Hector packed a large selection of spotty handkerchiefs and stripy socks, popping his comb into his top pocket  for he had very unruly red curls, and then making a final check of the plants under his care, set off to catch up with his beloved sister Eleanora.

Eleanora laughed out loud for when stopping for a little rest and a biscuit, happened to look into her Blue Seeing Stone and saw Hector huffing and puffing as he rushed to catch her up. 'Oh what a delight! I'll just rest here and wait for him - poor Hector, he hates leaving the city, he must really want to come along.' Gnomes when travelling long distances usually follow the same ancient paths, so she settled down for a little snooze to wait for Hector's approach.

Memories and city life........

Eleanora was sitting under the shady leaves of an enormous Aloe Vera plant on Hector's balcony. They had been reminiscing about growing up in the wild north of their homeland and some of their earliest escapades. 'What a handful of mischief we must have been for our poor Mother' said Hortensia. Hector stroked his beard for a little while (he favoured a very short clipped variety of beard - far too dangerous in his opinion to have a long beard when out and about on a motorbike or abseiling on a regular basis). 'You know I think she was always proud of us, I think she knew that we would be alright - as long as we came home for tea I don't think that she worried too much'.

Hortensia suddenly burst into giggles 'Do you remember the time that you made a raft out of pine cones and we landed on the island in the middle of the river and couldn't get off again? We ate so many blackberries that we had sore tummies for days.' Hector grinned, 'I remember Archimedes coming for us in his boat and giving us a stern lecture about the proper way to build a boat and to steer!' The two gnomes settled in for a good memory weaving session - aided of course by Eleanora's delectable honey and oatmeal biscuits and Hector's elderflower cordial. For as all gnomes know, after all it is one of their favourite mottos - 'good memories make a good heart'!

Eleanora always felt extra cheerful after spending time with Hector. As dusk fell the two gnomes set off to tour some of Hector's more recent projects. Hector was explaining to Hortensia about the ever increasing number of surveillance cameras and how they had to always move at great speed to evade being caught on film. 'It's alright when you are in a garden, plenty of places to blend in with - bit more exposed here in the city'. Hortensia loved how he relished his life, some of his latest and most daring projects involved growing plants out of drain pipes and guttering. They both marvelled at how many humans had started to grow gardens in some of the empty spaces. 'It seems they are at last rebelling and claiming the land back for gardens, I always give their plants extra encouragement and tell the birds to help too, they have even started gardens on some of their roof tops and walls! ' said an ever enthusiastic Hector.

To celebrate their time together (for visits were a rare treat) Hector and Hortensia planted a small oak tree in a moist and perfectly aspected place at the edge of a park. Hortensia's thoughts had turned to her journey ahead and to the gnomes who were expecting her guidance in a difficult time. She felt deeply grateful for her visit with Hector and for their treasure trove of memories, 'you are a tonic and strength to me Hector, please come to visit soon once I am home again'.

Hector watched his beautiful and serene sister set off for the South and wished her well on her onward journey. 'Must plan a little jaunt to the Great Trees, time for some proper dream time', and with that Hector rushed off to help some of the tips of daffodil burst through the soil in his local park.

Eleanora prepares to go visiting......Hector!

Eleanora was debating whether to stop off on her journey down to visit Hortensia and the Gnomes of the Forest and to spend some time with Hector. Visiting Hector required quite a lot of courage and stamina, and she wasn't quite sure that she could face what was involved in visiting him. Hector was her remarkable and somewhat unconventional brother - especially in his choice of home - for Hector lived in a city.

Of course we all know that gnomes can live happily in cities, but for a gnome with a wild and free way of life to voluntarily choose to go into the density of a city, requires a lot of independence of thought. Eleanora always visited at night, as just the thought of all the noise and dangers of surveillance cameras and the general speed of everyone rushing around - without anyone seeming to listen with their feet - well it could all be too much during the day. As it was, even at night she felt the crush of the sleeping humans' dreams lying densely in the air, 'no room for them to even dream freely ' she often thought.

Once when she was younger, she had hidden in a park until nightfall rather than risk become overwhelmed and confused. Hector had chuckled and come to rescue her from under what was a particularly beautiful camellia bush - people had remarked for weeks afterwards that they had never seen a camellia bush stay in such glorious flower for so long -  a legacy that of her visit that Hector was still proud of.

Hector was an expert at abseiling and his merge and flow skills were second to none. He loved keeping his rhythm as he dashed about amongst all the different currents that he encountered on his daily rounds. He relished his job of encouraging nature, wherever possible, to flourish in abundance in the most unexpected places. He thought of himself as a front line Gnome Warrior, preserving the rights of nature amongst all the chaos of city life.

He lived on the balcony of a block of flats amongst a collection of cactus and geraniums (all gnomes have a soft spot for geraniums), his human was a wiry and gentle man who always dressed in black leather and rode a gleaming motor bike through the city traffic. Several times when going on longer trips with other humans on motor bikes, Hector had been tied onto the front of the motorbike and had enjoyed a thrilling escapade into unknown territories.

Eleanora decided to yield to her instincts and to have a brief stop for tea with Hector on her way South. In her heart she deeply admired and loved him in all his difference and courage. She packed some of her smoked cheeses and a new stone or two in some fresh moss in her basket. Blue stones, if used frequently, sometimes needed to return to their home and be renewed in the clear waters of the mountain pool. Over the years, Eleanora had become used to always being prepared with extra supplies. She also brought some twists of paper with the seeds of mountain gentians as presents. The vibrant blue of their Spring flowers always inspired hope in the hearts of winter weary gnomes.

Eleanora in the moonlight....

Eleanora was walking in the moonlight, she loved the feel of the cold as it settled on the trees and earth. Below her feet she knew that animals were safely sleeping in the warmth of their burrows and dens, so the beauty of the frost - glinting white and sparkling as it settled on the firs and the rocks - seemed like a dream. 'No matter how many times I see this' she thought 'I will never forget what a gift it is to live here and to see such beauty.'

She was walking to the edge of the river, to her favourite place by a pool of still water. She folded a shawl on a rock to cushion her from the cold and sat still in the silence of the moonlight, staring up at the stars. Carefully she held the blue stone up to the light, it was her way of feeling what baby Harriet was up to and to send her love and guidance. 'To be so brave so young - take care, life is long and your time now is to grow and enjoy your time as a child, so much for you yet to learn when you are ready'. She turned the stone in the light and back in her cot in Persimmon Heights, baby Harriet smiled in her sleep.

Eleanora was very proud of Harriet's courage, she was also aware of the worry that she would have picked up from her parents and family to encourage her to take such an extreme course of action. To voluntary chose to befriend a human at such a young age was a sign of her wisdom and also of her lack of experience. 'I must go to visit soon' she thought 'time to stock up on Aunt Mildred's foot balm and Hortensia's wild strawberry jam'. For all of her wisdom, great learning and kindness, Eleanora was still a gnome, and all gnomes have a longing for comfortable feet and tasty treats.

Walking home she felt excited by the prospect of an escapade to the south, to visit her great friends - the Gnomes of the Forest and most especially of all - to spend time with her special friend Archimedes. Much as she loved the wild beauty of her home, a winter visit was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with news and relish the warmth of old friendships as they all prepared to face the changes ahead.

The Beginning of Hope.....

The Old Lady (Harold's Mother) was watching her son with suspicion. Since he had come back from his morning walk he had taken to pacing up and down the garden, shaking his head and muttering to himself. She had offered him a cup of tea and a sandwich for lunch, but he had just smiled at her and carried on walking. She knew then that something most extraordinary was happening. For it seemed an age since Harold had last smiled, she felt a flutter of hope in her heart - perhaps, just perhaps there was a way forward.

She thought it best to leave him to his thoughts and to be busy with her own plans. So putting on her glasses, she set to sorting out her seed packets and making plans for her Spring flower beds.

Feeling tired at last, Harold sat down on the bench, 'it's just not rational' he thought as he gazed up at the sky, 'but it's true I do remember something, I do remember having friends in the forest when I was younger - perhaps I am going mad after all.'

For what neither the Old Lady or the Gnomes of the Forest knew, was that Harold wasn't just on his summer holidays, he had been asked to take time off because he had been acting so strangely at work. He was very worried that he might lose his job because try as he might, he couldn't seem to care any more about his job, the company and the turnover. His mind was always drifting away - and then there had been the mistake over the year end accounting figures which he couldn't take seriously, and all in all. he felt his life was unknown prison of duty and joylessness. That was when he had had his desperate idea of selling the Forest for timber and to apply for planning permission.

'What an idiot I've been, lost my way trying to prove myself, forcing myself on and on. What am I going to do now? If I go back to the Forest tomorrow I might go mad - nobody else talks to gnomes.' Harold sat on the bench and began to gently cry - now this was no bad thing because crying was the beginning of him feeling again, and feeling again was the beginning of hope.

The Old Lady, who had been keeping an eye on him out of the window, came out and sitting down next to him asked, 'from how you are, I imagine you have met some of the Forest Gnomes? Most strange My Dear, when you first meet them - but such a delight when you get used to them. I never mentioned to you that I had made contact with them - I was frightened that you would think I'd lost my marbles!' For the second time that day Harold gazed in stunned amazement, 'you talk with them too?'